Word
of God
Man
does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from
the mouth of God
Matthew
4:4
We’re
Redeemed
The
Gospel According to Luke 1:68
Blessed
be the Lord God of Israel, because he hath visited and redeemed his
people,
Blessed
be the Lord God of Israel This was a form of blessing of long
standing, and very likely was in use, more or less, ever since Israel
was distinguished from other nations, became a body politic, and were
settled in the land of Canaan, in the enjoyment of peculiar
privileges, both civil and religious; (see other forms as well) and
now, this was very near being antiquated, and out of date; for upon
the birth of Christ, the Son of God manifest in the flesh, the New
Testament form of blessing runs, as in 2 Corinthians 1:3, 1 Peter
1:3. The reason of its being now made use of might be, because the
Messiah, the principal subject of this song, was peculiarly promised
unto Israel, was raised up for them, and sent unto them. To bless
God, is not to invoke a blessing on him; for there is none greater
than he to ask one of; nor does he stand in need of any, being the
Creator, who is blessed for ever in himself, and is the fountain of
blessedness to his creatures: and therefore, also, cannot signify to
confer a blessing on him, but to praise and glorify him, on account
of the perfections of his nature, and the works of his hands; and to
give thanks unto him for all mercies, spiritual and temporal; and
especially for Jesus Christ, his mission, incarnation, and salvation
by him, which are the things the God of Israel is blessed for in this
song.
For
he hath visited, and redeemed his people; as he did Israel of old
when the Lord looked upon them, and delivered them out of the bondage
of Egypt, and which was a type and resemblance of redemption by
Christ; and to which reference here seems to be had. The "people"
here said to be visited, and redeemed, design all the elect of God,
not only among the Jews, but Gentiles also; all those whom God has
chosen to be his people, and has in his covenant taken and declared
to be such; whom he has given to Christ, as his people and portion;
for whose sins he was stricken, and made reconciliation, and whom he
saves from their sins. The act of "visiting" them, as
previous to redemption, may include God's look of love upon them from
everlasting; his choice of them in Christ unto salvation; the
appointment and provision of a Saviour for them; the covenant of
grace made with them in Christ, the foundation and security of their
salvation; and particularly the mission of Christ in human nature, in
consequence of the council, covenant, and promise of God: or it
designs his incarnation, for he was now actually conceived in the
womb of the virgin: so that God had visited, and looked upon his
people, and remembered his love and mercy, his covenant and promise
to them: and the "redemption" of them, which was now said
to be made, or done, because Christ was now sent to do it, and
because it was as sure, as if it was done, intends the spiritual and
eternal redemption of them by the price of his blood, from the
slavery of sin, the bondage of the law, and curse of it, and the
captivity of Satan, and a deliverance out of the hands of every
enemy; a redemption which reaches both to soul and body, and secures
from all condemnation and wrath to come; and includes every blessing
in it, as justification, forgiveness of sins, adoption,
sanctification, and eternal life; and is a plenteous, full, complete,
and everlasting one.
No comments:
Post a Comment