at the Parthenon, this magnificent place dedicated to the worship of so many different gods, Paul stood on Mars Hill and preached to the wise philosophers of the world. He had no hesitation in declaring that they were too superstitious in all things. He had even found one place designated for the unknown god, in case they left out any deities. In this way no god would be offended. We read a portion of His sermon, “The times of your ignorance in the past God PRAYER POWER What various hindrances we meet In coming to a mercy-seat! Yet, who that knows the worth of prayer But wishes to be often there! Prayer makes the darkened cloud withdraw; Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw; Gives exercise to faith and love; Brings every blessing from above. Restraining prayer we cease to fight; Prayer keeps the Christian’s armor bright; And Satan trembles when he sees The weakest saint upon his knees. Were half the breath that’s vainly spent To heaven in supplication sent, Our cheerful song would oftener be “Hear what the Lord has done for me.” winked at.” (This is an anthropor- morphism suggesting the mercy and grace of God.) “But now He has commanded that all men everywhere repent.” As we read Paul’s message, we get the impression that he might have been studying the Second Psalm that day for his morning de votions. Speaking to the intelligentsia of the known world, he points out their foolishness in profaning the one true God. Now in verse 11, the positive ex
hortation is to “Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.” Reverence and humility must be mingled with one’s service. Fear without joy is torment, and joy with out a holy fear is simply presump tion. It is tragically true that man will think of everything but God. He will read everything but the Bible. He will feel the influence of every thing but the love of Christ, and foolishly he goes on in his own wick ed ways apart from the Lord. The conclusion of this prophetic Psalm is an invitation of loving grace. If this word is not received now, in a coming hour it will be forever too late to embrace Him. Hear these words of compassion, “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are they that put their trust in him.” The word “kiss” may have been symbolic of the kissing of one’s feet, as some renderings have it. In any case, this shows the complete and abject humility and realization of one’s sinful self in the presence of Almighty God. Kissing represents an outward act attesting to one’s in ward conviction that Christ has won the heart. To kiss God’s Son is the least the Lord could ask of anyone. No one is barred from such obeisance just because he doesn’t have a college degree, is of a different color, or has little of this world’s goods. It makes no difference to God. This invitation is open to everyone. No one is exempt for there is no work involved; sal vation is a free gift of grace and love. This word “blessed” is our term for “well off, contented, satisfied.” Such are those who place their trust in the Saviour. When people think of those who are well-off today, the mind conjectures an individual who has a good job, a nice home, a large bank account, and several cars of late vintage. But, you see, God never puts a premium upon any of these things at all, in fact, they are some-
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