A Pattern of Prayer

A Pattern of Prayer – Alexander Mclaren WHEN YE PRAY, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do” —Matthew 6:7. But earnest reiteration is not vain repetition. The second is born of doubt; the first, of faith. The prayer that springs from a deep felt need, and will not cease till that need is supplied, […]

CHRIST’S LAST INVITATION FROM THE THRONE

CHRIST’S LAST INVITATION FROM THE THRONE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will let him take the water of life freely. — Revelation 22:17. last verses of this last book of Scripture are like the final movement of some great concerto, in which we hear all the instruments of the orchestra […]

LAST BEATITUDE OF THE ASCENDED CHRIST

LAST BEATITUDE OF THE ASCENDED CHRIST – Alexander Maclaren ‘Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the Tree of Life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. — Revelation 22:14. 1 The Revised Version reads: ‘Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the […]

THE TRIPLE RAYS WHICH MAKE THE WHITE LIGHT OF HEAVEN

THE TRIPLE RAYS WHICH MAKE THE WHITE LIGHT OF HEAVEN – Alexander Maclaren ‘… His servants shall serve Him: 4. And they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads.’ — Revelation 22:3, 4. One may well shrink from taking words like these for a text. Their lofty music will necessarily make […]

THE CITY THE CITIZENS AND THE KING

THE CITY, THE CITIZENS, AND THE KING – Alexander Maclaren ‘And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out Of the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree […]

NO MORE SEA

NO MORE SEA – Alexander Maclaren ‘I John,’ says the Apocalypse at its commencement, ‘was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the testimony of Jesus.’ In this, the one prophetic book of the New Testament, we find the same fact that meets us in the old prophecies, that the circumstances of the prophet […]

THE NEW JERUSALEM ON THE NEW EARTH

THE NEW JERUSALEM ON THE NEW EARTH – Alexander Maclaren ‘And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared […]

THE SONG OF MOSES AND THE LAMB

THE SONG OF MOSES AND THE LAMB – Alexander Maclaren ‘And I saw as it were a see of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image,… and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. […]

THE PALM BEARING MULTITUDE

THE PALM BEARING MULTITUDE – Alexander Maclaren ‘… Lo, a great multitude.., stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.’ — Revelation 7:9. The Seer is about to disclose the floods of misery which are to fall upon the earth at the sound of the seven trumpets, […]

SEVEN EYES OF THE SLAIN LAMB

SEVEN EYES OF THE SLAIN LAMB – Alexander Maclaren ‘…A Lamb as it had been slain, having…seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth,’ — Revelation 5:6. John received a double commission, to write the things which are and the things which shall be. The things which are signify, […]

VII THE VICTOR’S SOVEREIGNTY

VII THE VICTOR’S SOVEREIGNTY – Alexander Maclaren ‘To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.’ — Revelation 3:21. The Church at Laodicea touched the lowest point of Christian character. It had no heresies, but that […]

CHRIST AT THE DOOR

CHRIST AT THE DOOR – Alexander Maclaren “Behold 1 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.”—Rev, iii. 20. MANY of us are familiar, I dare say, with the devoutly imaginative rendering of […]

CHRIST’S COUNSEL TO A LUKEWARM CHURCH

CHRIST’S COUNSEL TO A LUKEWARM CHURCH – Alexander Maclaren ‘I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.’ — Revelation […]

LAODICEA

LAODICEA – Alexander Maclaren ‘I know thy works that thou art neither cold nor hot.., be zealous therefore, and repent.’ — Revelation 3:15, 19. We learn from Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians that there was a very close connection between that Church and this at Laodicea. It is a probable conjecture that a certain Archippus, who is […]

VI THE VICTOR’S LIFE NAMES

VI THE VICTOR’S LIFE NAMES – Alexander Maclaren ‘Him that overcometh will I make as pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more, out: and I will write upon him the name of My God. and the name of the city of My God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh […]

THY CROWN

THY CROWN – Alexander Maclaren ‘…Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.’ — Revelation 3:11. The Philadelphian Church, to which these stirring words are addressed, is the only church of the seven in which there was nothing that Christ rebuked. It had no faults, or at least no recorded faults, either […]

KEEPING AND KEPT

KEEPING AND KEPT – Alexander Maclaren ‘Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the war of temptation.’ — Revelation 3:10. There are only two of the seven churches which receive no censure or rebuke from Jesus Christ; and of these two — viz., the churches of Smyrna and […]

V THE VICTOR’S LIFE ROBE

V THE VICTOR’S LIFE ROBE – Alexander Maclaren ‘He that overcometh the same shall be clothed is white raiment; and I will not blot out him name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, end before His angels.’ — Revelation 3:5. The brightest examples of earnest Christianity are […]

WALKING IN WHITE

WALKING IN WHITE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.’ — Revelation 3:4. The fond fancy that the primitive Church was a Better Church than to- day’s is utterly Blown to pieces by the […]

LORD OF THE SPIRITS AND THE STARS

LORD OF THE SPIRITS AND THE STARS – Alexander Maclaren ‘… These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven star.’ — Revelation 3:1. The titles by which our Lord speaks of Himself in the letters to the seven churches are chosen to correspond with the spiritual condition o£ the community […]

IV THE VICTOR’S LIFE POWER

IV THE VICTOR’S LIFE POWER – Alexander Maclaren ‘He that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27. And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of […]

THE FIRST AND LAST WORKS

THE FIRST AND LAST WORKS – Alexander Maclaren ‘I know thy last works.., to be more than the first.’ — Revelation 2:12. It is beautiful to notice that Jesus Christ, in this letter, says all He can of praise before He utters a word of blame. He is glad when His eye, which is as a […]

III THE VICTOR’S LIFE SECRET

III THE VICTOR’S LIFE SECRET – Alexander Maclaren … To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.’ — Revelation 2:17. The Church at Pergamos, to which this […]

II THE VICTOR’S LIFE CROWN

II THE VICTOR’S LIFE CROWN – Alexander Maclaren ‘… He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.’ — Revelation 2:11. Two of the seven Churches, viz., Smyrna, to which our text is addressed, and Philadelphia — offered nothing, to the pure eyes of Christ, that needed rebuke. The same two, and these only, […]

THE VICTOR’S LIFE FOOD

THE VICTOR’S LIFE FOOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘…To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. — Revelation 2:7. The sevenfold promises which conclude the seven letters to the Asiatic Churches, of which this is the first, are in substance one. […]

THE SEVEN STARS AND THE SEVENCANDLESTICKS

THE SEVEN STARS AND THE SEVEN CANDLESTICKS – Alexander Maclaren ‘… He that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.’ — Revelation 2:1. It is one of the obligations which we owe to hostile criticism that we have been forced to recognise width great dearness […]

LIVING ONE WHO BECAME DEAD

LIVING ONE WHO BECAME DEAD – Alexander Maclaren ‘I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death,’ — Revelation 1:13. If we had been in ‘the isle which is called Patmos’ when John saw the glorified Lord, and heard these […]

THE THREEFOLD COMMON HERITAGE

THE THREEFOLD COMMON HERITAGE – Alexander Maclaren ‘I John, your brother, and partaker with you in the tribulation and kingdom and patience which are in Jesus.’ — Revelation 1:9 (R.V.). So does the Apostle introduce himself to his readers; with no word of pre-eminence or of apostolic authority, but with the simple claim to share with them […]

THE KING OF GLORY AND LORD OF THE CHURCHES

THE KING OF GLORY AND LORD OF THE CHURCHES – Alexander Maclaren ‘I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ 10 I was […]

KINGS AND PRIESTS

KINGS AND PRIESTS – Alexander Maclaren Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sine in His own blood.’ — Revelation 1:6. The Revised Version rightly makes two slight but important changes in this verse, both of which are sustained by preponderating authority. For ‘loved’ it reads ‘loveth,’ and for ‘washed’ it reads ‘loosed’; […]

KINGS AND PRIESTS

KINGS AND PRIESTS – Alexander Maclaren ‘He hath made us kings and priests unto God.’. — Revelation 1:6. THERE is an evident reference in these words to the original charter of the Jewish nation, which ran, ‘If ye will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then shall ye be to Me a kingdom […]

CHRIST’S PRESENT LOVE AND PAST LOOSING FROM SINS

CHRIST’S PRESENT LOVE AND PAST LOOSING FROM SINS – Alexander Maclaren Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sine in His own blood.’ — Revelation 1:5. The Revised Version rightly makes two slight but important changes in this verse, both of which are sustained by preponderating authority. For ‘loved’ it reads ‘loveth,’ and […]

THE GIFTS OF CHRIST AS WITNESS RISEN AND CROWNED

THE GIFTS OF CHRIST AS WITNESS RISEN AND CROWNED – Alexander Maclaren ‘Grace be unto you, and peace, from… 5. Jesus Christ, who is the faithful Witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the Prince at the kings of the earth.’ — Revelation 1:4, 5. So loftily did John in his old age come […]

WITHOUT STUMBLING

WITHOUT STUMBLING – Alexander Maclaren ‘Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding Joy, 25. To the only wise God our Saviour. be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and over. Amen.’ — Jude 1:24, 25. I pointed […]

KEEPING OURSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD

KEEPING OURSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD – ‘But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.’ — Jude 1:20, 21. Jude has been, in all the former part […]

COMMON SALVATION

COMMON SALVATION – Alexander Maclaren ‘The common salvation.’ — Jude 1:3. ‘The common faith.’ — Titus 1:4. Jude was probably one of Christ’s brothers, and a man of position and influence in the Church. He is writing to the whole early Christian community, numbering men widely separated from each other by nationality, race, culture, and general outlook […]

THE CHRISTIAN’S WITNESSES TO CHARACTER

THE CHRISTIAN’S WITNESSES TO CHARACTER – Alexander Maclaren ‘Demetrius hath a good report of all men, and of the truth itself.’—3 John 1:12. What a strange fate this Demetrius has had! He has narrowly escaped oblivion, yet he is remembered for ever and his name is known over all the world. But beyond the name […]

FELLOW WORKERS WITH THE TRUTH

FELLOW WORKERS WITH THE TRUTH – Alexander Maclaren ‘That we might be fellow-helpers to the truth.’—3 John 1:8. ‘Fellow-helpers to the Truth.’ A word or two may be permitted as to the immediate occasion of the expression. There seems to have been, as we learn not only from occasional references in the New Testament, but […]

FOR THE SAKE OF THE NAME

FOR THE SAKE OF THE NAME – Alexander Maclaren ‘For His name’s sake.’—3 John 1:7. The Revised Version gives the true force of these words by omitting the ‘His,’ and reading merely ‘for the sake of the Name.’ There is no need to say whose name. There is only One which could evoke the heroism […]

A PROSPEROUS SOUL

A PROSPEROUS SOUL – Alexander Maclaren ‘Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health even as thy soul prospereth.’—3 John 1:2. This little letter contains no important doctrinal teaching nor special revelation of any kind. It is the outpouring of the Christian love of the old Apostle to a […]

GRACE MERCY AND PEACE

GRACE MERCY AND PEACE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Grace be with you. mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.’ —2 John 1:3. We have here a very unusual form of the Apostolic salutation. ‘Grace, mercy, and peace’ are put together in this […]

LOVE AND FEAR

LOVE AND FEAR – Alexander Maclaren ‘There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.’—1 John iv. 18. JOHN HAS BEEN SPEAKING of boldness, and that naturally suggests its opposite-fear. He has been saying that perfect love produces courage […]

THE SERVANT AS HIS LORD

THE SERVANT AS HIS LORD – Alexander Maclaren ‘… As He is, so are we in this world.’ — 1 John iv.17. Large truths may be spoken in little words. Profundity is often supposed to be obscurity, but the deepest depth is clear. John, in his gospel and epistles, deals with the deepest realities, and […]

THE PURIFYING INFLUENCE OF HOPE

THE PURIFYING INFLUENCE OF HOPE – Alexander Maclaren ‘And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.’ — 1 John iii.3. That is a very remarkable ‘and’ with which this verse begins. The Apostle has just been touching the very heights of devout contemplation, soaring away up into […]

THE UNREVEALED FUTURE OF THE SONS OF GOD

THE UNREVEALED FUTURE OF THE SONS OF GOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.’ — 1 John iii.2. I […]

THE LOVE THAT CALLS US SONS

THE LOVE THAT CALLS US SONS – Alexander Maclaren ‘Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God….’ — 1 John iii.1. One or two points of an expository character will serve to introduce what else I have to say on these words. The […]

RIVER AND ROCK

RIVER AND ROCK – Alexander Maclaren ‘The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.’ — 1 John ii.17. John has been solemnly giving a charge not to love the world, nor the things that are in it. That charge was addressed to ‘children,’ ‘young […]

YOUTHFUL STRENGTH

YOUTHFUL STRENGTH – Alexander Maclaren ‘I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.’ — 1 John ii.14. ‘What am I going to be?’ is the question that presses upon young people stepping out of the irresponsibilities of […]

WALKING IN THE LIGHT

WALKING IN THE LIGHT – Alexander Maclaren ‘If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.’—1 John 1:7. John was the Apostle of love, but he was also a ‘son of thunder.’ His […]

GROWTH

GROWTH – Alexander Maclaren These are the last words of an old man, written down as his legacy to us. He was himself a striking example of his own precept. It would be an interesting study to examine these two letters of the Apostle Peter, in order to construct from them a picture of what […]

