A triumphal entrance

‘Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.’ Psalm 24:9

Suggested Further Reading: John 1:9–13

The year is fast drawing to a close. We call it ‘the year of grace, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six.’ Oh! that it may indeed be ‘the year of grace’ to some unconverted persons here. It may be that I am not casting my net tonight where there are many such to be found. Most of you, my hearers, are members of the church of Christ: you are saved, I trust. Still there are sure to be here and there, like weeds growing in a garden of flowers, some who are still strangers to the Lord Jesus Christ. I would to God that the Holy Spirit would move them to say, ‘Come in, Saviour! Let the King of glory come in!’ Oh! let this true saying of the faithful and true witness be your encouragement: ‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.’ What a blessed thing! You breakfasted with the devil, and dined with the world: what a mercy if you should sup with Christ; and what a blessed supper you would have! Why, when you woke tomorrow it would be to breakfast with Christ; it would be to hear him say, ‘Come and dine,’ and then to sup with him again, and so on until you come to eat bread at the marriage supper of the Lamb. May the Lord bless you; and if he grants me my heart’s desire, you will each of you say to your souls, ‘Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.’

For meditation: The marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7,9)—the reception has been planned, the invitations have been sent out, the catering has been laid on (Matthew 22:2–4). How have you replied to God’s RSVP? By ignoring it (Matthew 22:5–6) or by glad acceptance of the free invitation (Matthew 22:9–10)?

Sermon no. 750
30 December (Preached 13 December 1866)