xxxii. 15. _Until the Spirit be poured upon us, &c._
This chapter contains three distinct and important topics: the great
and inestimable blessings resulting from the reign of Christ; a
denunciation of the Divine judgments on an ungrateful and rebellious
people, and especially on the supine and careless women of Judea; and
an assurance of more auspicious days.
I. The mind of man resembles a moral wilderness. This was not the
case originally. In paradise all was moral attraction and glory. But,
in consequence of man's apostasy from God, his powers have been
withered, and his Divine beauty has been defaced. The mind of man is
a moral wilderness--1. As it is a seat of sterility and desolation.
2. As, till it is transformed, it is of little use, because its best
powers are not consecrated to God. 3. As it is the soil where noxious
and destructive plants exist and flourish.
II. The means appointed for the cultivation of the mind of man are to
be diligently employed, because, 1. These means are unfolded to us in
the Gospel. 2. God requires us to employ them. 3. The Divine sanction
and encouragement have been given to those who have diligently used
them (H. E. I., 3424-3465).
III. The best and most powerful means will be unavailing without the
agency and influence of the Spirit.
IV. But with the influence of the Holy Spirit, a great moral
transformation will be effected. 1. There will be a scene of
cultivation; the wilderness will be converted into a fruitful field;
enclosed, cleansed, irrigated, carefully tilled; presenting a
beautiful appearance to the eye, and refreshed with the dews and
rains of heaven. 2. There will be a scene of fertility; as a field,
it will be rich in the variety and luxuriance of its produce; all the
graces of the Holy Spirit will be fully and beautifully exemplified.
3. There will be a scene of grandeur. The fruitful field will be
counted for a forest. A fine forest is a majestic and striking
feature in a landscape. There is dignity, magnitude, elevation; all
these moral characteristics are found in the mind on which the Spirit
has been poured out. The saints will grow in grace, and increase with
all the increase of God.
V. Learn from this subject. 1. The importance of honouring the Spirit
by reverence, worship, obedience, confidence. 2. The necessity of
waiting for the Spirit. Though He tarry, yet we are perseveringly to
wait. 3. The duty of praying for the Spirit, and of expressing
unfeigned gratitude for every communication of His grace.--_G.
Clayton: The Pulpit,_ vol. xvii. p. 190.