Revelation 5:1-5 - Homilies By D. Thomas

The government of God.

"And I saw," etc. Concerning the government of God, observe—

I. THAT IT IS CONDUCTED ACCORDING TO A VAST PRECONCERTED PLAN . There was a book, seven pieces of parchment rolled together, and each one sealed, in the hand of him that "sat on the throne." The Almighty never acts from impulse or caprice, but ever from plan or law. And this plan is truly vast, wonderfully comprehensive. It is "written within" and on the "back side." This book contains the germs of all books—the archetypes of all existences, the outlines of all histories. "In thy book all my members were written, when as yet there were none of them." All that shall happen through the vast futures of individuals, families, nations, worlds, are mapped out on the pages of this wonderful book. The universe in all its parts and complicated movements is but the practical and palpable working out of its contents. The world is God's great will in action. Predestination is no special doctrine of the Bible; it is written on every part of nature. It includes as truly the motions of an atom as the revolutions of a world—the growth of a plant as the conversion of a soul. True philosophy, as well as Christianity, resolves everything but sin into the predestination of Infinite Love.

II. THIS VAST PRECONCERTED PLAN IS SEALED IN MYSTERY , Two thoughts are here suggested concerning its mystery.

1 . That it transcends all finite intelligence. Some high spirit in the Divine empire is here represented as exclaiming, "Who is worthy to open the book, and too lose the seals thereof?" The question falls on the ear of universal mind, and produces no response; the challenge rings through the creation, and no one accepts it. "No man in heaven; nor in earth, nor under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon." I refer this mystery, not to the Creator's intention, but to the creature's incapacity. His glory is not in concealing only, but in manifesting. Concealment arises not from any effort on his part, but from the necessary limitations of finite intellect. The deep purposes of the Infinite can never be unsealed and deciphered by the finite. "His judgments are a great deep."

2 . That it is frequently the source of great mental distress. "I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon." The most earnest thinkers in all ages have shed many tears in wrestling with some of the

. Man is but the trustee of his wealth; Christ is the Proprietor.

II. BECAUSE HE HAS ENABLED YOU TO PROCURE IT , Why have you wealth more than others? Has it come to you through heirdom, legacy, or your own industry? In either case you have it through Christ. Perhaps you ascribe it to your shrewdness, your industry, your management: but whence came these? All business aptitudes and opportunities are the gift of Christ. All the conditions by which your wealth has been attained are according to his arrangement.

III. BECAUSE HE GIVES YOU THE QUALIFICATIONS TO ENJOY IT . Do you enjoy your wealth?—enjoy all the conveniences, comforts, and powers which it imparts? If so, why? All do not. The miser does not, the invalid does not, the idiot does not. Who gave you the unmiserly spirit, the bodily health, the mental capacity, by which you enjoy your riches? All the qualifications that you have for enjoying your property are his gifts.

IV. BECAUSE HE WILL MAKE THE BEST USE OF IT .

1 . The best use of it for yourselves. There is no better investment. In truth it is for your sake that Christ wishes you to give it to him. He could have planted churches on every hill, schools in every valley, written his Bible on the broad heavens; but he knew right well that you would be better blest by contributing of your property to the diffusion of his truth. Your contributions to him serve you in many ways.

2 . The best use of it for the world. When you are gone, Christ's Church will be here working with the means you have entrusted to it, and working to spread truth, virtue, and happiness through the world. "Worthy is the Lamb to receive riches." Don't shirk collections, don't regard them as trials. Hail them as blessings, and remember that "it is more blessed to give than to receive."—D.T.