The Places Are Holy, Whereunto The
The sermon emphasizes the importance of sympathy and unity in marriage and friendship, and how the presence of God makes places holy.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the sanctity of places where the Ark of God resides, using Solomon's marriage to Pharaoh's daughter as a cautionary tale about the dangers of spiritual division. He argues that true unity in marriage and friendships is rooted in a shared love for Christ and a commitment to His glory. Meyer warns that relationships lacking this spiritual harmony are destined for trouble, as they cannot thrive in the holy places that nurture one's faith. The sermon encourages individuals to seek partners and friends who can journey together in faith, ensuring that their bonds are built on a solid spiritual foundation.
Text
The places are holy, whereunto the
Ark of God hath come. 2 Chron. viii. 11.
ON this account Solomon said, My wife shall not dwell in the house of David, king of Israel. What a fatal admission! She was the daughter of Pharaoh, and therefore it was no doubt considered a splendid match for the young king; and yet she could not dwell within the precincts of the old city of David, hallowed by the presence of the Ark. "He brought her out of the city of David, into the house that he had built for her." So from the very outset there was division of interests, making way no doubt for much of the waywardness of Solomon's character in after life, so that we are told "his wives turned away his heart."
One of the first questions that youth and maiden should put in considering the question of marriage is, whether there can be perfect sympathy in the best and deepest things; for how can two walk together except they be agreed?
The blessedness of the marriage tie depends on whether the twain are one in spirit, in a common love for Christ, and endeavour for his glory. Nothing is more terrible than when either admits in the secresy of the heart, concerning the other, My husband or my wife cannot accompany me into the holy places where I was reared, and in which my best life finds its home.
All friendship should follow the same law. We must abide together in the secret place of the Most High, if our friends and we are to be friends indeed. All places may be made holy where the Ark of God's covenant comes. Where it goes, love may safely follow; but woe to the love that cannot! Its inability proves its lack of elements of permanence and perfect satisfaction.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Importance of Sympathy in Marriage
- A. Perfect sympathy in the best and deepest things
- B. The need for agreement in spiritual matters
- C. The consequences of a lack of sympathy
- II. The Blessedness of the Marriage Tie
- A. The importance of being one in spirit
- B. A common love for Christ and endeavour for his glory
- III. The Law of Friendship
- A. Abiding together in the secret place of the Most High
- B. The need for unity in friendship
- IV. The Holiness of Places
- A. The Ark of God's covenant makes places holy
- B. Love can safely follow the Ark
Key Quotes
“He brought her out of the city of David, into the house that he had built for her.” — F.B. Meyer
“Nothing is more terrible than when either admits in the secresy of the heart, concerning the other, My husband or my wife cannot accompany me into the holy places where I was reared, and in which my best life finds its home.” — F.B. Meyer
“All places may be made holy where the Ark of God's covenant comes.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- In considering marriage, ask whether there can be perfect sympathy in the best and deepest things.
- Abide together in the secret place of the Most High with your friends and loved ones.
- Love that cannot accompany the other into holy places lacks elements of permanence and perfect satisfaction.