BE DILIGENT

BE DILIGENT – Alexander Maclaren ‘Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless.’— 2 Peter 3:14. As we pass the conventional boundary of another year, most of us, I suppose, cast glances into the darkness ahead. To those of us […]

THE POWER OF DILIGENCE

THE POWER OF DILIGENCE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Giving all diligence, add to your faith …’ — 2 Peter i.5. It seems to me very like Peter that there should be so much in this letter about the very commonplace and familiar excellence of diligence. He over and over again exhorts to it as the one […]

PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE

PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE – Alexander Maclaren ‘He hath given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the Divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.’ — 2 Peter i.4. ‘Partakers of the Divine nature.’ These are bold words, and may […]

LIKE PRECIOUS FAITH

LIKE PRECIOUS FAITH – Alexander Maclaren ‘… Them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.’— 2 Peter 1:1. Peter seems to have had a liking for that word ‘precious.’ It is not a very descriptive one; it does not give much light as to the […]

MARCUS MY SON

MARCUS, MY SON – Alexander Maclaren ‘… So doth Marcus, my son.’ — 1 Peter v.13. The outlines of Mark’s life, so far as recorded in Scripture, are familiar. He was the son of Mary, a woman of some wealth and position, as is implied by the fact that her house was large enough to […]

THE CHURCH IN BABYLON

THE CHURCH IN BABYLON – Alexander Maclaren ‘The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you…’—1 Peter 5:13. We have drawn lessons in previous addresses from the former parts of the closing salutations of this letter. And now I turn to this one to see what it may yield us. The Revised […]

AN APOSTOLIC TESTIMONY AND EXHORTATION

AN APOSTOLIC TESTIMONY AND EXHORTATION – Alexander Maclaren ‘… I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.’ — 1 Peter v.12. ‘I have written briefly,’ says Peter. But his letter, in comparison with the other epistles of the New Testament, is not remarkably short; in […]

MIRRORS OF GOD

MIRRORS OF GOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘… That ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness…’—1 Peter 2:9. The Revised Version, instead of ‘praises,’ reads excellencies—and even that is but a feeble translation of the remarkable word here employed. For it is that usually rendered ‘virtues’; and by […]

MIRRORS OF GOD

THE FAMILY LIKENESS

THE FAMILY LIKENESS – Alexander Maclaren ‘As He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy, in all manner of conversation.’ — 1 Peter i.15. That is the sum of religion — an all-comprehensive precept which includes a great deal more than the world’s morality, and which changes the coldness of that into […]

BY THROUGH UNTO

BY THROUGH UNTO – Alexander Maclaren ‘… Kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.’—1 Peter 1:5. The Revised Version substitutes ‘guarded’ for ‘kept,’ and the alteration, though slight, is important, for it not only more accurately preserves the meaning of the word employed, but […]

A WATCH ON THE DOOR OF THE LIPS

A WATCH ON THE DOOR OF THE LIPS – Alexander Maclaren ‘My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condenmnation 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body 3 […]

GOD’S FRIENDS

GOD’S FRIENDS – Alexander Maclaren ‘He was called the Friend of God.’—James 2:23 When and by whom was he so called? There are two passages in the Old Testament in which an analogous designation is applied to the patriarch, but probably the name was one in current use amongst the people, and expressed in a […]

FAITH WITHOUT WORKS

FAITH WITHOUT WORKS – Alexander Maclaren ‘What doth It profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and […]

FAITH IN HIS NAME

FAITH IN HIS NAME – Alexander Maclaren ‘The faith of our Lord Jesas Christ, the Lord of glory.’—James 2:1 The rarity of the mention of Jesus in this Epistle must strike every attentive reader; but the character of the references that are made is equally noticeable, and puts beyond doubt that, whatever is the explanation […]

PURE WORSHIP

PURE WORSHIP – Alexander Maclaren Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this. To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.’—James 1:27 This is a text which is more often quoted and used than understood. The word ‘religion’ has somewhat shifted its meaning […]

THE PERFECT LAW AND ITS DOERS

THE PERFECT LAW AND ITS DOERS – Alexander Maclaren ‘ Whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.’—James 1:25 An old tradition tells us that James, who was probably the writer of […]

FIRST FRUITS OF HIS CREATURES

FIRST FRUITS OF HIS CREATURES – Alexander Maclaren ‘…That we should be a kind of first-fruits of His creatures.’—James 1:18 According to the Levitical ceremonial, the first sheaf of the new crop, accompanied with sacrifice, was presented in the Temple on the day after the Passover Sabbath. No part of the harvest was permitted to […]

THE CROWN

THE CROWN – Alexander Maclaren ‘… The crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.’—James 1:12 My purpose is to bring out the elements of the blessed life here, by grouping together those New Testament passages which represent the future reward under the metaphor of the ‘crown,’ and so to […]

DIVINE WISDOM, AND HOW TO GET IT

DIVINE WISDOM, AND HOW TO GET IT – Alexander Maclaren ‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not.’—James 1:5 ‘If any of you lack.’ James has just used the same word in the previous verse, and it is to be regretted that the […]

PATIENCE AND HER WORK

PATIENCE AND HER WORK – Alexander Maclaren Let patience have her perfect work, that ye maybe perfect and entire, wanting nothing.’—James 1:4 It does not appear from the rest of this letter that the persons to whom it was addressed were under the pressure of any particular trouble or affliction. Seeing that they are ‘the […]

GREAT PRAYER BASED ON GREAT PLEAS

GREAT PRAYER BASED ON GREAT PLEAS – Alexander Maclaren Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ.’ — Hebrews 13:21. Massive foundations prognosticate a great building. We do not dig deep, and lay large blocks, in order to rear some […]

GREAT HOPES A GREAT DUTY

GREAT HOPES A GREAT DUTY – Alexander Maclaren ‘The God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant.’ — Hebrews 13:20. A great building needs a deep foundation; a leaping fountain needs a full spring. A very large and lofty […]

CHRISTIAN SACRIFICE

CHRISTIAN SACRIFICE – Alexander Maclaren ‘By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. 16. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. — Hebrews 13:15, 16. Much attention is given […]

WITHOUT THE CAMP

WITHOUT THE CAMP – Alexander Maclaren ‘Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, Bearing His reproach. 14. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.’ — Hebrews 13:13, 14. Calvary was outside Jerusalem. That wholly accidental and trivial circumstance is laid hold of in the context, in order […]

OUR ALTAR

OUR ALTAR – Alexander Maclaren ‘We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. 15. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually: — Hebrews 13:10, 15. ‘We have an altar.’ There is a certain militant emphasis on the words in the original, as if they […]

AN ESTABLISHED HEART

AN ESTABLISHED HEART – Alexander Maclaren ‘… It is a good thing that the heart be established with grace.’ — Hebrews 13:9. This saying immediately follows the exhortation with which it is contrasted: ‘Be not carried away with divers and strange doctrines.’ Now, it is quite clear that the unsettlement and moving past some fixed point […]

THE UNCHANGING CHRIST

THE UNCHANGING CHRIST – Alexander Maclaren ‘Jesus Christ the mine yesterday, and today, and for ever: — Hebrews 13:8. How far back does this ‘yesterday’ go? The limit must be found by observing that it is ‘Jesus Christ’ who is spoken of — that is to say, the Incarnate Saviour. That observation disposes of the reference […]

GOD’S VOICE AND MAN’S ECHO

GOD’S VOICE AND MAN’S ECHO – Alexander Maclaren ‘He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.’ — Hebrews 13:5, 6. ‘He hath said’; ‘we may… say.’ So, then, here are […]

REFUSING GOD’S VOICE

REFUSING GOD’S VOICE – Alexander Maclaren See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh: for if they escaped not who refused Him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from Him that speaketh from heaven. — Hebrews 12:25. The writer has finished his great contrast of Judaism and Christianity […]

THE MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT AND ITS SEAT

THE MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT AND ITS SEAT – Alexander Maclaren ‘Ye are come.., to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.’ — Hebrews 12:24. In previous sermons on the preceding context, we have had frequent occasion to remark on the parallel […]

FAITH’S ACCESS TO THE JUDGE, AND HIS ATTENDANTS

FAITH’S ACCESS TO THE JUDGE, AND HIS ATTENDANTS – Alexander Maclaren Ye are come.., to God the Judge of an, and to the spirits of Just men made perfect.’ — Hebrews 12:23. The principle of arrangement in this grand section of this letter is obscure, and I am afraid that I cannot east much, if any, […]

WITH WHOM FAITH LIVES

WITH WHOM FAITH LIVES – Alexander Maclaren ‘Ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven.’ — Hebrews 12:22, 23. The magnificent passage of which these […]

ESAU’S VAIN TEARS

ESAU’S VAIN TEARS – Alexander Maclaren ‘For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.’ — Hebrews 12:17. These words have Been often understood as teaching a very ghastly and terrible doctrine, viz., that a […]

A FATHER’S DISCIPLINE

A FATHER’S DISCIPLINE – Alexander Maclaren ‘For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but He for our profit,, that we might be partakers of His holiness.’ — Hebrews 12:10. Few words of Scripture have been oftener than these laid as a healing balm on wounded hearts. They may be long […]

RESISTING UNTO BLOOD

RESISTING UNTO BLOOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.’ — Hebrews 12:4. ‘Ye have not yet resisted’ — then others had done so; and the writer bids his readers contrast their own comparative immunity from persecution from the fate of such, in order that they may the more cheerfully […]

THE PERFECTER OF FAITH

THE PERFECTER OF FAITH – Alexander Maclaren Set down at the right, hand of the throne of God. — Hebrews 12:2. St. Luke gives us two accounts of the Ascension, one at the end of his Gospel and one at the beginning of the Acts. The difference of position suggests delicate shades of colouring and of […]

WEIGHTS AND SINS

WEIGHTS AND SINS – Alexander Maclaren ‘Let as lay snide every weight, sad the sin which doth so easily beset us.’ — Hebrews 12:1. There is a regular series of thoughts in this clause, and in the one or two which follow it, ‘Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily […]

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE A RACE

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE A RACE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Let us run with patience the race that is set before us.’ — Hebrews 12:1. The previous clauses of this verse bring before us the runner’s position as ‘compassed about with a cloud of witnesses,’ and his preparation as ‘laying aside every weight and.., sin.’ The text carries […]

THE CLOUD OF WITNESSES AND THEIR LEADER

THE CLOUD OF WITNESSES AND THEIR LEADER – Alexander Maclaren Compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses,… looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of faith,’ — Hebrews 12:1, 2. What an awful sight the rows above rows of spectators must have been to the wrestler who looked up at them from the arena, […]

THE FAITH OF MOSES

THE FAITH OF MOSES – Alexander Maclaren ‘By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the of Pharaoh’s daughter; 25. Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the […]

THE FUTURE WHICH VINDICATES GOD

THE FUTURE WHICH VINDICATES GOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He hath prepared for them a city.’ — Hebrews 11:16. These are bold words. They tell us that unless God has provided a future condition of social blessedness for those whom He calls His, their life’s experience […]

SEEKING THE FATHERLAND

SEEKING THE FATHERLAND – Alexander Maclaren ‘They that say such things declare plainly that they seek a Country. — Hebrews 11:14. What things? Evidently those which the writer has just been saying that the patriarchs of old ‘said,’ as stated in the previous words — ‘They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims upon earth.’ The […]

THE ATTACHMENTS AND DETACHMENTS OF FAITH

THE ATTACHMENTS AND DETACHMENTS OF FAITH – Alexander Maclaren ‘These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seem them and greeted them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers end pilgrims on the earth.’ — Hebrews 11:13 (R.V.). The great roll-call of heroes of faith in this grand chapter goes upon […]

THE CITY AND THE TENT

THE CITY AND THE TENT – Alexander Maclaren ‘Dwelling in tabernacles.., for he looked for a city.’ — Hebrews 11:9, 10. The purpose of the great muster-roll of the ancient heroes of Judaism in this chapter is mainly to establish the fact that there has never been but one way to God. However diverse the degrees […]

NOAH’S FAITH AND OURS

NOAH’S FAITH AND OURS – Alexander Maclaren ‘By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet. moved with fear, In. patrol an ark to the saving of his house.’ — Hebrews 11:7. The creed of these Old Testament saints was a very short one, and very different from ours. Their faith was […]

SEEKING GOD

SEEKING GOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.’ — Hebrews 11:6. The writer has been pointing to the patriarch Enoch as the second of these examples of the power of faith in the Old Covenant; and it occurs to him that there is nothing said in Genesis about Enoch’s […]

HOW TO OWN OURSELVES

HOW TO OWN OURSELVES – Alexander Maclaren ‘Them that believe to the saving of the soul.’ — Hebrews 10:39. The writer uses a somewhat uncommon word in this clause, which is not altogether adequately represented by the translation ‘saving.’ Its true force will be apparent by comparing one or two of the few instances in which […]

A BETTER AND AN ENDURING SUBSTANCE

A BETTER AND AN ENDURING SUBSTANCE – Alexander Maclaren  Knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.’ — Hebrews 10:34. The words ‘in heaven’ are probably no part of the original text, but have somehow or other crept in, in order to make more plain what some one supposed […]

PERFECTED AND BEING SANCTIFIED

PERFECTED AND BEING SANCTIFIED – Alexander Maclaren ‘By one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.’ — Hebrews 10:14 In the preceding sentence there is another ‘for ever,’ which refers to the sacrifice of Christ, and declares its perpetual efficacy. It is one, the world’s sins are many, but the single sacrifice is […]

