I.The excellency of Christ’s operations. “He hath done all things well;” as is apparent-
1. In the magnificence of His operations. Instance the sublime works of His creative energy; His infallible administration in the kingdom of providence; His stupendous miracles; His mediatorial achievements (Psa_86:8-10; Psa_103:19; Col_1:16-17; Col_2:15; Mat_11:4).
2. In the completeness of His operations (Deu_32:4).
3. In the harmony of His operations (Psa_104:24; Psa_145:10).
4. In the benevolent design of His operations (Psa_33:19; Dan_6:27).
II. The devout sentiments with which they should be contemplated.
1. Devout admiration (Psa_77:13-16).
2. Adoring gratitude (Psa_148:13).
3. Zealous attachment (Jer_50:1-5). Has Christ done all things well?
Then-
1. How flagrant the impiety of mankind!
2. How justly is Christ entitled to the worship of the whole universe!
3. Let Him be the subject of our song, and the object of our supreme regard. (J. Burns, LL. D.)
Christ’s excellent doings
The text explains itself-but the truth of it is of vastly wider scope.
I. It has a grand significancy in the creative works of Christ.
II. In His Divine government of this and all worlds.
III. Its climactaral glory belongs to redemption. He undertook the world’s redemption, and effected it, by-
1. Obedience to the law.
2. Suffering the penalty for sin.
3. Conquering the powers of darkness.
4. Bringing life and immortality to light.
5. Obtaining the Holy Spirit.
IV. In the salvation He obtained and bestows. An entire salvation of the whole man-a free salvation of sovereign grace-a salvation for the whole race-and a salvation to eternal glory. “He does all things well.”
V. In the experience of His people. He sought and found them-He forgave and healed them-He renews and sanctifies them-He keeps and upholds them, and He glorifies them forever. (J. Burns, LL. D.)
He hath done all things well
I.In creation.
1. Order and regularity.
2. Adaptation.
3. Provision.
4. Happiness of creatures designed.
II. In redemption.
1. In design-vicarious suffering.
2. Development-Incarnation.
3. Application to individuals.
4. To Resurrection.
III. In providence.
1. Afflictions.
2. Persecution, which only wafts the seed of truth to distant lands.
Conclusion:
1. Submit to Him.
2. Work with Him. (E. Hargreaves.)
The dumb to speak
Dr. Carey found a man in Calcutta who had not spoken a loud word for four years, having been under a vow of perpetual silence. Nothing could open his mouth, till happening to meet with a religious tract, he read it, and his tongue was loosed. He soon threw away his paras, and other badges of superstition, and became, as was believed, a partaker of the grace of God. Many a nominal, and even professing Christian, who is as dumb on religious subjects as if under a “vow of silence,” would find a tongue to speak, if religion were really to touch and warm his heart. (Anon.)
On Christ’s doing all things well
I. Christ’s actions were good in themselves. In His general conduct, as a man, He did all things well.
II. Christ’s actions were performed with good designs.
III. Christ’s actions were performed in an amiable and graceful manner. Learn-
1. How unjust was the treatment our Lord met with in the world.
2. How worthy is Christ of our admiration, reverence, and love.
3. How fit is it that we imitate this excellent and lovely pattern.
4. Let it be our concern to do all things well. (J. Orten.)
All things
well:-
I. The fact. Creation announces it. Providence announces it. Redemption announces it.
II. The testimony. Saints testify to it. Admirers astonished at it. Critics confess it.
III. The consequence. Those who oppose Christ are sure to perish, for the right must prevail. They will stand self-condemned. The universe will say “Amen” to their condemnation, for they have conspired against it. (L. Palmer.).
