Let us take care lest we thwart God’s purpose in our lives. We were made to show forth his praise, v. 21; but we must beware of causing a revoking of his gracious purpose. See Num. 14: 34, R.V. margin. By prayerlessness, v. 22; by the neglect of little things, v. 23; by the lack of sweetness and tenderness in our disposition, v. 24. “Be not highminded, but fear; for if God spared not the natural branches, neither will he spare thee,” Rom. 11: 20, 21, R.V.

On the other hand, directly sin is repented of and put away, it is blotted out, v. 25. It is persistence in sin that causes God to turn from us. If we forsake what is evil, as soon as we are conscious of it, “the

blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin.” It is blotted out as a cloud from the sky and no more remembered against us forever. This is done for God’s own sake. The reason for our salvation and deliverance is not in us, but in him. The cross of shame and sorrow was his own expedient, and the Lamb in the midst of the throne is the emblem of the divine Atonement, which was commenced and finished by the inexplicable grace of God.

One shall say, I am the Lord’s, v. 5. What ecstasy such a declaration causes to a parent’s heart! Young friends, do not be satisfied till you have confessed Christ. Say, I am the Lord’s. Another shall write on his hand, unto the Lord 3 that is, he shall dedicate his hand to do God’s work in the world. Oh, to write a similar declaration on every member of our body! Another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord; that is, shall write these words on a blank sheet of paper, and his own name beneath them.

Again we have the conflict with the idols of the heathen, vs. 6-11. But what chance have their votaries when confronted by the glad and assured testimony of those who have seen the King in his beauty!