THE ENTHRONED CHRIST

THE ENTHRONED CHRIST – Alexander Maclaren ‘This man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.’ — Hebrews 10:12. To that tremendous assertion the whole New Testament is committed. Peter, Paul, John, the writer of this book — all teach that the Jesus who died on […]

THE PRIEST IN THE HOLY PLACE

THE PRIEST IN THE HOLY PLACE – Alexander Maclaren ‘But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say. not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He […]

FORGIVENESS THE FUNDAMENTAL BLESSING

FORGIVENESS THE FUNDAMENTAL BLESSING – Alexander Maclaren  ‘For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.’ — Hebrews 8:11. We have been considering, in successive sermons, the great promises preceding my text, which are the articles of the New Covenant. We reach the last of […]

‘ALL SHALL KNOW ME’

‘ALL SHALL KNOW ME’ – Alexander Maclaren ‘They shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know Me, from the least to the greatest.’ — Hebrews 8:10. In former sermons I have tried to bring out the force of the preceding two articles of ‘the […]

THEIR GOD, MY PEOPLE

THEIR GOD, MY PEOPLE – Alexander Maclaren ‘I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people.’ — Hebrews 8:18. Two mirrors set over against each other reflect one another and themselves in each other, in long perspective. Two hearts that love, with similar reciprocation of influence, mirror back to […]

THE ARTICLES OF THE NEW COVENANT: GOD’S WELTING ON THE HEART

THE ARTICLES OF THE NEW COVENANT: GOD’S WELTING ON THE HEART – Alexander Maclaren ‘I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts.’ — Hebrews 8:10. We can scarcely estimate the shock to a primitive Hebrew Christian when he discovered that Judaism was to fade away. Such an earthquake might seem […]

THE TRUE IDEAL

THE TRUE IDEAL – Alexander Maclaren ‘See (saith He) that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.’ — Hebrews 8:5 I do not intend to deal with the original bearing of these words, nor with the use made of them by the writer of Hebrews. Primarily they refer to […]

THE ENTHRONED SERVANT CHRIST

THE ENTHRONED SERVANT CHRIST – Alexander Maclaren ‘We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; 2. A minister of the sanctuary.’ — Hebrews 8:1, 2. A little consideration will show that we have in these words two. strikingly different representations of our […]

THE PRIEST WHOM WE NEED

THE PRIEST WHOM WE NEED – Alexander Maclaren ‘Such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate sinners, and made higher than the heavens.’ — Hebrews 7:26. ‘It became Him to make the Captain of our salvation perfect through sufferings.’ ‘In all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren.’ […]

RIGHTEOUSNESS FIRST, PEACE SECOND

RIGHTEOUSNESS FIRST, PEACE SECOND – Alexander Maclaren ‘First being, by interpretation, King of righteousness, and after that also King Salem, which is, King of peace.’ — Hebrews 7:2. That mysterious, shadowy figure of the priest-king Melchizedec has been singularly illuminated and solidi-fled by recent discovery. You can see now in Berlin and London, letters written fourteen […]

THE ANCHOR OF THE SOUL

THE ANCHOR OF THE SOUL – Alexander Maclaren ‘Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast and which entereth into that within the veil.’ — Hebrews 6:19. There is something very remarkable in the prominence given by Christianity to hope as an element in the perfect character. The New Testament […]

FLEEING AND CLINGING

FLEEING AND CLINGING – Alexander Maclaren ‘We… who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.’ — Hebrews 6:18. The name of Christian was invented by outsiders. It is very seldom used in the New Testament, and then evidently as a designation by which Christ’s followers were known to others; and […]

SLOTHFULNESS AND ITS CURE

SLOTHFULNESS AND ITS CURE – Alexander Maclaren ‘That ye be not slothful, but followers of Him who through faith and patience inherit the promises.’ — Hebrews 6:12. This is the end of a sentence, and the result of something that has been stated before. What is that? ‘We desire that every one of you do show […]

SURE AND CERTAIN HOPE

SURE AND CERTAIN HOPE – Alexander Maclaren ‘We desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the fall assurance of hope unto the end.’ — Hebrews 6:11. Many of us have seen a picture in which the artist paints ‘Hope’ as a pale, fragile figure, blind, and bent, wistfully listening to the […]

THE QUEEN AND THE VIRGINS THAT FOLLOW HER

THE QUEEN AND THE VIRGINS THAT FOLLOW HER – Alexander Maclaren ‘But, Beloved, we are persuaded better things of you. and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.’ — Hebrews 6:9. The writer has been describing, in very stern and solemn words, the fate of apostates, and illustrating it by the awful metaphor of’ the […]

A FIELD WHICH THE LORD HATH BLESSED

A FIELD WHICH THE LORD HATH BLESSED – Alexander Maclaren ‘The earth, which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God. — Hebrews 6:7. This is a kind of parable or allegory in which echoes of many scriptures are […]

GETHSEMANE

GETHSEMANE – Alexander Maclaren Who in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save Him from death, and was heard in that He feared.’ — Hebrews 5:7 We may take these great and solemn words as a commentary on […]

THE THRONE OF GRACE

THE THRONE OF GRACE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.’ — Hebrews 4:16. In the context are three great exhortations which bear a very remarkable and distinct relation to each other: ‘Let us labour to […]

MAN’S SHARE IN GOD’S REST

MAN’S SHARE IN GOD’S REST – Alexander Maclaren ‘Let us labour therefore to enter into that feint, lest any man fall after the mine example of unbelief.’ — Hebrews 4:11. With this simple, practical exhortation, the writer closes one of the most profound and intricate portions of this Epistle. He has been dealing with two Old […]

ENTRANCE INTO GOD’S REST

ENTRANCE INTO GOD’S REST – Alexander Maclaren ‘There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10. For He that is entered into His rest, He also hath ceased from His own works, as God did from His.’ — Hebrews 4:9, 10. We lose much of the meaning of this passage by our superficial habit […]

THE REST OF FAITH

THE REST OF FAITH – Alexander Maclaren ‘We which have believed do enter into rest… ‘ — Hebrews 4:3. ‘Do enter’ — but on a hundred gravestones you will read ‘He entered into rest’ on such and such a day, as a synonym for ‘He died.’ It is strange that an expression which the writer of […]

A MOMENTOUS ‘IF’

A MOMENTOUS ‘IF’ – Alexander Maclaren ‘We are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.’ — Hebrews 3:14. One of the great characteristics of this remarkable letter to Hebrew Christians is the frequency and earnestness of its warnings against apostasy. Over and over again we find these […]

THE LIES OF THE TEMPTRESS

THE LIES OF THE TEMPTRESS – Alexander Maclaren The deceitfulness of sin. — Hebrews 3:13. There is a possible reference here, in this personification of sin, as leading men away by lies, to the story of the First Temptation. There, the weapons of the Tempter were falsehoods. The writer of this letter does not leave us […]

HEAR HIS VOICE

HEAR HIS VOICE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts… ‘ — Hebrews 3:7, 8. Whose voice? The writer of the psalm from which these words are quoted meant God’s. The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews, in quoting them, means Christ’s. And the unhesitating transfer, without explanation […]

CONFIDENCE AND REJOICING OF HOPE

CONFIDENCE AND REJOICING OF HOPE – Alexander Maclaren ‘… If we.old fast the confidence and the reining of the hope firm unto the end.’ — Hebrews 3:6. Two of the favourite thoughts of this letter are included in these words. There are none of the New Testament writers who give so frequent and earnest warnings against […]

CONSIDER JESUS

CONSIDER JESUS – Alexander Maclaren … Consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.’ Hebrews 3:1. ” Consider Him that endured.. — Hebrews 12:8. The kinds of consideration enjoined in these two exhortations are somewhat different. The former of them is expressed by a word which means fixed attention and close scrutiny. It is […]

WHAT BEHOVED CHRIST

WHAT BEHOVED CHRIST – Alexander Maclaren ‘Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren.’ Hebrews 2:17. I bring these words: ‘It behooved Him,’ into connection with similar words in an earlier verse of the chapter, on which I was lately preaching: ‘It became Him, for whom are all things, and […]

THE BROTHERHOOD OF CHRIST

THE BROTHERHOOD OF CHRIST – Alexander Maclaren ‘… He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12. Saying, I will declare Thy name unto My brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto Thee. 13. And again, I will put My trust in Him. And again, Behold I and the children […]

CHRIST’S PERFECTING BY SUFFERING

CHRIST’S PERFECTING BY SUFFERING – Alexander Maclaren It became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bring ing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.’ — Hebrews 2:10. It does not ‘become’ us to be hasty or confident in determining what ‘becomes’ God. […]

MANHOOD CROWNED IN JESUS

MANHOOD CROWNED IN JESUS – Alexander Maclaren ‘… We see not yet all things put under Him, but we see Jesus.’ — Hebrews 2:8, 9. One of our celebrated astronomers is said to have taught himself the rudiments of his starry science when lying on the hill-side, keeping his father’s sheep. Perhaps the grand psalm to […]

DRIFTING

DRIFTING – Alexander Maclaren ‘Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.’ — Hebrews 2:1. ‘LET them slip’; that conveys a vivid picture of a man holding some treasure with limp fingers, and allowing it to drop from […]

OWING OURSELVES TO CHRIST

OWING OURSELVES TO CHRIST – Alexander Maclaren I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto Me even thine own self beside.’ — Philemon 1:19. The incomparable delicacy of this letter of Paul’s has often been the theme of eulogium. I […]

MAINTAINING GOOD WORKS

MAINTAINING GOOD WORKS – Alexander Maclaren These things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. — Titus 3:8. There is so much about ‘good works’ in the so-called Pastoral Epistles (the two to Timothy, and this to Titus), that some critics who think […]

ZEALOUS OF GOOD WORKS

ZEALOUS OF GOOD WORKS – Alexander Maclaren WE have seen in previous sermons on the preceding context how emphatically the Apostle reiterates that the end of the gospel is the production of Christlike and Christ-pleasing character. For this purpose our Lord came, and in Him the grace of God broke through the clouds which wrapped […]

CHRIST’S GIFT OF HIMSELF

CHRIST’S GIFT OF HIMSELF – Alexander Maclaren ‘Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself at peculiar people.’ — Titus 2:14. We have seen in former sermons on the preceding context that the Apostle has been setting forth the appearing of the grace of God as having […]

THE HAPPY HOPE

THE HAPPY HOPE – Alexander Maclaren Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.’ — Titus 2:13. THERE are two appearances spoken of in this context – the appearance of ‘the grace of God that bringeth salvation’; and parallel with that, though at the same […]

THE PURPOSE OF GRACE

THE PURPOSE OF GRACE – Alexander Maclaren To appreciate the full force of these words, we must observe that they are the Apostle’s statement of the ultimate design of the revelation of God in Jesus Christ, and of all the wonderful powers and gifts which Christ brought with Him. In our text, the end for […]

THE SCHOOL OF GRACE

THE SCHOOL OF GRACE – Alexander Maclaren THE Apostle has been giving fatherly admonitions as to very elementary pieces of morality, addressed to both sexes, and to all ages. He winds up with inculcating on Christian slaves some obvious duties, such as obedience and honesty. In my text he bases all these on what was […]

CHRISTIANS MAKING THE GOSPEL BEAUTIFUL

CHRISTIANS MAKING THE GOSPEL BEAUTIFUL – Alexander Maclaren ‘That they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. —Titus 2:18 THAT is a wonderful hope to hold forth before any man, that he may add beauty to the gospel. And it is still more wonderful when we remember that these words were […]

PAUL’S DYING CONFIDENCE

PAUL’S DYING CONFIDENCE – Alexander Maclaren If we leave out of notice for a moment the two or three salutations and personal messages which follow, these are the last words of Paul’s last letter. So he disappears from history with this ringing cry of confidence upon his lips. There was enough in his circumstances to […]

DEMAS, LUKE, MARK

DEMAS, LUKE, MARK – Alexander Maclaren The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly Kingdom: to Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.’ — 2 Timothy 4:13. THIS last of Paul’s letters is written, as is generally supposed, in his second imprisonment, and very near his […]

A PRISONER’S DYING THOUGHTS

A PRISONER’S DYING THOUGHTS – Alexander Maclaren ‘I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness. — 2 Timothy […]

LIGHT AT EVENTIDE

LIGHT AT EVENTIDE – Alexander Maclaren ‘I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long- suffering and doctrine 3 For the time […]

FORM AND POWER

FORM AND POWER – Alexander Maclaren IN this, his last letter and legacy, the Apostle Paul is much occupied with the anticipation of coming evils. It is most natural that the faithful watchman, knowing that the hour of relieving guard was very near at hand, should eagerly scan the horizon in quest of the enemies […]

THE GREAT HOUSE AND ITS VESSELS

THE GREAT HOUSE AND ITS VESSELS – Alexander Maclaren ‘But In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, […]

THE FOUNDATION AND THE SEAL

THE FOUNDATION AND THE SEAL – Alexander Maclaren THERE was a great deal in the Apostle Paul’s last days to excuse despondency and sadness. For himself he was poor, and a prisoner, lonely and old, looking forward to the near approach of a bloody death. For the gospel and the Church the outlook was black […]

A FAITHFUL GOD

A FAITHFUL GOD – Alexander Maclaren I HAVE chosen this text, not as intending to deal with it only, so much as with the great thought to which it gives such emphatic expression. The faithfulness of God is a familiar enough phrase, but I suspect that the depth and scope of the thought are not […]

