hound of heaven spurgeon

(John 15:16-17, ESV). As Moses says, this Word of God is our very life surely it is worthy of our attention today. " The Hound of Heaven " was first published by English poet Francis Thompson in 1893. Life (of the abundant kind) is about believing in Him, in placing full confidence in His words and surrendering to His leadership and direction. So we are faced with a dilemma, arent wewe read the glorious offer of salvation (For God so love the world), and all we need to do is believe in Him and well be saved. Even in the midst of all this seeming chaos, Jesus is getting everything He wants. The Hound of Heaven. However, God commands us to have agape love toward everyone. SIDE NOTE: D.A. According to Stott, he owes his faith in Christ not to his parents or teachers or even his own decision, but to Jesus, "the hound of heaven." Imagine a home where the builders laid the foundation, got the plumbing and electrical set in, built the cement blocks structure and decided to take a breakfor a few years! Jesus practically overflowed with love. This was so apparent that it practically dominates the opening sections of this chapter. [16] I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. The daylight period of his ministry may be far advanced, but it is wrong to quit before the twelve hours have been filled up Carson comments. Even when the son was far off he felt compassion and ran to him. Brethren, in heaven we shall dive into the deepest depths of fellowship with Jesus . He abides their foolishness and lack of understanding. If these verses dont show you something of the humanity of Christ, then you are not reading the same text I am reading. God doesnt do anything that is a waste of his time so to speak. (Psalm 16:9-10). You will observe, if you read the verse which precedes, which indeed it would be wrong to dissever from the text, that the doctrine of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ was the sheet-anchor of Paul's comfort, as it was the great substance of his . It amazes me that some who were eyewitnesses of people being healed, and others, like Lazarus, being raised from the dead can cause such different reactions. The main thing we should take note of in these verses is that what Christ was doing was for the purposes of bringing glory to God (as mentioned earlier), and the phrase above so that you may believe does not modify that purpose or even add to it, but rather it explains more specifically how He will be glorified. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."Matthew 8:11-12. John clearly infers that Jesus came to save those people who would believe upon His name. Throughout Scripture, the revelation of the name of God and the glory of God has had a similar affect on men. He made more wine at Cana than was necessary, He made more fish in Luke 5 than the disciples could take in, He made more bread and fish for the 5000 than the crowd needed, and He healed hundreds if not thousands of men and women. This must have added anger to sorrow. He knew that millions and millions of Christians would read these words and meditate on His character, and bring Him glory. And when He saw the people mourning with no hope for tomorrow, He was indignant. What is remarkable about these people is that they have been turned from sinners who love their sin, to those who love to give glory to God for anything good they do. None of this can be done alone, can it? 26:57-68; Mk. Heaven and Hell. Caiaphas cold political reasoning seemed shrewd the ends justified the means. 8) He will radically finish the job simply by the great revelation of His character and person, 11:41-42So they took away the stone. This also sets in sharp relief once again just how dangerous it would have been for Jesus to go back to the Jerusalem area. Why are even his professed followers so cold in their affections to him? I dont know whether Mary was a morning person or a night owl, but I do know that she was drawn to this place with a intensity that wakes you up at 4am and says get your shoes on, youre going to the tomb. Thats drive. [24] God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. *I have omitted parts of the linguistic explanations from Carson for smoothness of reading. Up vistaed hopes I sped; Youve essentially benched yourself. God be praised He has seen fit to pick me up and place me into both categories by His power. All of this when compared to Peters feeble efforts at saving his master surely puts our own human strength into focus does it not? [20] For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. It is significant to me that her first reaction is to run and find her sister. [6]it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. It was perhaps at its height at the end of the 19th century when medical cures were being found, the industrial revolution was in full swing, and great revivals had swept across the world many times over the course of the past several hundred years. If we are brothers, then we are sons, and heirs also. As the days of heaven on the earth. We can see the importance of this idea of the reign of Christ in how it manages to seep into how pastors and theologians comprehend the overarching theme(s) of this book. Listen to Spurgeon and let your hearts agree with his: One more duty I would mention, though others suggest themselves. So because of the fall our natural state is one of deadness spiritually, and we naturally hate the light of the Gospel (John 3:19-21). Pink notes some of the differences between Adam in the Garden of Eden, and Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. Therefore your are called to believe and that faith, that belief, is the instrument by which you obtain your salvation. When Isaiah behold the glory of God he was exposed and saw, perhaps for the first time, not just who God is, but who he was (Sproul). In this phrase Christ is claiming that, not only does He have the power to raise lost souls from the dead, but He has a plan for them after that we were saved from something, but also for something. It reminds me of when the early disciples of Christ ran to find other followers in John 1 (35-51). Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Take them and see that they are worthless and temporary compared to what I have to offer you!, But it is devastating to realize that this son wants to waste everything his father has worked so hard to save.[9]. He knows the details of your life because He ordained the details of your life. Is Jesus reign something future, or is it now and to be seen with our eyes in the future? Fresh sermon illustrations and updates on new sermons, preaching articles and much more! This call is especially so for believers who have been united to Christ, Our growth in maturity is blocked not merely by intellectual issues, but by sin and love of the world, indicating a serious heart issue, God calls us to press on toward maturity in the strength He has given: in prayerful reading and studying of His Word, asking for and depending on Gods help for our increased spiritual growth, That Jesus was perfectly righteous and that righteousness enabled him to be our source for righteousness and salvation the very fountainhead from which we would derive our right standing before a holy God vs. 9, That these things contributed to the fact that. I expect a blessed transplantation of all these flowers below to a clearer atmosphere above, away from all this smoke and fog and damp, up where the sun is never clouded, where flowers never wither, where fruits never decay. For the last two weeks Ive been preaching a message from Hebrews 5 and 6 to several different churches. The last war shall be the most fearful and terrible war that ever desolated the earth.[xvii]. [2] Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, stir up your might and come to save us! These things I command you, so that you will love one another. The second tricky topic here is the idea of judgment and condemnation and how it seems that verses 17 and 18 might not square with each other. I fled Him down the arches of the years. She needed that money to run her household. Spurgeon sees a rich typology in this passage. Oh the infinite power, infinite knowledge bound up in the person of Jesus. November 13, 1907 Heaven's Hound Got Thompson. The search for God now became intense. Sarah Boxer, "Charles M. Schulz, 'Peanuts' Creator, Dies at 77", McNamara, Pat. No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Francis Thompson, The Hound of Heaven. John uses the word world in ten different ways in his Gospel. There is no doubt that the world was in darkness before He came so much so that every other nation worshiped idols except Israel. One day He will return to consummate His kingdom (the not yet) and upon that return will usher in the visible reality of his reign (the already). We would have reacted the same way. (2 Corinthians 4:4, ESV). But this is not that spiritual Kingdom of which we read here, but rather that earthly literal Kingdom which comes at the culmination of human history.[ii]. Up vistaed hopes I sped and shot precipitated. No, no, no. It was included in the Oxford Book of English Mystical Verse (1917). 119:71), and glorify Himself. For He delights in taking weak dying sinners and bathing them in the nutrition imparting light of His gospel. It doesnt say the entire world would be saved. 11:8-10The disciples said to him, Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again? [9]Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? Christ permeates Pauls writing to such an extent that it would be impossible to read around it. Christ was omniscient, and yet the human side of Him never was bitter for what He knew in explicit detail would one day be His demise. Christ is heaven and heaven is Christ.". 5:43-48), and to love our neighbor/others (Mark 12:31). I do not think that anything is a coincidence or that anything is out of the control and plan of God Almighty. Though the scene must have been frightening, a mob of men with torches and weapons in the middle of the night, Jesus isnt caught off guard or surprised by the arrival of this band of men. Christ has been lifted up for all the world to see, His salvation has been made manifest and millions upon millions of men have known of what He did, yet millions continue to scoff at the olive branch of reconciliation that God handed down from on high. [18] Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. The Man standing before her was the one whos words sent cosmos flying into existence. Charles Spurgeon. THE HOUND OF HEAVEN 569 and friend of Francis Thompson, always assures me that The Hound of Hearven must be looked upon as an autobiography of the poet's life. And where we spend our time and money is an accurate reflection of where our affections truly lie. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. After looking into this a bit more I found that Spurgeon wasnt the first person to come up with this analogy! The issue here is that we see the offer of salvation, but in our natural state we dont see it as glorious. We need to look at the context of the book and how the author has used words in the past. He has compassion for his sheep, for His children. First, the hopeless, helpless condition of Peter and all humanity who might try and save themselves and indeed there is a need of saving. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Last night I preached a message from verses John 3:16-21 in our evening service and Ive posted both the notes and the audio below. These people must have been sick, twisted freaks.. They have lavished grace and peace and in the life to come riches beyond measure. It showed off his blinding power that these people would have no hope in the reality of glorious nature of the world to come. She is not scolding Christ for not being there, but neither is she showing the kind of depth of faith that I first confess I saw. These are not two separate items. He doesnt try to run to a new secret location knowing that Judas is on the loose etc. Once again, Luke 19:10 serves as a wonderful guide to understanding this chapter, Forthe Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost., 15:1-2 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. We have children who are sick. the Father knew that the measure of his Sons suffering was the depth of his Sons love for the Fathers glory. There is no greater