June 27

PART III.—Ezek. xxxiv 29.

IT will be seen it is also predicted, that this plant should be raised up. Now it was in some respects raised up, or made prominent, in the ancient types and ceremonies of that Levitical economy, as it pleased God in that way to keep up a lively expectation of the promised Messiah. The same also may be said of the promises and prophecies which were renewed from time to time But this plant was literally raised up at his incarnation. It was then that the Lord God of Israel raised up an horn of salvation in the house of his servant David. Then it was that Simeon exclaimed, “Mine eyes have seen thy salvation.” This plant was raised up also at his baptism. Now he came forth from privacy, and entered upon his great mission and glorious work. Now the Father placed his broad seal upon him, and called upon the world to receive him as his beloved Son, in whom he was well pleased. But, he was especially raised up on the cross. It was here that the great sacrificial undertaking was effected—it was here that he was to be lifted up, that he might draw all men unto him. “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so was the son of man lifted up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." The renown of Jesus is inseparably connected with his cross. This is to be the centre of attraction to all people, and the only object of his church's glorying through all generations. The renovation of the world is to be effected by the power of the cross of Christ.