Thebird which soars the highest builds the lowest nest. The more a man is lifted up in communion with Heaven the deeper is his abasement in his own eyes. The holiest are the humblest. Those who bear most fruit have least “confidence in the flesh.” How interesting to observe that, though the conceptions of believers under the old dispensation respecting the exact mode of salvation were dim, yet they themselves clung as earnestly to the mercy of the Lord as more privileged believers do now! (Hugh Stowell, M. A.)
Increasing holiness means increasing sensitiveness to the need of mercy
The more holy a man’s spirit becomes, the more sensitive will it become; and the more sensitive his spirit, the deeper and livelier will be his sense of sinfulness. Shut up an individual in a dark room, hung round with cobwebs and defiled with dust, and he will be insensible to its condition; then admit a little light, and he will begin to suspect its state, and the more clearly the fight shines, the more clearly will he discern the impurities which were hidden before. (Hugh Stowell, M. A.)
Nehemiah
Here is--
I. An appeal to God’s approbation. Nehemiah often makes appeals of this kind. This was an appeal to God--
1. From man’s judgment. He had engaged in an undertaking which was likely enough to appear contemptible in the eyes of his Persian acquaintance. But what then? It was for God’s honour, and therefore he despises this shame, casting himself upon the approbation of God. This principle it was that influenced Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Paul. It is the principle of faith rendering an unseen God visible. Such men look for a future “ recompense of reward” promised by Him who cannot lie.
2. From man’s enmity. While one party satisfied themselves with despising, there was another party in Jerusalem itself who hated and opposed his proceedings. It is in reference to their enmity that the appeal of the text is made. Modern enmity.
3. From man’s ingratitude. It was here that he found his greatest trial. How painful, when the very persons whom in God’s name he sought to benefit were cold, reluctant, unfeeling! Nehemiah’s was no solitary ease. You find in connection with this appeal--
II. A contrite prayer for god’s forgiveness.
1. After all he has done for God’s service, Nehemiah cannot forget that there is a load of original and actual sin, recorded against him for which no subsequent obedience can make satisfaction.
2. He finds even his religious actions so stained with sin that though he may appeal from man, he cannot make them a plea for merit before God.
3. He casts himself, with a steadfast faith, on the free grace and covenanted mercies of the Lord. Application: If the despised believer may thus appeal from man to God, what hope can there be for those who compel him so to do? (Joseph Jowett, M. A.)