mistake than to suppose that seeing miracles will necessarily convert souls. Note also that when He healed people, he didnt just give them an aspirin. Bread . The truth that this conveys is that when human beings are allowed to have everything they naturally want, those natural desires are evil and rebellious not loving and seeking after the will of God. This ability, this foundation, is always grounded in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the power of God the Spirit working within us. He does not rush off to see the family of Lazarus, does not run to comfort them, does not run to perform the miracle. We must understand it, then, or else we have not read it aright. http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/1503.htm, [xv] Peter OBrien says it well, the author is not suggesting that they should leave behind the gospel for some form of deeper or fuller instructions for initiates. What an amazing display of forbearance. but that book really helped open my eyes to see Gods beauty & truth in literature. We see that not only is this man the Messiah whose long awaited and desired coming had finally arrived, but he is the very Son of God who called creation into existence millennia prior to this moment. I thought I saw an Abrahamic type of faith a gigantic faith. (Matthew 12:38-42). We can see how possibly the Father could be glorified at the end game, but to actually be pleased to crush Himthat takes on a whole new difficulty for us. This is a time for joy and sharing the good news, not for clutching me as if I were some jealously guarded private dream-come-true. Sowhat does it mean when John says they are condemned already?, It means that there are some who will never believe. The poem is an ode, and its subject is the pursuit of the human soul by God's love - a theme also found in the devotional poetry of George Herbert and Henry Vaughan. So when Christ says, let us go to Judea again we can perhaps understand the nature of the disciples concernthey knew full well the danger of what Jesus was suggesting. The Hound of Heaven and a Young Russian Agnostic Andrea Wolfe, on staff with the CoMission office in Raleigh, North Carolina tells the following story: In the 1930's Stalin ordered a purge of all Bibles and all believers. Charles Spurgeon. The apostle knows that the Jews are familiar with the love God had for them as His special people, and Jesus relating to them the story of Moses and the bronze serpent would have certainly reminded them of Gods loyal love for them (hesed), all of this is contrasted with John now saying that God so loved the world this would have set alarm bells ringing for his audience. This is a supernatural thing. Ryken says, The word sinners was the catch all for people who had a notorious reputation for bad behavior thieves, drunkards, prostitutes, and anyone else who refused to conform to the holy habits of the religious community.[1]. [20] Jesus answered him, I have spoken openly to the world. And when I heard, and the tear rolled down my cheek, I wiped it away and defied Him to melt my soul. This special affection is seen in the profuse love of this father for his wayward son. They have regressed. I hope that anyone reading this now understands that Christianity is all about Christ. Supposing him to be the gardener what a garden will he form above, and how shall you and I grow therein, developing beyond imagination. [10]For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 2:15-16a), [xi] I like what Tony Reinke says on reading through the Bible in a year, Reading the Bible from cover to cover in 2013 is a noble goal. [6] And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost. [7] Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. There are no choices here. Theyd just come from a party in heaven and here on earth the reality of what had been accomplished had not yet been discovered. This time He says that He is the resurrection and the life this means that Christ raises us from spiritual death to spiritual life! To get a better picture of the cycle, remember that just as Joseph went ahead of the Israelites into the land of Egypt, so also Daniel went first into Babylon into exile before the rest of his countrymen joined him. Where you have brought forth a single cluster, bring, forth a hundred! Have puffed and burst as sun-starts on a stream. How do we respond to what John has written here? You can now see the rub, can you not? 482 ratings62 reviews. You see Abraham understood the nature of God and His will and His power. Ive briefly touched on this earlier, but we must examine briefly again the mission that is given to the Apostle Peter. His charge is a moral charge you treasure not them up in your hearts, consciences, and memories, but let them slip out, and forget them says Owen. It isnt that Marthas faith is wrong, it is simply not matured, it simply hasnt grown into a full-orbed understanding of the character and nature and power of who God in Christ is, and what He is capable of doing. We dont have the strength when it comes down to it, we dont even have the desire! His point is that they are not to lay again the basis of elementary teaching, but to make progress by building on it. They had a lot to sort outand after all, what could they do? In every miracle that our Lord has performed there is one consistent theme what He does He does in abundance! Its not a very long poem, and I have to admit that I got a little emotional at the end! [2] Ryken, Commentary on Luke, Volume II, Pg. But long before I began with Christ, He began with me.". He weaves the denials of Peter in with the first part of the Jewish trial of Jesus. It doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Since he is the author and finisher or our faith, to what perfection will he conduct us, and to what glory will he bring us! http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/why-memorize-scripture, [xiv] He says a ton of great things here. Want an immediate 15% discount & exclusive offers? It is a matter of the will. Frame says, Similarly, the first death is the physical death of human being; the second death is the condemnation of the wicked, a death that believers do not experience.