October 30

"Messiah the Prince." Dnx. 9:25.

THIS is not the only character of the Messiah. But we must connect it with every representation we have of him, that his glory may not be injured by his condescension, nor his authority diminished by his kindness. Is he exalted at the right hand of God? It is to be "a Prince," as well as "a Saviour." Is he a Priest? He is "a Priest upon his throne."

How is this Prince designated?

He is "the Prince of the kings of the earth." They often think little of him, and imagining themselves their own, say, Who is Lord over us? But wherein they deal proudly, he is above them. They are all raised by his power; they are all controllable by his will; they are all subservient to his designs; they are all amenable to his tribunal. Hence his avowal, "By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth." Hence the admonition, "Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him."

He is "the Prince of peace." He came to mediate between heaven and earth, and we are reconciled unto God by the death of his Son. Men talk of making their peace with God. If our tears, or works, or alms could have availed for this purpose, the world would never have witnessed the sufferings of Christ. But he made peace by the blood of his cross. One died for all; and he was more than all. The value of his sacrifice was infinite; and every end that could have been answered by the destruction of a world of sinners, has been equally and better answered by the death of the Saviour. Nothing will effectually satisfy an awakened conscience but what satisfied the justice of God. But surely this will suffice. When, therefore, it is apprehended and applied by faith, we enter into rest, and feel a peace within which passeth all understanding. By his grace, too, he reconciles us to our duty and to our condition. He frees us from those anxieties and fears which an idolatrous regard to creatures excites, and enables us to be careful for nothing by casting all our care upon him, who careth for us. Also by subduing our pride and selfishness, by which alone come contention, and inspiring us with love, the bond of perfectness, we live in harmony with our fellow-creatures. Yea, we are in league with the stones of the field; and the beasts of the field are at peace with us.

He is "the Prince of life." Other princes, however powerful, are mortal; and this is a reason why we should not put our trust in them: their breath goeth forth, they return to their dust; in that very day their thoughts perish. But Jesus liveth for ever; and because he lives, his people live also. Other princes, while they are living themselves, cannot impart life to others; though, alas, they often take it away, and sacrifice thousands of their subjects to their own lusts. But Jesus had not only life in himself, but came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. He procured, and he communicates and sustains a life superior to that of Adam in paradise, and to that of angels in glory. This is the promise that God hath promised us, even eternal life. And this life is in his Son. He therefore that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son hath not life.

He has other designations, and all come short of his praise. But these are sufficient to show how safe and how happy all they are who have become his subjects. It was a fine compliment that Hiram paid Solomon, when he said, "Surely because the Lord loved Israel, therefore made he thee king over them." How much more has God shown his goodness to his people, in setting this King over his holy hill of Zion. Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them make their boast in the Lord, and in his righteousness be exalted.

Let them also be concerned to approve themselves wise and good and loyal subjects to the best of princes; so that instead of disgracing him, they may be to him for a name and a praise among all those who shall hear of so great a people.

But woe to those who reject his sceptre. "As for these mine enemies, who would not that I should reign over them, bring them forth, and slay them before me."