THE TRUE AIM OF LIFE PLEASING CHRIST

THE TRUE AIM OF LIFE PLEASING CHRIST – Alexander Maclaren PAUL had enough to do to infuse some of his own vigour into the feebler nature of Timothy. If we may judge from the prevailing tone of the Apostle’s letters to him, his young assistant lacked courage and energy; was easily beaten down, needed tonics […]

GOD’S STEWARDS

GOD’S STEWARDS – Alexander Maclaren THE Apostle has just been expressing his confidence for himself that ‘God is able to keep that which I have committed’ unto him ‘against that day.’ Here, with intentional parallelism, he repeats the leading ideas and key-words of that great confidence, but in a wholly different connection. Whether we suppose […]

SOUND WORDS

SOUND WORDS – Alexander Maclaren ANY great author or artist passes, in the course of his work, from one manner to another; so that a person familiar with him can date pretty accurately his books or pictures as being in his ‘earlier’ or ‘later’ style So there is nothing surprising in the fact that there […]

A QUIET HEART

A QUIET HEART – Alexander Maclaren THERE is some ambiguity in the original words of this text, lying in that clause which is translated in our Bibles – both Authorised and Revised – ‘that which I have committed unto Him.’ The margin of the Revised Version gives as an alternative reading, ‘that which He hath […]

WHAT KIND OF MEN CHRIST MAKES

WHAT KIND OF MEN CHRIST MAKES – Alexander Maclaren THE parts which we should naturally have expected Paul and Timothy to fill are reversed in this letter. ‘Paul the aged,’ a prisoner, and soon to be a martyr, might have been expected to receive encouragement and consolation. But Timothy seems to have been of a […]

A VETERAN’S COUNSELS TO A YOUNG SOLDIER

A VETERAN’S COUNSELS TO A YOUNG SOLDIER – Alexander Maclaren Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ By the will of God, according to the promise life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord 3 I thank God, […]

THE END OF THE COMMANDMENT

THE END OF THE COMMANDMENT – Alexander Maclaren ‘Now, the end of the commandment is love, out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.’ — 1 TIM.1.6. The Apostle has just said that he left Timothy in Ephesus, in order to check some tendencies there which were giving anxiety. […]

THE HEART’S HOME AND GUIDE

THE HEART’S HOME AND GUIDE – Alexander Maclaren ‘The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.’ — 2 THESS. iii.5. A word or two of explanation of terms may preface our remarks on this, the third of the Apostle’s prayers for the Thessalonians in this letter. […]

CHRIST GLORIFIED IN GLORIFIED MEN

CHRIST GLORIFIED IN GLORIFIED MEN – Alexander Maclaren ‘He shall come to be glorified in His saints; and to be admired in all them that believe.’ — 2 THESS. i.10. The two Epistles to the Thessalonians, which are the Apostle’s earliest letters, both give very great prominence to the thought of the second coming of […]

PAUL’S EARLIEST TEACHING

PAUL’S EARLIEST TEACHING – Alexander Maclaren ‘I charge you, by the Lord, that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren,’ — 1 THESS. v.27. If the books of the New Testament were arranged according to the dates of their composition, this epistle would stand first. It was written somewhere about twenty years after […]

CONTINUAL PRAYER AND ITS EFFECTS

CONTINUAL PRAYER AND ITS EFFECTS – Alexander Maclaren ‘Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks.’ — 1 THESS. v.16-18. The peculiarity and the stringency of these three precepts is the unbroken continuity which they require. To rejoice, to pray, to give thanks, are easy when circumstances favour, as a taper burns steadily in […]

EDIFICATION

EDIFICATION – Alexander Maclaren ‘Edify one another.’ — 1 THESS. v.11. I do not intend to preach about that clause only, but I take it as containing, in the simplest form, one of the Apostle’s favourite metaphors which runs through all his letters, and the significance of which, I think, is very little grasped by […]

WAKING AND SLEEPING

WAKING AND SLEEPING – Alexander Maclaren ‘Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.’ — 1 THESS. v.10. In these words the Apostle concludes a section of this, his earliest letter, in which he has been dealing with the aspect of death in reference to […]

THE WORK AND ARMOUR OF THE CHILDREN OF THE DAY

THE WORK AND ARMOUR OF THE CHILDREN OF THE DAY – Alexander Maclaren ‘Let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for ahelmet the hope of salvation.’ — 1 THESS. v.8. This letter to the Thessalonians is the oldest book of the New Testament. It […]

SLEEPING THROUGH JESUS

SLEEPING THROUGH JESUS – Alexander Maclaren ‘ . . . Them also which sleep in Jesus . . .’ — 1 THESS. iv.14. That expression is not unusual, in various forms, in the Apostle’s writings. It suggests a very tender and wonderful thought of closeness and union between our Lord and the living dead, so […]

WALKING WORTHILY

WALKING WORTHILY – Alexander Maclaren ‘Walk worthy of God.’ — 1 THESS. ii.12. Here we have the whole law of Christian conduct in a nutshell. There may be many detailed commandments, but they can all be deduced from this one. We are lifted up above the region of petty prescriptions, and breathe a bracing mountain […]

GOD’S TRUMPET

GOD’S TRUMPET – Alexander Maclaren ‘From you sounded out the word of God.’ — 1 THESS. i.8. This is Paul’s first letter. It was written very shortly after his first preaching of the Gospel in the great commercial city of Thessalonica. But though the period since the formation of the Thessalonian Church was so brief, […]

FAITH, LOVE, HOPE, AND THEIR FRUITS

FAITH, LOVE, HOPE, AND THEIR FRUITS – Alexander Maclaren ‘Your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope.’ — 1 THESS. i.3. This Epistle, as I suppose we all know, is Paul’s first letter. He had been hunted out of Thessalonica by the mob, made the best of his way to Athens, […]

RISEN WITH CHRIST

RISEN WITH CHRIST – Alexander Maclaren ‘If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.’ — COL. iii.1, 2. There are three aspects in which the New Testament treats the […]

THE SOUL’S PERFECTION

THE SOUL’S PERFECTION – Alexander Maclaren ‘Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.’ — PHIL. iii. 15. ‘As many as be perfect’; and how many may they be? Surely a very short bede-roll would contain their […]

CITIZENS OF HEAVEN

CITIZENS OF HEAVEN – Alexander Maclaren ‘Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28. And […]

PEACE LOVE AND FAITH

PEACE LOVE AND FAITH – Alexander Maclaren ‘Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith.’ — Eph. vi.23. The numerous personal greetings usually found at the close of Paul’s letters are entirely absent from this Epistle. All which we have in their place is this entirely general good wish, and the still more general […]

MEASURELESS POWER AND ENDLESS GLORY

MEASURELESS POWER AND ENDLESS GLORY – Alexander Maclaren ‘Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21. Unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.’ — Eph. iii.20, 21. […]

THE PARADOX OF LOVE’S MEASURE

THE PARADOX OF LOVE’S MEASURE – Alexander Maclaren ‘The breadth, and length, and depth, and height.’ — Eph. iii.18. Of what? There can, I think, be no doubt as to the answer. The next clause is evidently the continuation of the idea begun in that of our text, and it runs: ‘And to know the love […]

THE INDWELLING CHRIST

THE INDWELLING CHRIST – Alexander Maclaren ‘That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; ye being rooted and grounded in love.’ — Eph. iii.17. We have here the second step of the great staircase by which Paul’s fervent desires for his Ephesian friends climbed towards that wonderful summit of his prayers — which is […]

STRENGTHENED WITH MIGHT

STRENGTHENED WITH MIGHT – Alexander Maclaren That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory; to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man.’ — Eph. iii.16. In no part of Paul’s letters does he rise to a higher level than in his prayers, and none of his prayers […]

‘ACCORDING TO’—II

‘ACCORDING TO’—II – Alexander Maclaren ‘According to the riches of His grace.’—Eph. i. 7. We have seen, in a previous sermon, that a characteristic note of this letter is the frequent occurrence of that phrase ‘according to.’ I also then pointed out that it was employed in two different directions. One class of passages, with […]

ACCORDING TO’-I.

ACCORDING TO’-I. – Alexander Maclaren ‘According to the riches of His grace.’—Eph. i. 7. That phrase, ‘according to,’ is one of the key-words of this profound epistle, which occurs over and over again, like a refrain. I reckon twelve instances of it in three chapters of the letter, and they all introduce one or other […]

BURDEN BEARING

BURDEN BEARING – Alexander Maclaren ‘Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. . . .5. For every man shall bear his own burden.’ — GAL. vi.25. The injunction in the former of these verses appears, at first sight, to be inconsistent with the statement in the latter. But Paul has […]

WHAT MAKES A CHRISTIAN CIRCUMCISIONOR FAITH

WHAT MAKES A CHRISTIAN: CIRCUMCISION OR FAITH – Alexander Maclaren ‘In Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but faith which worketh by love.’ — GAL. v.6. It is a very singular instance of imaginative misreading of plain facts that the primitive Church should be held up as a pattern Church. The early […]

THE SON SENT

THE SON SENT – Alexander Maclaren ‘When the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, that He might redeem them which were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.’ — GAL. iv.4, 5 (R.V.). It is generally supposed that by […]

THE EVIL EYE AND THE CHARM

THE EVIL EYE AND THE CHARM – Alexander Maclaren ‘Who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eye Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?’ — GAL. iii.1. The Revised Version gives a shorter, and probably correct, form of this vehement question. It omits the two clauses […]

NOT YOURS BUT YOU

NOT YOURS BUT YOU – Alexander Maclaren Men are usually quick to suspect others of the vices to which they themselves are prone. It is very hard for one who never does anything but with an eye to what he can make out of it, to believe that there are other people actuated by higher […]

STRENGTH IN WEAKNESS

STRENGTH IN WEAKNESS – Alexander Maclaren ‘For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may […]

SIMPLICITY TOWARDS CHRIST

SIMPLICITY TOWARDS CHRIST – Alexander Maclaren ‘But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.’ — 2 COR. xi.3. The Revised Version, amongst other alterations, reads, ‘the simplicity that is towards Christ.’ The inaccurate rendering of the Authorised […]

ALL GRACE ABOUNDING

ALL GRACE ABOUNDING – Alexander Maclaren ‘God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all-sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.’  – 2 COR. ix.8. In addition to all his other qualities the Apostle was an extremely good man of business; and he had a field […]

SORROW ACCORDING TO GOD

SORROW ACCORDING TO GOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the worldworketh death.’ — 2 COR. vii.10. Very near the close of his missionary career the Apostle Paul summed up his preaching as being all directed to enforcing two points, ‘Repentance towards God, […]

PLEASING CHRIST

PLEASING CHRIST – Alexander Maclaren ‘We labour that whether present or absent we may be accepted of Him.’ — 2 COR. v.2. We do not usually care very much for, or very much trust, a man’s own statement of the motives of his life, especially if in the statement he takes credit for lofty and […]

THE OLD HOUSE AND THE NEW

THE OLD HOUSE AND THE NEW – Alexander Maclaren There lie in the words of my text simply these two things; the Christian view of what death is, and the Christian temper in which to anticipate it. I. First, the Christian view of what death is. Now it is to be observed that, properly speaking, […]

TENT AND BUILDING

TENT AND BUILDING – Alexander Maclaren ‘For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.’ — 2 COR. v.1. Knowledge and ignorance, doubt and certitude, are remarkably blended in these words. The Apostle knows what […]

LOOKING AT THE UNSEEN

LOOKING AT THE UNSEEN – Alexander Maclaren ‘While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.’ — 2 COR. iv.18. Men may be said to be divided into two classes, materialists and idealists, in the widest sense of those two words. The mass care for, and […]

TRANSFORMATION BY BEHOLDING

TRANSFORMATION BY BEHOLDING – Alexander Maclaren ‘We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image.’ — 2 COR. iii.18. This whole section of the Epistle in which our text occurs is a remarkable instance of the fervid richness of the Apostle’s mind, which […]

ANATHEMA AND GRACE

ANATHEMA AND GRACE – Alexander Maclaren ‘The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.22. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.’ — 1 COR. xvi.21-24. Terror […]

THE CERTAINTY AND JOY OF THE RESURRECTION

THE CERTAINTY AND JOY OF THE RESURRECTION – Alexander Maclaren ‘But now is Christ risen from the dead … the first fruits of them that slept.’ — 1 COR. xv.20. The Apostle has been contemplating the long train of dismal consequences which he sees would arise if we only had a dead Christ. He thinks […]

A SERVANT OF MEN

A SERVANT OF MEN – Alexander Maclaren ‘For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more 20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the […]

THE SIN OF SILENCE

THE SIN OF SILENCE – Alexander Maclaren ‘For though I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel! 17. For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward.’ — 1 COR. ix.16, 17. The original […]

LOVE BUILDETH UP

LOVE BUILDETH UP – Alexander Maclaren ‘Now, as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth 2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know 3 But if any man love God, the same […]

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.’—1 Corinthians 7:24. You find that three times within the compass of a very few verses this injunction is repeated. ‘As God hath distributed to every man,’ says the Apostle in the seventeenth verse, ‘as the Lord hath […]

SLAVES AND FREE

SLAVES AND FREE – Alexander Maclaren ‘He that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s free man: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant.’ — 1 COR. vii.22. This remarkable saying occurs in a remarkable connection, and is used for a remarkable purpose. The Apostle has been […]

