According to their pasture, so were they filled . . . therefore have they forgotten Me.
The conjunction of secular prosperity and spiritual perversity
Here are men in good physical circumstances, in rich pastures well fed, getting thereby proud in heart and forgetful of their God.
I. It is a common conjunction. Wealth in the sinful heart tends--
1. To promote self-indulgence- the pampering of appetites and the gratification of sinful lusts.
2. To foster indolence. It weakens and generally destroys the motive to industry.
II. It is an incongruous conjunction. Secular prosperity ought to lead to spiritual devotion.
1. The more temporal good we have, the more means we have for the promotion of spiritual excellence. Property puts us in possession of a power to procure books, leisure, teachers, and all other aids to spiritual improvement.
2. The more temporal good we have, the more motives we have for the cultivation of spiritual excellence. The Bible urges the mercies of God as an incentive to holy life: “We beseech you by the mercies of God,” etc.
3. The more temporal good we have, the more obligations we have for the cultivation of spiritual improvement. Thus the incongruity of the conjunction.
III. It is a sinful conjunction. The curse of heaven is on it. It is sinful--
1. Because it is an abuse of God’s blessings.
2. It involves an infraction of God’s laws.
He has commanded us in everything, by prayer and supplication, to make known our requests unto Him. (Homilist.)
Poisoned pastures
Thegrazing land was beautifully green, and appeared most desirable for flocks and herds. A farmer turned his sheep into the meadow, but after a short time some of them fell sick, and eventually all of them were affected. No one could understand the reason, until it was discovered that a flock of diseased sheep had previously occupied the field, the grass of which had become tainted and the pasture poisoned. How careful all should be of the books they read, the companionships they form, and the amusements in which they indulge! Do they taint the mind and poison the soul? For according to their pasture so is their life.
