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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJabez Burns Sermons: 030. Mat 8:25. The Cry of the Perishing
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Mat_8:25. The Cry of the Perishing
"Lord, save us: we perish."—Mat_8:25.
The Saviour's numerous engagements through the day. Sermon, miracles, &c.—All of a benevolent character—nature exhausted—enters a small ship—storm—imminent danger—the Saviour fast asleep—disciples—alarmed, awake Jesus—and exclaim, "Lord, save us; we perish"—and he arose, rebuked the storm, and behold there was an instantaneous calm. Apply the passage to a spiritual purpose. Observe,
I. Man is in a Perishing Condition.
This is evident,
1. From the express declaration of the word of God.
"All we like sheep have gone astray," &c. All men are concluded in a state of unbelief. "He that believeth not is condemned already." "O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself," &c.
2. It is evident from his true state and condition.
Wretched, hungering, blind, naked, poor, diseased, condemned, &c.
3. This perishing involves eternal and irreparable consequences.
"These shall go away into everlasting punishment," &c. "The second and the eternal death." "Where the worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched," &c.
II. Salvation is of the Lord.
"Lord, save us." They went to the right source. No other voice could have effected the instant calm; and Christ is the only Saviour of sinners from the storms of eternal wo. Salvation is of the Lord,
1. In its origin.
He contrived the plan. His eye saw—his heart pitied—his arm brought salvation. It is of the Lord,
2. In its execution.
He became the surety, bore the curse, endured the shame, drank the cup, suffered the just for the unjust, &c.
3. In its bestowment.
From what other source did it ever flow? Who saved the woman who was a sinner—Zaccheus the extortioner—the dying malefactor—Saul the persecutor, &c.? Jesus saved each and all of them; and all who ever were saved in every age and country have received it from his gracious hands, for
"None but Jesus, none but Jesus,
Can do helpless sinners good."
"No other name," &c. Act_4:12. "To whom shall we go, but unto thee," &c. Joh_6:48. "All the redeemed in heaven ascribe the glory and praise to him," &c.
III. Application to Christ is Necessary lo secure this Salvation.
It must be the application,
1. Of sincere repentance.
"Repent ye, and be converted," &c. "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish," &c. "God commandeth all men everywhere to repent," &c. Luk_13:13; Act_17:30. It must be the application 2. Of importunate prayer.
"Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord," &c. Rom_10:13. "Ask, and it shall be given," &c. Thus the publican prayed; thus it was said of Saul; and thus the disciples in the text, "Lord save us; we perish," &c. It must be,
3. The application of vigorous faith.
"If we confess with our mouth, and believe with our heart," &c. Faith lays hold of the Saviour, relies upon him, and draws healing virtue from his bleeding wounds; Rom_3:28; Eph_2:8; Mar_16:16; Joh_3:6, &c.
IV. Such Application to Christ shall never fail.
Why? Because,
1. It is his own appointment.
He must honor it; truth, righteousness, and faithfulness demand it.
2. It is his delight to save.
What astounding proofs has he given of this, especially on the cross!
3. He never allowed the believing applicant to perish.
If so, when? in what age or country? or of what grade or enormity of guilt? All who ever applied, however vile, were graciously received; and never did he spurn a humble, contrite, trembling sinner from his throne. He delighteth in mercy and is a God ready to pardon.
Application
1. Some sinners know not their perilous condition. How pitiable! 2. Some know it, but are trifling and careless. What infatuation—what hardihood—what madness! 3. Some are now seeking. What encouragement there is for them! The Lord will hear and deliver them. 4. Some are saved. Their feet are now upon the rock, &c.; let them rejoice, and bless the God of their salvation.