FORMS VERSUS CHARACTER

FORMS VERSUS CHARACTER – Alexander Maclaren ‘Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.’ — 1 COR. vii.19. ‘For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith which worketh by love.’ — GAL. v.6. ‘For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.’ […]

THE FESTAL LIFE

THE FESTAL LIFE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven … but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.’ — 1 COR. v.8. There had been hideous immorality in the Corinthian Church. Paul had struck at it with heat and force, sternly commanding the exclusion of the sinner. […]

THE THREE TRIBUNALS

THE THREE TRIBUNALS – Alexander Maclaren ‘But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.4. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified; but he that judgeth me is the Lord.’ — 1 […]

TEMPLES OF GOD

TEMPLES OF GOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘Know ye not that ye are the temple of God?’ — 1 COR. iii.16 The great purpose of Christianity is to make men like Jesus Christ. As He is the image of the invisible God we are to be the images of the unseen Christ. The Scripture is very […]

THE TESTING FIRE

THE TESTING FIRE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble: 13. Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.’ […]

TERTIUS

TERTIUS – Alexander Maclaren ‘I, Tertius, who write the epistle, salute you in the Lord.’ — ROMANS xvi.22 (R.V.). One sometimes sees in old religious pictures, in some obscure corner, a tiny kneeling figure, the portrait of the artist. So Tertius here gets leave to hold the pen for a moment on his own account, […]

TRANSFIGURATION

TRANSFIGURATION – Alexander Maclaren ‘Be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.’ — ROMANS xii.2. I had occasion to point out, in a sermon on the preceding verse, that the Apostle is, […]

LOVE’S TRIUMPH

LOVE’S TRIUMPH – Alexander Maclaren ‘Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God.’ — ROMANS viii.38, 39. These rapturous words are the climax of the Apostle’s long […]

MORE THAN CONQUERORS

More than Conquerors – Alexander Maclaren ‘Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.’ — ROMANS viii.37. In order to understand and feel the full force of this triumphant saying of the Apostle, we must observe that it is a negative answer to the preceding questions, ‘Who shall […]

THE GIFT THAT BRINGS ALL GIFTS

THE GIFT THAT BRINGS ALL GIFTS – Alexander Maclaren ‘He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?’ — ROMANS viii.32. We have here an allusion to, if not a distinct quotation from, the narrative in Genesis, of […]

SUFFERING WITH CHRIST, A CONDITION OF GLORY WITH CHRIST

SUFFERING WITH CHRIST, A CONDITION OF GLORY WITH CHRIST – Alexander Maclaren ‘…Joint heirs with Christ: if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.’ — ROMANS viii.17. In the former part of this verse the Apostle tells us that in order to be heirs of God, we must […]

SONS AND HEIRS

SONS AND HEIRS – Alexander Maclaren ‘If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.’ — ROMANS viii.17. God Himself is His greatest gift. The loftiest blessing which we can receive is that we should be heirs, possessors of God. There is a sublime and wonderful mutual possession of which Scripture speaks much […]

THE WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT

THE WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT – Alexander Maclaren ‘The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.’ — ROMANS viii.18. The sin of the world is a false confidence, a careless, complacent taking for granted that a man is a Christian when he is not. The fault, and sorrow, […]

WORLD-WIDE SIN AND WORLD-WIDE REDEMPTION

WORLD-WIDE SIN AND WORLD-WIDE REDEMPTION – Alexander Maclaren ‘Now we know, that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.20. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified […]

THE GOSPEL THE POWER OF GOD

THE GOSPEL THE POWER OF GOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one thatbelieveth.’ — ROMANS i.16.   To preach the Gospel in Rome had long been the goal of Paul’s hopes. He wished to do in the […]

DEBTORS TO ALL MEN

DEBTORS TO ALL MEN – Alexander Maclaren ‘I am a debtor both to the Greeks and to the Barbarians, both to the wise and to the unwise.’ — ROMANS i.14. No doubt Paul is here referring to the special obligation laid upon him by his divine call to be the Apostle to the Gentiles. He […]

FAITH IN CHRIST

FAITH IN CHRIST – Alexander Maclaren ‘…Faith that is in Me.’ — ACTS xxvi.18. It is commonly said, and so far as the fact is concerned, said truly, that what are called the distinguishing doctrines of Christianity are rather found in the Epistles than in the Gospels. If we wish the clearest statements of the […]

CHRIST’S REMONSTRANCES

CHRIST’S REMONSTRANCES – Alexander Maclaren ‘And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why perseoutest thou Me! it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.’ — ACTS xxvi.14. ‘Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard […]

AN OLD DISCIPLE

AN OLD DISCIPLE – Alexander Maclaren ‘… One Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.’ — ACTS xxi.16. There is something that stimulates the imagination in these mere shadows of men that we meet in the New Testament story. What a strange fate that is to be made immortal by a […]

THE GREAT QUESTION AND THE PLAIN ANSWER

THE GREAT QUESTION AND THE PLAIN ANSWER – Alexander Maclaren ‘He brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31. And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shall be saved.’ — ACTS xvi.30, 31. The keeper of a Macedonian jail was not likely to be a […]

JOHN MARK

JOHN MARK – Alexander Maclaren ‘… John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.’ — ACTS xiii.13. The few brief notices of John Mark in Scripture are sufficient to give us an outline of his life, and some inkling of his character. He was the son of a well-to-do Christian woman in Jerusalem, whose house appears […]

RHODA

RHODA – Alexander Maclaren ‘A damsel … named Rhoda.’ — ACTS xii 13. ‘Rhoda’ means ‘a rose,’ and this rose has kept its bloom for eighteen hundred years, and is still sweet and fragrant! What a lottery undying fame is! Men will give their lives to earn it; and this servant-girl got it by one little act, […]

THE MARTYRDOM OF JAMES

THE MARTYRDOM OF JAMES – Alexander Maclaren ‘Herod killed James the brother of John with the sword.’ — ACTS xii.2. One might have expected more than a clause to be spared to tell the death of a chief man and the first martyr amongst the Apostles. James, as we know, was one of the group […]

WHAT A GOOD MAN IS, AND HOW HE BECOMES SO

WHAT A GOOD MAN IS, AND HOW HE BECOMES SO – Alexander Maclaren ‘He was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith.’ — ACTS xi, 24. ‘A good man.’ How easily that title is often gained! There is, perhaps, no clearer proof that men are bad than the sort of […]

THE EXHORTATION OF BARNABAS

THE EXHORTATION OF BARNABAS – Alexander Maclaren [Footnote: Preached before the Congregational Union of England and Wales.] ‘Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.’ — ACTS xi.23. The first purely heathen converts had been […]

THE FIRST PREACHING ATANTIOCH

THE FIRST PREACHING AT ANTIOCH – Alexander Maclaren ‘And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they ware come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.21. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.’ — ACTS xi.20, […]

PHILIP THE EVANGELIST

PHILIP THE EVANGELIST – Alexander Maclaren ‘But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.’ — ACTS viii.40. The little that is known about Philip, the deacon and evangelist, may very soon be told. His name suggests, though by no means conclusively, that he […]

THE SERVANT AND THE SLAVES

THE SERVANT AND THE SLAVES – Alexander Maclaren ‘Thy servant David…’; ‘Thy Holy Servant Jesus…’; ‘Thy servants…’ — ACTS iv.26, 27, 29. I do not often take fragments of Scripture for texts; but though these are fragments, their juxtaposition results in by no means fragmentary thoughts. There is obvious intention in the recurrence of the […]

THE SERVANT OF THE LORD

THE SERVANT OF THE LORD – Alexander Maclaren ‘Unto you first God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, In turning away every one of you from his iniquities.’ — ACTS iii.26. So ended Peter’s bold address to the wondering crowd gathered in the Temple courts around him, with his companion […]

A PURE CHURCH AN INCREASING CHURCH

A PURE CHURCH AN INCREASING CHURCH – Alexander Maclaren ‘And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.’ — ACTS ii.47. ‘And the Lord added to them day by day those that were being saved.’ — (R. V.) You observe that the principal alterations of these words in the Revised Version […]

THE FOURFOLD SYMBOLS OF THE SPIRIT

THE FOURFOLD SYMBOLS OF THE SPIRIT – Alexander Maclaren ‘A rushing mighty wind.’ … ‘Cloven tongues like as of fire.’ … ‘I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh.’ — ACTS ii.2, 3, 17. ‘Ye have an unction from the Holy One.’ — 1 JOHN ii.20. Wind, fire, water, oil, — these four […]

THE SILENCE OF SCRIPTURE

THE SILENCE OF SCRIPTURE – Alexander Maclaren ‘And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.’ — […]

CHRIST’S FINISHED AND UNFINISHED WORK

CHRIST’S FINISHED AND UNFINISHED WORK – Alexander Maclaren ‘Jesus … said, It is finished.’ — JOHN xix.30. ‘He said unto me, It is done.’ — REV. xxi.6. One of these sayings was spoken from the Cross, the other from the Throne. The Speaker of both is the same. In the one, His voice ‘then shook […]

CHRIST AND HIS CAPTORS

CHRIST AND HIS CAPTORS – Alexander Maclaren ‘As soon then as He had said unto them, I am He, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked He them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am He: if therefore ye seek […]

PEACE AND VICTORY

PEACE AND VICTORY – Alexander Maclaren ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ — JOHN xvi.33. So end these wonderful discourses, and so ends our Lord’s teaching before His passion. He […]

FROM AND TO

FROM AND TO – Alexander Maclaren These majestic and strange words are the proper close of our Lord’s discourse, what follows being rather a reply to the disciples’ exclamation. There is nothing absolutely new in them, but what is new is the completeness and the brevity with which they cover the whole ground of His […]

SORROW TURNED INTO JOY

SORROW TURNED INTO JOY – Alexander Maclaren ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as […]

THE GUIDE INTO ALL TRUTH

THE GUIDE INTO ALL TRUTH – Alexander Maclaren ‘I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: […]

THE WORLD’S HATRED, AS CHRIST SAW IT

THE WORLD’S HATRED, AS CHRIST SAW IT – Alexander Maclaren ‘But all these things will they do unto you for My name’s sake, because they know not Him that sent Me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. He […]

SHEEP AMONG WOLVES

SHEEP AMONG WOLVES – Alexander Maclaren ‘If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. […]

CHRIST’S FRIENDS

CHRIST’S FRIENDS – Alexander Maclaren ‘Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you. Ye have […]

THE ONENESS OF THE BRANCHES

THE ONENESS OF THE BRANCHES – Alexander Maclaren ‘This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ — JOHN xv.12, 13. The union between Christ and His disciples has been tenderly set forth […]

ABIDING IN LOVE

ABIDING IN LOVE – Alexander Maclaren ‘As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye In My love. If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My […]

THE TRUE BRANCHES OF THE TRUE VINE

THE TRUE BRANCHES OF THE TRUE VINE – Alexander Maclaren ‘I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and […]

THE TRUE VINE

THE TRUE VINE – Alexander Maclaren ‘I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken […]

CHRIST’S PEACE

CHRIST’S PEACE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ — JOHN xiv.27. ‘Peace be unto you!’ was, and is, the common Eastern salutation, both in meeting and in […]

THE TEACHER SPIRIT

THE TEACHER SPIRIT – Alexander Maclaren ‘These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.’ — JOHN […]

THE ABSENT PRESENT CHRIST

THE ABSENT PRESENT CHRIST – Alexander Maclaren ‘I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also.’ — JOHN xiv.18,19. The sweet and gracious comfortings with which Christ had been soothing the […]

LOVE AND OBEDIENCE

LOVE AND OBEDIENCE – Alexander Maclaren ‘If ye love Me, keep My commandments.’ — JOHN xiv, 15. As we have seen in former sermons, the keyword of the preceding context is ‘Believe!’ and that word passes now into ‘Love.’ The order here is the order of experience. There is first the believing gaze upon the […]

THE FORERUNNER

THE FORERUNNER – Alexander Maclaren ‘… I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.’ — JOHN xiv.2, 3. What divine simplicity and depth are in these words! […]

THE LOVE OF THE DEPARTING CHRIST

THE LOVE OF THE DEPARTING CHRIST – Alexander Maclaren ‘… When Jesus knew that His hour was come that He should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end.’ — JOHN xiii.1. The latter half of St. John’s Gospel, which […]

THE SON OF MAN

THE SON OF MAN – Alexander Maclaren ‘… Who is this Son of Man?’ — JOHN xii.34. I have thought that a useful sermon may be devoted to the consideration of the remarkable name which our Lord gives to Himself — ‘the Son of Man.’ And I have selected this instance of its occurrence, rather […]

THE DELAYS OF LOVE

THE DELAYS OF LOVE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When He had heard therefore that he was sick, He abode two days still in the same place where He was.’ — JOHN xi.5, 6. We learn from a later verse of this chapter that Lazarus had been dead […]

THE GIFTS TO THE FLOCK

THE GIFTS TO THE FLOCK – Alexander Maclaren ‘… By Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.’ — JOHN x.9. One does not know whether the width or the depth of this marvellous promise is the more noteworthy. Jesus Christ presents Himself before […]

THE SIXTH MIRACLE IN JOHN’S GOSPEL THE BLIND MADE TO SEE, AND THE SEEING MADE BLIND

THE SIXTH MIRACLE IN JOHN’S GOSPEL THE BLIND MADE TO SEE, AND THE SEEING MADE BLIND – Alexander Maclaren ‘When Jesus had thus spoken, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 7. And said unto him, Go, wash in […]

