IN reading the history of David and his son Absalom in connection with the circumstances immediately surrounding this verse, I have been much struck with the beauty of the type which it contains of God's way of dealing with and restoring to His presence, the sinner who is banished therefrom on account of his sins. First of all, before looking into it, let me say, by the way, that no type, however lovely, can bring out, in all its fullness, the blessed truth—that God, in wondrous and infinite love to poor sinners, who are already out of and. unfit for His holy presence, and deserve to be eternally banished from Him—that God, I say, has devised means by which such, yea, even the chief of such, may be brought back to Himself, and brought back in such, a way that, while it redounds to His eternal glory, it secures this new and marvelous place of blessing to them on so perfect, so righteous a foundation, that neither earth nor hell, men nor devils, can ever question or assail it, nor lay one single accusation to the charge of those who stand thereon.
I do not desire to dwell on the type itself. I ask my reader to make himself acquainted with it by reading the Scripture, and then to pass with me to the consideration of the blessed truth already mentioned. In connection with it, four principal thoughts have suggested themselves to me.
First, the motive God has in blessing poor sinners.
You find a wonderful thing in chap. 13:37 end 39, "David mourned for his son every day ... and the soul of King David longed to go forth unto Absalom.”
What does this typify, if it be not a picture of that wondrous, yearning heart of God over the poor sinner who has wandered far, far away from Him? Oh, my reader, you may be like the prodigal "in a far country," away from God, and ignorant of His heart, but I tell you, it is a blessed real truth for you, now, as you are, where you are—God loves you. He loves you, even though you are this moment sunk in sin. His heart yearns over you, and He would fain have you in His own presence, cleansed and washed from every stain and. made fit to be there, " God is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins" (Eph. 2:4, 54But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (Ephesians 2:4‑5)).
Oh, you say, I have been quite ignorant of His love. Yes, so was Absalom of David's love. He thought his father could but hate him. Mil you think if Absalom, in that distant places knew how the heart of his father longed to go forth to him, he would have returned to his father? Do you know that the God you have sinned against, nevertheless longs to have you in His presence in order to bless you and save you. "How can this be?" you ask. I tell you that though there is not one single thing in yourself to call it forth, it springs from the very heart of God, and His motive is his own wondrous inconceivable love; " Herein is love; not that we love God, but that He loved us.”
But, secondly, I want you to observe that there is not only this blessed motive in the heart of God, but He has devised means by which He can accomplish all His thoughts of love in perfect righteousness. The mighty barrier of sin, like an impassable mountain, barred the way for a sinner to approach God.
God could not (I say it reverently) come out, and the sinner could not go in. Man might try and devise means to overcome the obstacle, but all in vain. Men are trying, since the days of Cain and the Tower of Babel, to find out a way to heaven. Witness the numbers in the present day who by good works, moral living, close observance of a strict ritual in religion, and many other paths, are trying to devise means whereby they may attain to heaven.
Let all such ask themselves one simple solemn question! "What about my sins?" Can all your efforts blot them out? If so, then the word of the living God is not true. But away with even the insinuation. Let God be true, and every man a liar. He has said, “Without shedding of blood is no remission." This effectually shuts the door of heaven against all who hope to enter in by their own works. But here we see the very means God has devised. Oh poor devising, planning soul, cease your efforts. God. HAS devised means whereby you may be saved. Take His way, “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from ALL SIN." God gave His Son. What a gift! Gave Him to the death of the cross, and there made. Him to be sin for us (who knew no sin) that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. What blessed glorious means are these by which poor sinners may be brought back to God! Who could have devised them but God Himself? God the Father devised the plan. God the Son came to accomplish His will; and now that He has accomplished it all, God the Holy Ghost has come down from heaven to earth to announce the glad tidings, so that all who simply believe may be assured of salvation—present, perfect, and eternal.
This brings us to the third point, and that is the blessed message God sends to poor sinners, by the Holy Ghost. " Be it known unto you, therefore, men and brethren, that through this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins, and by Him all that believe are justified from all things" (Acts 13:38, 3938Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. (Acts 13:38‑39)). “Now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ, for He is our peace" (Eph. 2:13, 1413But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; (Ephesians 2:13‑14)). "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life” (John 3:3636He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)).
The blessed message might be extended a thousandfold. God sends it in His Word in countless ways; but even from these three Scriptures, see what you are offered—forgiveness, justification, nearness, peace, everlasting lifer It is all offered to you this moment, poor sinner, if you will only take it. The instant you take it, it is yours. God offers it. It has cost Him His only Son. It cost the Lord Jesus His life-blood. Now by that blood, it is offered to you freely. Will you have it? Oh, I would plead with you to accept it. Sin, death, judgment, hell, must be your present and eternal portion if you refuse it. A complete deliverance from all, and blessings untold await you if you receive it. What will you do?
How are you going to treat this blessed message God is sending you? If you only knew that to which I now desire to direct your thoughts for a moment, in the fourth place; if you but knew the manner of reception that awaits you; how the Father would receive you with open arms; how your sins and iniquities would be remembered no more; how you would be brought into the favor of God and be accepted in His Beloved; how the best robe of heaven would be yours—the shoes, the ring, the fatted calf, the welcome of God, the joy of heaven! Oh, I say, if you knew all this you would come at once.
Well, then, it is all true; and God says, “Let him that is athirst come, and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Rev. 22:1717And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17)), Come unto me, "says Christ." Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out.”
Then come, dear reader, come at once, come just as you are. Say to Him—
“Just as I am without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee
Oh! Lamb of God, I come.”
He will never leave you, nor forsake you, He will let no man pluck you out of His hand, you shall be led by Him into pastures of untold blessedness, and repose beside the still waters of His infinite love, from which nothing can or will ever separate you. And when you shall no longer need the river of His grace, it will be but to lose yourself in the ocean of His glory!
Perfectly like Him, eternally with Him, sharing His glory, His love, His throne, your blessed endless occupation will be to worship before Him, casting your' crowns at His feet, and singing, " Thou art worthy; for Thou vast slain, and past redeemed us to God by Thy blood." “Unto Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
H. P. A. G.