Be ye Strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak.
Religious resolution
I.That resolution is necessary in promoting the cause of religion. Resolution is the essence of that mental strength which gives energy to all thepowers and faculties of body and mind. It is composed of love, zeal, and confidence. Such resolution has always had a principal influence in effecting all the great things which have ever been effected by the men of the world. Necessary in religion. The Scriptures inculcate it (2Ch_19:11; Ezr_10:4). Examples of resolution: Moses, Elijah, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, John the Baptist, Peter and John, Paul, Luther, Calvin, etc.
II. That the friends of God have good ground for such unshaken resolution in promoting such a great and good design.
1. The friends of God have often been succeeded in their sincere attempts to promote His glory in the salvation of sinners.
2. The promotion of religion is such a noble and laudable design that it is even glorious to fail in the attempt.
3. Those who espouse the cause of religion have reason to expect the peculiar presence and assistance of God in their pious exertions.
4. They also have theapprobation and prayers of all good men.
5. They are equally sure of the esteem and affection of all those whom they shall be instrumental in converting.
6. Their efforts shall finally meet a glorious recompense of reward.
III. Inferences.
1. That thefriends of God have been very negligent in promoting His cause in the world.
2. That none will ever do much to forward the work of spreading the gospel without a large share of Christian zeal and resolution. (N. Emmons, D.D.)
Strong hands
In the Bible, the human hand is often used as a figure to express actionsof life. As a symbol, Elisha poured water over the hands of Elijah; meaning that he would henceforth be his servant, and minister unto him in deeds of kindness. The reason why the hand represents so many things is because of its manifold uses. What firmness in its grasp, and what delicacy in its touch! It can forge an anchor or make a needle; fell a tree or feel to read the Bible; and do a thousand things which would seem very wonderful if they were not so familiar. “Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak.”
I. That man will have strong hands who regularly lifts them up in prayer. If you lift up your hands in prayer as the apostles did, you shall have strength to do great deeds for God.
II. Let your hands be strong in cleaving to the Cross of Christ. (W. Birch.)
Success the certain fruit of faithful labours
Applying these words to the work of Sabbath schools, consider--
I. The work.
1. Its object is the benefit of the rising generation.
2. Its tendencies as to the interests of society at large are beneficial.
3. It accords with the spirit of Christianity and the predictions of sacred writ (Isa_11:9).
II. The exhortation.
1. To faith.
2. To union.
3. To perseverance.
III. The reward. This is to be found--
1. In the satisfaction of your own minds.
2. In the success of your efforts.
3. In the approbation of your Lord.(N. Hutchings.)