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD – Alexander Maclaren ‘… I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’ — JOHN viii.12. Jesus Christ was His own great theme. Whatever be the explanation of the fact, there stands the fact that, if […]

ONE SAYING WITH TWO MEANINGS

ONE SAYING WITH TWO MEANINGS – Alexander Maclaren ‘Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto Him that sent Me.34. Ye shall seek Me, and shall not find Me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.’ — JOHN vii.33, 34. ‘Little children, yet a […]

THE THIRD MIRACLE IN JOHN’S GOSPEL

THE THIRD MIRACLE IN JOHN’S GOSPEL – Alexander Maclaren ‘Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.’ — JOHN v.8 This third of the miracles recorded in John’s Gospel finds a place there, as it would appear, for two reasons: first, because it marks the beginning of the angry unbelief on the […]

THE SPRINGING FOUNTAIN

THE SPRINGING FOUNTAIN – Alexander Maclaren ‘The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water, springing up into everlasting life.’ — JOHN iv.14. There are two kinds of wells, one a simple reservoir, another containing the waters of a spring. It is the latter kind which is spoken about […]

THE BRAZEN SERPENT

THE BRAZEN SERPENT – Alexander Maclaren ‘Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness.’ — JOHN iii.14. This is the second of the instances in this Gospel in which our Lord lays His hand upon an institution or incident of the Old Testament, as shadowing forth some aspect of His work. In the first of […]

GRACE AND TRUTH

GRACE AND TRUTH – Alexander Maclaren ‘The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.’ — JOHN 1.17. There are scarcely any traces, in the writings of the Apostle John, of that great controversy as to the relation of the Law and the Gospel which occupied and embittered so much […]

THE FULNESS OF CHRIST

THE FULNESS OF CHRIST – Alexander Maclaren ‘And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.’ — JOHN 1.16. What a remarkable claim that is which the Apostle here makes for his Master! On the one side he sets His solitary figure as the universal Giver; on the other side are gathered […]

THE MEAL AT EMMAUS

THE MEAL AT EMMAUS – Alexander Maclaren ‘And it came to pass, as He sat at meat with them, He took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave tothem.31. And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him; and He vanished out of their sight.’ — LUKE xxiv.30, 31.   Perhaps the most striking […]

THE LIVING DEAD

THE LIVING DEAD – Alexander Maclaren ‘Why seek ye the living among the dead! 6. He is not here, but is risen.’ — LUKE xxiv.5,6. We can never understand the utter desolation of the days that lay between Christ’s Death and His Resurrection. Our faith rests on centuries. We know that that grave was not […]

THE DYING THIEF

THE DYING THIEF – Alexander Maclaren ‘And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.’ — LUKE xxiii, 42. There is an old and true division of the work of Christ into three parts — prophet, priest, and king. Such a distinction manifestly exists, though it may be overestimated, or […]

MEMORY IN ANOTHER WORLD

MEMORY IN ANOTHER WORLD – Alexander Maclaren ‘Abraham said, Son, remember!’ — LUKE xvi.25. It is a very striking thought that Christ, if He be what we suppose Him to be, knew all about the unseen present which we call the future, and yet was all but silent in reference to it. Seldom is it […]

The Gains of the Faithful Steward

The Gains of the Faithful Steward – Alexander Maclaren Luke 16:12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own? ‘If ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?’ In […]

THE PRAYING CHRIST

THE PRAYING CHRIST – Alexander Maclaren ‘… As He was praying in a certain place, when Heceased, one of His disclples said unto Him, Lord,teach us to pray.’ — LUKE xi.1. It is noteworthy that we owe our knowledge of the prayers of Jesus principally to the Evangelist Luke. There is, indeed, one solemn hour […]

CHRIST HASTENING TO THE CROSS

CHRIST HASTENING TO THE CROSS – Alexander Maclaren ‘And it came to pass, when the time was come that He should be received up, He stedfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.’ — LUKE ix.51. There are some difficulties, with which I need not trouble you here, as to bringing the section of this […]

CHRIST TO JAIRUS

CHRIST TO JAIRUS – Alexander Maclaren ‘When Jesus heard it, He answered, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.’ — LUKE viii.60. The calm leisureliness of conscious power shines out very brilliantly from this story of the raising of Jairus’s daughter. The father had come to Jesus, in an agony of […]

THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN

THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN – Alexander Maclaren And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, 3. And Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto Him of their substance.’ — LUKE viii.2,3. The Evangelist Luke […]

LOVE AND FORGIVENESS

LOVE AND FORGIVENESS – Alexander Maclaren ‘Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much.’ — LUKE vii.47. This story contains three figures, three persons, who may stand for us as types or representatives of the divine love and of all its operation in the world, of the way in which it is […]

FEAR AND FAITH

FEAR AND FAITH – Alexander Maclaren ‘When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.’ —LUKE v. 8 ‘Now, when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him,… and did cast himself into the […]

A SABBATH IN CAPERNAUM

A SABBATH IN CAPERNAUM – Alexander Maclaren ‘And in the synagogue there was a man which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, 34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with Thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art Thou come to destroy us? I know Thee who […]

Preaching At Nazareth

Preaching At Nazareth – Alexander Maclaren Luke 4:21 And he began to say to them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. ‘And He began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled In your ears. This first appearance of our Lord, in His public work at Nazareth, the home of […]

JOHN THE PREACHER OF REPENTANCE

JOHN THE PREACHER OF REPENTANCE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Now, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, 2 Annas and Caiaphas being […]

THE ENTHRONED CHRIST

THE ENTHRONED CHRIST – Alexander Maclaren ‘So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.’ — Mark xvi.19. How strangely calm and brief is this record of so stupendous an event! Do these sparing and reverent words sound to you like […]

FIRST TO MARY

FIRST TO MARY – Alexander Maclaren ‘… He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven devils.’ — Mark xvl.9. A great pile of legend has been built on the one or two notices of Mary Magdalene in Scripture. Art, poetry, and philanthropy have accepted and inculcated these, till we almost […]

LOVE’S TRIUMPH OVER SIN

LOVE’S TRIUMPH OVER SIN – Alexander Maclaren ‘Tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before yon into Galilee. — Mark xvi, 7. This prevailing tradition of Christian antiquity ascribes this Gospel to John Mark, sister’s son to Barnabas, and affirms that in composing it he was in some sense the ‘interpreter’ of the Apostle […]

PERPETUAL YOUTH

PERPETUAL YOUTH – Alexander Maclaren ‘And entering Into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment.’ — Mark xvi.5. Many great truths concerning Christ’s death, and its worth to higher orders of being, are taught by the presence of that angel form, clad in the […]

CHRIST AND PILATE THE TRUE KING AND HIS COUNTERFEIT

CHRIST AND PILATE THE TRUE KING AND HIS COUNTERFEIT – Alexander Maclaren ‘And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate 2 And Pilate asked Him, Art Thou the King of the […]

CHRIST ON THE ROAD TO THE CROSS

CHRIST ON THE ROAD TO THE CROSS – Alexander Maclaren ‘And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed they were afraid.’ — Mark x.32. We learn from John’s Gospel that the resurrection of Lazarus precipitated the determination of the Jewish […]

THE TRANSFIGURATION

THE TRANSFIGURATION – Alexander Maclaren ‘And after six days Jesus taketh with Him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and He was transfigured before them 3 And His raimemt became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them 4 […]

THE GRADUAL HEALING OF THE BLIND MAN

THE GRADUAL HEALING OF THE BLIND MAN – Alexander Maclaren ‘And Jesus cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto Him, and besought Him to touch him.23. And He took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when He had spit on his eyes, and put […]

THE PATTERN OF SERVICE

THE PATTERN OF SERVICE – Alexander Maclaren ‘He touched his tongue; and looking up to heaven, He sighed, and saith Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.’ — Mark vii 33, 34. For what reason was there this unwonted slowness in Christ’s healing works? For what reason was there this unusual emotion ere He spoke the word […]

THE LOOKS OF JESUS

THE LOOKS OF JESUS – Alexander Maclaren ‘And He looked round about to see her that had done this thing.’ — Mark v.32. This Gospel of Mark is full of little touches that speak an eye-witness who had the gift of noting and reproducing vividly small details which make a scene live before us. Sometimes […]

THE POWER OF FEEBLE FAITH

THE POWER OF FEEBLE FAITH – Alexander Maclaren ‘And a certain woman …27. When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched His garment.28. For she said, If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole.’ — Mark v.25, 27, 28. In all the narratives of this miracle, it […]

THE RISEN LORD’S GREETINGS AND GIFTS

THE RISEN LORD’S GREETINGS AND GIFTS – Alexander Maclaren ‘And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail.’ — MATT. xxviii.9. ‘Then the same day at evening … came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.’ — JOHN xx.19. So did our […]

THE BLIND WATCHERS AT THE CROSS

THE BLIND WATCHERS AT THE CROSS – Alexander Maclaren ‘And sitting down they watched Him there.’- MATT. xxvii.36. Our thoughts are, rightly, so absorbed by the central Figure in this great chapter that we pass by almost unnoticed the groups round the cross. And yet there are large lessons to be learned from each of […]

THE LAST PLEADING OF LOVE

THE LAST PLEADING OF LOVE – Alexander Maclaren And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come?’ — MATT. xxvi.50. We are accustomed to think of the betrayer of our Lord as a kind of monster, whose crime is so mysterious in its atrocity as to put him beyond the pale of human sympathy. […]

WHY THE TALENT WAS BURIED

WHY THE TALENT WAS BURIED – Alexander Maclaren ‘Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the […]

THE LOST SHEEP AND THE SEEKING SHEPHERD

THE LOST SHEEP AND THE SEEKING SHEPHERD – Alexander Maclaren If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, andgoeth Into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray! — MATT. xviii.12. We find this simple parable, or germ of a […]

SELF MUTILATION FOR SELF PRESERVATION

SELF MUTILATION FOR SELF PRESERVATION – Alexander Maclaren If thy hand or thy foot causeth thee to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from thee.’-MATT. xviii.8, R.V. No person or thing can do our characters as much harm as we ourselves can do. Indeed, none can do them any harm but ourselves. For men […]

THE SECRET OF POWER

THE SECRET OF POWER – Alexander Maclaren ‘Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20. And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief.’ — MATT. xvii.19, 20. ‘And when He had called unto Him His twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits to […]

THE KING IN HIS BEAUTY

THE KING IN HIS BEAUTY – Alexander Maclaren ‘And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2 And was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light 3 And, behold, there […]

CHRIST FORESEEING THE CROSS

CHRIST FORESEEING THE CROSS – Alexander Maclaren ‘From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto His disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.’ — MATT. xvi.21. The ‘time’ referred to in […]

THE FOOD OF THE WORLD

THE FOOD OF THE WORLD – Alexander Maclaren ‘He gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitude 20 And they did all eat, and were filled; and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.’ — MATT. xiv.19, 20. The miracles of Scripture are not merely wonders, but […]

THE GRAVE OF THE DEAD JOHN AND THE GRAVE OF THE LIVING JESUS

THE GRAVE OF THE DEAD JOHN AND THE GRAVE OF THE LIVING JESUS – Alexander Maclaren ‘And John’s disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.’ — MATT. xiv.12. ‘And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy.’ — MATT. xxviii.8. There is a remarkable […]

A LIFE LOST AND FOUND

A LIFE LOST AND FOUND – Alexander Maclaren ‘He that loseth his life for My sake shall find it.’ — MATT. x.39. My heart impels me to break this morning my usual rule of avoiding personal references in the pulpit. Death has been busy in our own congregation this last week, and yesterday we laid […]

THE CALL OF MATTHEW

THE CALL OF MATTHEW – Alexander Maclaren ‘And as Jesus passed forth from thence, He saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and He saith unto him, Follow Me. And he arose, and followed Him 10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many […]

CHRIST STIMULATING SLUGGISH DISCIPLESHIP

CHRIST STIMULATING SLUGGISH DISCIPLESHIP – Alexander Maclaren ‘And another of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.22. But Jesus said unto him, Follow Me; and let the dead bury their dead.’ — MATT. viii.21-22. The very first words of these verses, ‘And another of His disciples,’ show […]

THE TWO HOUSES

THE TWO HOUSES – Alexander Maclaren ‘Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock….25. And every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house […]

OUR KNOCKING

OUR KNOCKING – Alexander Maclaren ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.’ — MATT, vii.7. In the letter to the church at Laodicea, we read, ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock.’ The image is there employed to set forth the […]

FASTING

FASTING – Alexander Maclaren ‘Moreover, when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.17. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18. That thou appear […]

THE LAMP AND THE BUSHEL

THE LAMP AND THE BUSHEL – Alexander Maclaren ‘Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16. […]

SALT WITHOUT SAVOUR

SALT WITHOUT SAVOUR – Alexander Maclaren ‘Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.’ — MATT. v.13. These words must have seemed ridiculously presumptuous […]

THE THIRD BEATITUDE

THE THIRD BEATITUDE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Blessed are the meek! for they shall inherit the earth,’ — MATT, v.5. The originality of Christ’s moral teaching lies not so much in the novelty of His precepts as in the new relation in which He sets them, the deepening which He gives them, the motives on which […]