[xiv]. I cannot get Pauls words out of my mind, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for usfor me. And when all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise up and worship, each at his tent door. [9] When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Cant they just let us mourn Him? Where did it go? That you will together as a congregation seek the face of the Lord with all diligence. Knowing all of that, I think that the best way to understand the word World here is that is refers to all mankind Jews and Gentiles. It startles one at first. These women knew the heart of Christ so well, that for them there was no doubt that had He been there, His love would surely have spilled out over their brother. A.W. Peter has no inhibitions about going in if something has happened to his friend hes going to know about it and see the whole matter for himself. "It hath not entered the heart of man, the . We have pains and ills and death all around us. And it is His working in and through us that will help us do so. It is in these things that solid food is apprehended and consumed. Boston artist R.H. Ives Gammell (1893-1981) painted his 23-panel series, A Pictorial Sequence by R.H. Ives Gammell Based on "The Hound of Heaven" over the course of 15 years (1941-1956).In them, the artist interpreted British poet Francis Thompson's late-19th-century "The Hound of Heaven" poem.Those verses have been a staple of Catholic literature . 262-263. 18:6-11 When Jesus said to them, I am he, they drew back and fell to the ground. (John 10:11-15), I am praying for them. If theres a second point, it is that the lowly, the meek, the humble who seek repentance are those who populate the kingdom of God. Scripture supports what Dr. Piper is saying. Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Death and sickness and tragedy will come we are promised they will come. Also present were john and Alexander, but we know nothing about them. Then she sees something that Peter and John didnt, 20:12-13 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. [15] I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD. Not only that, but they dont want to leave their old way of life! We are here as workers for him, and as workers together with him. In order for anyone to believe upon Jesus, God must sovereignly intervene. So that the reader sees the paths of each man side by side, as it were. That is a very important statement. Do we run to our master, the healer, the Lord? For we continually point people to the foundation points of the gospel and we too need to be continually reminded about them and revel in their glories! The presence of the grave clothes also shows that the story the Jewish leaders concocted, that the disciples stole Christs body (Matt. Thats where you need it! This is a truth which finds is greatest expression in the person of Jesus: I am the good shepherd. Those who have not been born again by the Spirit of God run as fast as they can from the gospel. Its sometimes difficult to know what meaning of world the apostle is going for, but the context always provides the answer, and simple logical deduction helps us stay away from incorrectly applying the wrong meaning. Well, I think that we can easily say that it was worth noting how many fish simply because its a lot of fish! Do you believe this?. 53:6), no one does anything that is truly good in the eyes of the Holy God we serve (Roman 3:12). It is a supernatural strength which loves when hate is the natural (and perhaps deserved) response of our hearts. 53:10). The Pursuit of God the Hound of Heaven. I have said nothing in secret. But at the same time, we cannot miss feeling that when they phrased the report as the did Lord, the one you love is sick they indicated by the form of it that they were seeking his will rather than theirs in the matter. [26] The last enemy to be destroyed is death. Therefore, it was the purpose of Christ to surrender in order that He might conquer for our sakes. Jesus told Peter to tend the lambs, which is to say that our leaders must be watchful for the safety of the church, keeping an eye out for wolves and for sheep who have gone astray. (e) I think the dinner prepared and provided for the disciples, when the net was drawn to the shore, was meant to remind ministers that there will be the great marriage supper of the Lamb at last, when Christ Himself shall welcome His faithful servants and ministers, and come forth and serve them (Luke 12:37). That being said, D.A. In fact, they love the light! These final chapters (13-17) are called his farewell discourses, though chapter 17 is really just a prayer between Him and the Father. Notice two things. The great signs (of which this is the 7th and final in Johns gospel) of this book point to the character of Jesus Christ and His true identity as the Son of God. Presently, Kate and I would really like to sell our house. (Psalm 23:1-3), Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. NOTES: I praise God that though I am a sinner, Christ died for me. The picture is coming together just as He has foreordained, and that includes the gracious provision to allow His disciples to make it to safety, and bring us safely home to heaven. Its a major clue into how Jesus behaved around others. You need milk, not solid food, [13] for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. God doesnt not discriminate based on sex, age, race, and ethnicity. This is the same man who we call Doubting Thomas, but we see here that there is more to this man than simply cynicism (though that certainly seems to be a dominant characteristic of his nature). Certainly they do deserve consideration! [15] We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. [5]No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. Memorization (Spiritual Formation in Christ for the Whole Life and Whole Person inVocatio, Vol. However it is the learned man or woman who confidently asserts opinion where angels dare not tread. Let us cease to expect that missionaries and ministers will ever convert the world, and teach all mankind to love one another. These are people who used to hate the light, and run from it.

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