The Appearance Of Christ In Human Nature
The Appearance Of Christ In Human Nature
And The Discoveries Of Himself To His People, Comparable To The Light Of The Morning
And he shall be as the light of the morning when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds—2 Samuel 23:4
In a former discourse we considered the preceding verse, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. Now of this same Ruler, it is here said, He shall be as the light of the morning when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds. "He shall be;" that is, He that ruleth over men, just and righteous, ruling in the fear of God; "He shall be as the light of the morning when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds."
As the favor of an earthly prince is like a cloud of latter rain, and dew upon the grass, as the wise man says (Proverbs 16:15; 19:12): so his government, being mild and gentle, he is like the light of the morning when the sun riseth, pleasant and acceptable like the rising sun, bright and glorious; like a morning without clouds, that forebodes no ill, distress, affliction or adversity to his subjects, but all the reverse. This is still more true as it is applied to the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of Saints, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, whose Kingdom ruleth all; the administration of whose government is just and righteous. He is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. He is, and shall be, like the light of the morning when the sun riseth, as a morning without clouds.
There are various metaphors applied to Christ similar to this; as, when he is said to be the bright and morning Star (Revelation 22:16): the phosphorus, the forerunner or introducer of the morning light. The day spring from on high that hath visited us (Luke 1:78); that brings on that bright and glorious day of the gospel dispensation. He is the day Star that arises in the hearts of his people; and that Sun of righteousness that arises upon them with healing in his wings (Malachi 4:2). So that the expressions of his grace, and the nature of his government may be fitly signified by the beautiful metaphor and figure here made use of. And
Note: Roman Numerals II and III (see above) are part of Sermon V.