THE DOVE OF GOD

THE DOVE OF GOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him.’ MATT. iii.16. This Gospel of Matthew is emphatically the gospel of the Kingdom. It sets forth Jesus as the long-promised Messiah, the Son of David. And this conception of Him and of His work, […]

The Baptism of Jesus

The Baptism of Jesus – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him 14 But John forbad Him, saying, I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: […]

THE NAME ABOVE EVERY NAME

THE NAME ABOVE EVERY NAME – Alexander Maclaren ‘… Thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins’. — MATT.1.21. I. THE historical associations of the name. It was a very common Jewish name, and of course was given in memory of the great leader who brought the hosts […]

MATTHEW’S GENEALOGY OF JESUS CHRIST

MATTHEW’S GENEALOGY OF JESUS CHRIST – Alexander Maclaren ‘The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham 2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; 3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat […]

THE LAST WORDS OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS

THE LAST WORDS OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS – Alexander Maclaren ‘Lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.’ — MALACHI iv.6. ‘The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.’ — REVELATION xxii.21. It is of course only an accident that these words close the Old and the […]

A Dialogue with God

A DIALOGUE WITH GOD – Alexander Maclaren Malachi 2:12 The LORD will cut off the man that does this, the master and the scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob… ‘The Lord will cut off the man that doeth this … out of the tents of Jacob, …14. Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the Lord […]

Blemished Offerings

Blemished Offerings – Alexander Maclaren Malachi 1:8 And if you offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil?… ‘Offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the Lord of Hosts. A word of […]

THE PRIEST OF THE WORLD AND KING OF MEN

THE PRIEST OF THE WORLD AND KING OF MEN – Alexander Maclaren ‘He shall build the Temple of the Lord … and He shall be a Priest upon His throne.’ — ZECHARIAH vi.13. A handful of feeble exiles had come back from their Captivity. ‘The holy and beautiful house’ where their fathers praised Him was […]

THE FOUNDER AND FINISHER OF THE TEMPLE

THE FOUNDER AND FINISHER OF THE TEMPLE – Alexander Maclaren ‘The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it.’ — ZECHARIAH iv.9. I am afraid that Zerubbabel is very little more than a grotesque name to most Bible-readers, so I may be allowed a word of explanation […]

THE RIGHT OF ENTRY

THE RIGHT OF ENTRY – Alexander Maclaren ‘I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.’ — ZECHARIAH iii.7. A WORD or two of explanation will probably be necessary in order to see the full meaning of this great promise. The Prophet has just been describing a vision of judgment which he […]

THE CITY WITHOUT WALLS

THE CITY WITHOUT WALLS – Alexander Maclaren ‘Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls…. For I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.’ — ZECHARIAH ii.4, 5. Zechariah was the Prophet of the returning exiles, and his great […]

DYING MEN AND THE UNDYING WORD

DYING MEN AND THE UNDYING WORD – Alexander Maclaren ‘Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever? 6. But My words and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers?’-Zechariah i.5, 6. Zechariah was the Prophet of the Restoration. Some sixteen […]

THE IDEAL DEVOUT LIFE

THE IDEAL DEVOUT LIFE – Alexander Maclaren ‘The Lord God is my Strength, and He will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places.’ — HABBAKKUK iii.19. So ends one of the most magnificent pieces of imaginative poetry in Scripture or anywhere else. The singer has […]

GOD’S REQUIREMENTS AND GOD’S GIFT

GOD’S REQUIREMENTS AND GOD’S GIFT – Alexander Maclaren ‘What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?’ — MICAH vi.8. This is the Prophet’s answer to a question which he puts into the mouth of his hearers. They had the superstitious estimate […]

A Dew from the Lord

A Dew from the Lord’ – Alexander Maclaren Micah 5:7 And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the middle of many people as a dew from the LORD, as the showers on the grass… ‘The remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the Lord, that tarrieth […]

As God So Worshipper

As God, So Worshipper – Alexander Maclaren Micah 4:5 For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever. ‘… All the peoples will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will […]

CHRIST THE BREAKER

CHRIST THE BREAKER – Alexander Maclaren ‘The Breaker is come up before them: they have broken up, and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it: and their king shall pass before them, and the Lord on the head of them.’ — MICAH ii.13. Micah was contemporary with Isaiah. The two prophets […]

IS THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD STRAITENED?

IS THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD STRAITENED – Alexander Maclaren ‘O thou that art named the house of Jacob, is the Spirit of the Lord straitened? Are these His doings?’ — MICAH ii.7. The greater part of so-called Christendom is to-day celebrating the gift of a Divine Spirit to the Church; but it may well […]

RIPE FOR GATHERING

RIPE FOR GATHERING – Alexander Maclaren ‘Thus hath the Lord God shewed unto me: and behold a basket of summer fruit 2 And He said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said the Lord unto me, The end is come upon My people of Israel; I will not […]

A PAIR OF FRIENDS

A PAIR OF FRIENDS – Alexander Maclaren ‘Can two walk together, except they be agreed?’-AMOS III.8. They do not need to be agreed about everything. They must, however, wish to keep each others company, and they must be going by the same road to the same place. The application of the parable is very plain, […]

THE DEW AND THE PLANTS

THE DEW AND THE PLANTS – Alexander Maclaren ‘I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.6. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive-tree …’ — Hosea xiv.5, 6. Like his brethren, Hosea was a poet as well […]

THE VALLEY OF ACHOR

THE VALLEY OF ACHOR – Alexander Maclaren ‘I will give her … the valley of Achor for a door of hope.’ — HOSEA II.15. The Prophet Hosea is remarkable for the frequent use which he makes of events in the former history of his people. Their past seems to him a mirror in which they […]

A TRIBUTE FROM ENEMIES

A TRIBUTE FROM ENEMIES – Alexander Maclaren Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.’ — DANIEL vi.5. Daniel was somewhere about ninety years old when he was cast to the lions. He had been for many years […]

The Holy Nation

The Holy Nation – Alexander Maclaren Ezekiel 36:25 ‘Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will […]

A COMMON MISTAKE AND LAME EXCUSE

A COMMON MISTAKE AND LAME EXCUSE – Alexander Maclaren … He prophesieth of the times that are far off.’ — EZEKIEL xii.27. Human nature was very much the same in the exiles that listened to Ezekiel on the banks of the Chebar and in Manchester to-day. The same neglect of God’s message was grounded then […]

CHAMBERS OF IMAGERY

CHAMBERS OF IMAGERY – Alexander Maclaren ‘Then said He unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery!’ — EZEKIEL viii.12. This is part of a vision which came to the prophet in his captivity. He […]

A THREEFOLD DISEASE AND ATWOFOLD CURE.

A THREEFOLD DISEASE AND A TWOFOLD CURE – Alexander Maclaren ‘I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against Me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against Me.’ — JER. xxxiii.8. Jeremiah was a prisoner in the palace of the last […]

THE HEATH IN THE DESERT AND THE TREE BY THE RIVER

THE HEATH IN THE DESERT AND THE TREE BY THE RIVER – Alexander Maclaren ‘He shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, a salt land and not inhabited…He shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and […]

TRIUMPHANT PRAYER

TRIUMPHANT PRAYER – Alexander Maclaren ‘O Lord, though our iniquities testify against us, do Thou it for Thy name’s sake: for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against Thee 8 O the hope of Israel, the saviour thereof in time of trouble, why shouldest Thou be as a stranger in the land, and as […]

Possessing and Possessed

Possessing and Possessed – Alexander Maclaren The portion of Jacob is not like them — for He is the former of all things: and Israel is the tribe of His inheritance. The Lord of Hosts is His name. Here we have set forth a reciprocal possession. We possess God, He possesses us. We are His […]

A QUESTION FOR THE BEGINNING

A QUESTION FOR THE BEGINNING – Alexander Maclaren ‘What will ye do in the end?’ — JER. v.31. I find that I preached to the young from this text just thirty years since — nearly a generation ago. How few of my then congregation are here to-night! how changed they and I are! and how […]

FOUNTAIN AND CISTERNS

FOUNTAIN AND CISTERNS – Alexander Maclaren They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewedthem out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water’–JER. ii.13. The proclivity of the Jews to idolatry is an outstanding fact all through their history. That persistent national tendency surely compels us to recognise a divine inspiration as […]

GOD’S LAWSUIT

GOD’S LAWSUIT – Alexander Maclaren ‘Wherefore I will yet plead with you, saith the Lord, and with your children’s children will I plead.’ — JER. ii.9. Point out that ‘plead’ is a forensic term. There is a great lawsuit in which God is plaintiff and men defendants. The word is frequent in Isaiah. I. The […]

HOW TO MEET GOD

HOW TO MEET GOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember Thee in Thy ways.’ — ISAIAH lxiv.5. The prophet here shows us how there is a great staircase which we ourselves build, which leads straight from earth to heaven, and how we can secure that we shall […]

THE HEAVENLY WORKERS AND THE EARTHLY WATCHERS

THE HEAVENLY WORKERS AND THE EARTHLY WATCHERS – Alexander Maclaren ‘For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest … I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not […]

THE JOY BRINGER

THE JOY BRINGER – Alexander Maclaren ‘To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.’ — ISAIAH lxi.3. In the little synagogue of Nazareth Jesus began His ministry by laying His hand upon this […]

The Sunlit Church

The Sunlit Church – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; for your light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen on you. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.2. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; […]

GOD’S WAYS AND MAN’S

GOD’S WAYS AND MAN’S – Alexander Maclaren ‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord.9. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’ — ISAIAH lv.8, 9. Scripture gives us no revelations […]

THE CALL TO THE THIRSTY

THE CALL TO THE THIRSTY – Alexander Maclaren Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price 2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour […]

THE ARM OF THE LORD

THE ARM OF THE LORD – Alexander Maclaren ‘To whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?’ — -ISAIAH liii 1. In the second Isaiah there are numerous references to ‘the arm of the Lord.’ It is a natural symbol of the active energy of Jehovah, and is analogous to the other symbol of ‘the […]

MARCHING ORDERS

MARCHING ORDERS – Alexander Maclaren ‘Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord 12 For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the Lord will go before […]

A CALL TO FAITH

A CALL TO FAITH – Alexander Maclaren Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.’ — ISAIAH l.10. The persons addressed in this call to faith […]

THE SERVANT’S VOLUNTARY SUFFERINGS

THE SERVANT’S VOLUNTARY SUFFERINGS – Alexander Maclaren ‘I gave My back to the smiters, and My cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not My face from shame and spitting.’ — ISAIAH l.6. Such words are not to be dealt with coldly. Unless they be grasped by the heart they are not […]

THE WRITING ON GOD’S HANDS

THE WRITING ON GOD’S HANDS – Alexander Maclaren ‘Behold! I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands; thy walls are continually before Me.’ — ISAIAH xlix.16. In the preceding context we have the infinitely tender and beautiful words: ‘Zion hath said, The Lord hath forsaken me. Can a woman forget her sucking child? […]

FEEDING IN THE WAYS

FEEDING IN THE WAYS – Alexander Maclaren ‘They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.’ ISAIAH xlix.9. This is part of the prophet’s glowing description of the return of the Captives, under the figure of a flock fed by a strong shepherd. We have often seen, I suppose, […]

FEEDING ON ASHES

FEEDING ON ASHES – Alexander Maclaren ‘He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?’ — ISAIAH xliv.20. The prophet has been pouring fierce scorn on idolaters. They make, he says, the gods they worship. They […]

THE SECRET OF IMMORTAL YOUTH

THE SECRET OF IMMORTAL YOUTH – Alexander Maclaren ‘Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not […]

THE RIVERS OF GOD

THE RIVERS OF GOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘But there the glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.’ — ISAIAH xxxiii.21. One great peculiarity of Jerusalem, which distinguishes it from almost all other historical cities, is that […]

HOW TO DWELL IN THE FIRE OF GOD

HOW TO DWELL IN THE FIRE OF GOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? 15 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears […]

THE HIDING PLACE

THE HIDING PLACE – Alexander Maclaren ‘And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.’ — ISAIAH xxxii.2. We may well say, Of whom speaketh the prophet […]

THE LORD’S FURNACE

THE LORD’S FURNACE – Alexander Maclaren ‘The Lord, whose fire is in Zion, and His furnace in Jerusalem.’ — ISAIAH xxxi.9.   This very remarkable characterisation of God stands here as a kind of seal, set upon the preceding prophecy. It is the reason why that will certainly be fulfilled. And what precedes is mainly […]

THREE PICTURES OF ONE REALITY

THREE PICTURES OF ONE REALITY – Alexander Maclaren ‘As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also He will deliver it; and passing over He will preserve it’ — ISAIAH xxxi.5. The immediate occasion of this very remarkable promise is, of course, the peril in which Jerusalem was placed by Sennacherib’s […]

THE FOUNDATION OF GOD

THE FOUNDATION OF GOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.’ — ISAIAH xxviii.16. ‘Therefore thus saith the Lord.’ Then these great words are God’s answer […]

THE INHABITANT OF THE ROCK

THE INHABITANT OF THE ROCK – Alexander Maclaren ‘Thou wilt keep him In perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.’ — ISAIAH xxvi.3-4. There is an obvious parallel between these verses and the two […]

OUR STRONG CITY

OUR STRONG CITY – Alexander Maclaren ‘In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.’ — ISAIAH xxvi 1-2. What day is ‘that […]

THE MAKING OF A PROPHET

THE MAKING OF A PROPHET – Alexander Maclaren ‘Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.’ — ISAIAH vi.5. In previous pages […]

A SERAPH’S WINGS

A SERAPH’S WINGS – Alexander Maclaren ‘With twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.’ — ISAIAH vi.2. This is the only mention in Scripture of the seraphim. I do not need to enter upon the much-debated, and in some respects interesting, question as to […]

THE EMPTY THRONE FILLED

THE EMPTY THRONE FILLED – Alexander Maclaren ‘In the year that King Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple.’ — ISAIAH vi.1. Uzziah had reigned for fifty-two years, during the greater part of which he and his people had been brilliantly […]

The Perpetual Pillar of Cloud and Fire

The Perpetual Pillar of Cloud and Fire – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 4:5 And the Lord will create over the whole habitation of Mount Zion, and over her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night. The pillar of cloud and fire in the Exodus was one: there […]

What Sin Does to Men

What Sin Does to Men – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 1:30 Ye shall be as an oak whose leaf fadeth, and as a garden that hath no water 31 And the strong shall be as tow, and His work as a spark; and they shall both burn together, and none shall quench them. The original reference […]

THE SATISFIER OF ALL DESIRES

THE SATISFIER OF ALL DESIRES – Alexander Maclaren ‘Thou openest Thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing … 19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear Him: He also will hear their cry, and will save them.’ — PSALM cxlv.16, 19. You observe the recurrence, in these two verses, of […]

THE INCENSE OF PRAYER

THE INCENSE OF PRAYER – Alexander Maclaren ‘Let my prayer be set forth before Thee as incense, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.’ — PSALM cxli.2. The place which this psalm occupies in the Psalter, very near its end, makes it probable that it is considerably later in date than […]

LOOKING TO THE HILLS

LOOKING TO THE HILLS – Alexander Maclaren ‘I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.2. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.’ — PSALM cxxi.1, 2. The so-called ‘Songs of Degrees,’ of which this psalm is one, are usually, and with great probability, attributed to […]

SUBMISSION AND PEACE

SUBMISSION AND PEACE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Great peace have they which love Thy law; and nothing shall offend them.’ PSALM cxix.165. The marginal note says ‘they shall have no stumbling block.’ We do great injustice to this psalm — so exuberant in its praises of ‘the law of the Lord’ — if we suppose that […]

REQUITING GOD

REQUITING GOD – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 116:12 ‘What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me? 13. I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. There may possibly be a reference here to a part of the Passover ritual. It seems to have become […]

EXPERIENCE RESOLVE AND HOPE

EXPERIENCE RESOLVE AND HOPE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.9. I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.’ — PSALM cxvi.8, 9. This is a quotation from an earlier psalm, with variations which are interesting, whether we suppose […]

GOD AND THE GODLY

GOD AND THE GODLY – Alexander Maclaren ‘His righteousness endureth for ever.’ — PSALMS cxi.3; cxii.3. These two psalms are obviously intended as a pair. They are identical in number of verses and in structure, both being acrostic, that is to say, the first clause of each commences with the first letter of the Hebrew […]

SOLDIER PRIESTS

SOLDIER PRIESTS – Alexander Maclaren ‘Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.’ — PSALM cx.3. It is no part of my present purpose to establish the reference of this psalm to our Lord. […]

God’s Promises Tests

God’s Promises Tests – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 105:19 ‘Until the time that his word came, the word of the Lord tried him I do not think I shall be mistaken if I affirm that these words do not convey any very clear idea to most readers. They were spoken with reference to Joseph, during the […]

THE CRY OF THE MORTAL TO THE UNDYING

THE CRY OF THE MORTAL TO THE UNDYING – Alexander Maclaren ‘Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish Thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it. — PSALM xc.17. If any reliance is to be placed upon the superscription of […]

BLESSED TRUST

BLESSED TRUST – Alexander Maclaren ‘O Lord of Hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee.’ — PSALM lxxxiv.12. In my last sermon from the central portion of this psalm I pointed out that the Psalmist thrice celebrates the blessedness of certain types of character, and that these threefold benedictions constitute, as it were, […]

HAPPY PILGRIMS

HAPPY PILGRIMS – Alexander Maclaren ‘Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee; in whose heart are the highways to Zion 6 Passing through the valley of Weeping they make it a place of springs; yea, the early rain covereth it with blessings 7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them […]

MEMORY, HOPE, AND EFFORT

MEMORY, HOPE, AND EFFORT – Alexander Maclaren ‘That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments.’ — PSALM lxxviii.7. In its original application this verse is simply a statement of God’s purpose in giving to Israel the Law, and such a history of deliverance. The […]

REASONABLE RAPTURE

REASONABLE RAPTURE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides Thee.26. My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.’ — PSALM lxxiii.25, 26. We have in this psalm the record of the […]

THE BURDEN BEARING GOD

THE BURDEN BEARING GOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits.’ — (A.V.). ‘Blessed be the Lord, who daily beareth our burden.’ — PSALM lxviii.19 (R.V.). The difference between these two renderings seems to be remarkable, and a person ignorant of any language but our own might find it […]

SIN OVERCOMING AND OVERCOME

SIN OVERCOMING AND OVERCOME – Alexander Maclaren ‘Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, Thou shalt purge them away.’ — PSALM. lxv.3. There is an intended contrast in these two clauses more pointed and emphatic in the original than in our Bible, between man’s impotence and God’s power in the face of the fact […]

THIRST AND SATISFACTION

THIRST AND SATISFACTION – Alexander Maclaren ‘My soul thirsteth for Thee….5. My soul shall be satisfied….8. My soul followeth hard after Thee.’ — PSALM lxiii.1, 5, 8. It is a wise advice which bids us regard rather what is said than who says it, and there are few regions in which the counsel is more […]

SILENCE TO GOD

SILENCE TO GOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘Truly my soul waiteth upon God….5. My soul, wait thou only upon God.’PSALM lxii.1, 5. We have here two corresponding clauses, each beginning a section of the psalm. They resemble each other even more closely than appears from the English version, for the ‘truly’ of the first, and the […]

WAITING AND SINGING

WAITING AND SINGING – Alexander Maclaren ‘Because of his strength will I wait upon Thee: for God is my defence….17. Unto Thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.’ — PSALM lix.9, 17. There is an obvious correspondence between these two verses even as they […]

THE FIXED HEART

THE FIXED HEART – Alexander Maclaren ‘My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise.’ — PSALM lvii.7. It is easy to say such things when life goes smoothly with us. But this Psalmist, whether David or another, says this, and means it, when all things are dark […]

DAVID’S CRY FOR PURITY

DAVID’S CRY FOR PURITY – Alexander Maclaren ‘… Renew a right spirit within me.11. … And take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.12. … And uphold me with Thy free Spirit.’ — PSALM li.10-12. We ought to be very thankful that the Bible never conceals the faults of its noblest men. David stands high among […]

DAVID’S CRY FOR PARDON

DAVID’S CRY FOR PARDON – Alexander Maclaren ‘… Blot out my transgressions.2. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.’ — PSALM li.1, 2. A whole year had elapsed between David’s crime and David’s penitence. It had been a year of guilty satisfaction not worth the having; of sullen hardening of […]

TWO SHEPHERDS AND TWO FLOCKS

TWO SHEPHERDS AND TWO FLOCKS – Alexander Maclaren ‘Like sheep they are laid in the grave; Death shall feed on them.’ — PSALM xlix.14. ‘The Lamb which is in the midst of the Throne shall feed them.’ — REV. vii.17. These two verses have a much closer parallelism in expression than appears in our Authorised […]

A SONG OF DELIVERANCE

A SONG OF DELIVERANCE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness 2 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King 3 God […]

THE CITY AND RIVER OF GOD

THE CITY AND RIVER OF GOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early 6 […]

THE PORTRAIT OF THE BRIDE

THE PORTRAIT OF THE BRIDE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father’s house; 11. So shall the King desire thy beauty: for He is thy Lord; and worship thou Him.12. And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even […]

THE PSALMIST’S REMONSTRANCE WITH HIS SOUL

THE PSALMIST’S REMONSTRANCE WITH HIS SOUL – Alexander Maclaren ‘Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in God: for I shall yet praise Him, the health of my countenance, and my God.’ — PSALM xliii.5. This verse, which closes this psalm, occurs twice in the previous […]

THIRSTING FOR GOD

THIRSTING FOR GOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God.’ — PSALM xiii.2. This whole psalm reads like the sob of a wounded heart. The writer of it is shut out from the Temple of his God, from the holy soil of his native land. One can see him sitting […]

Two Innumerable Series

Two Innumerable Series – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 40:5 ‘Many, O Lord my God, are Thy wonderful works which Thou hast done, and Thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto Thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered …12. Innumerable evils […]

THE BITTERNESS AND BLESSEDNESS OF THE BREVITY OF LIFE

THE BITTERNESS AND BLESSEDNESS OF THE BREVITY OF LIFE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Surely every man walketh in a vain shew….12. I am a stranger with Thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.’ — PSALM xxxix.6, 12. These two sayings are two different ways of putting the same thing. There is a common thought […]

THE SECRETOF TRANQUILLITY

THE SECRET OF TRANQUILLITY – Alexander Maclaren ‘Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart 5. Commit thy way unto the Lord….7. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.’ — PSALM xxxvii.4, 5, 7. ‘I have been young, and now am old,’ says the writer […]

WHAT MEN FIND BENEATH THE WINGS OF GOD

WHAT MEN FIND BENEATH THE WINGS OF GOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Thy house; and Thou shalt make them drink of the river of Thy pleasures.9. For with Thee is the fountain of life: in Thy light shall we see light.’ — PSALM xxxvi.8, 9. In the […]

SKY EARTH AND SEA APARABLE OF GOD

SKY EARTH AND SEA A PARABLE OF GOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.6. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; Thy judgments are a great deep: O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast.7. How excellent is Thy loving-kindness, O God! therefore the […]

NO CONDEMNATION

NO CONDEMNATION – Alexander Maclaren ‘None of them that trust in Him shall be desolate.’ — PSALM xxxiv.22. These words are very inadequately represented in the translation of the Authorised Version. The Psalmist’s closing declaration is something very much deeper than that they who trust in God ‘shall not be desolate.’ If you look at […]

STRUGGLING AND SEEKING

STRUGGLING AND SEEKING – Alexander Maclaren ‘The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.’ — PSALM xxxiv.10. If we may trust the superscription of this psalm, it was written by David at one of the very darkest days of his wanderings, probably in […]

THE ENCAMPING ANGEL

THE ENCAMPING ANGEL – Alexander Maclaren ‘The Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.’ — PSALM xxxiv.7. If we accept the statement in the superscription of this psalm, it dates from one of the darkest hours in David’s life. His fortunes were never lower than when he fled […]

HID IN LIGHT

HID IN LIGHT – Alexander Maclaren ‘Thou shall hide them in the secret of Thy presence from the pride of man; Thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.’ — PSALM xxxi.20. The word rendered ‘presence’ is literally ‘face,’ and the force of this very remarkable expression of confidence is […]

GOODNESS WROUGHT AND GOODNESS LAID UP

GOODNESS WROUGHT AND GOODNESS LAID UP – Alexander Maclaren ‘Oh how great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee; which Thou hast wrought for them that trust in Thee before the sons of men!’ — PSALM xxxi.19. The Psalmist has been describing, with the eloquence of misery, his own […]

BE FOR THOU ART

BE FOR THOU ART – Alexander Maclaren ‘Be Thou to me a strong Rock, an house of defence to save me.3. For Thou art my Rock and my Fortress.’ — PSALM xxxi.2, 3 (R.V.). It sounds strange logic, ‘Be … for Thou art,’ and yet it is the logic of prayer, and goes very deep, pointing out […]

THE TWO GUESTS

THE TWO GUESTS – Alexander Maclaren ‘His anger endureth but a moment; in His favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.’ — PSALM xxx.5. A word or two of exposition is necessary in order to bring out the force of this verse. There is an obvious antithesis […]

SEEK YE’-I WILL SEEK’

SEEK YE’- I WILL SEEK’ – Alexander Maclaren ‘When Thou saidst, Seek ye my face; My heart said unto Thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek 9 Hide not Thy face far from me.’ — PSALM xxvii.8, 9. We have here a report of a brief dialogue between God and a devout soul. The Psalmist […]

A PRAYER FOR PARDON AND ITS PLEA

A PRAYER FOR PARDON AND ITS PLEA – Alexander Maclaren ‘For Thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.’ — PSALM xxv.11. The context shows us that this is the prayer of a man who had long loved and served God. He says that ‘on God’ he ‘waits all the day,’ […]

THE GOD WHO DWELLS WITH MEN

THE GOD WHO DWELLS WITH MEN – Alexander Maclaren ‘Lift up your heads, O ye gates: and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in 8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle 9 Lift up your heads, O […]

A GREAT QUESTION AND ITS ANSWER

A GREAT QUESTION AND ITS ANSWER – Alexander Maclaren ‘Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? and who shall stand in His holy place?’ — PSALM xxiv.3. The psalm from which these words are taken flashes up into new beauty, if we suppose it to have been composed in connection with the bringing […]

THE SHEPHERD KING OF ISRAEL

THE SHEPHERD KING OF ISRAEL – Alexander Maclaren ‘The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters 3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake 4 Yea, though I […]

FEASTING ON THE SACRIFICE

FEASTING ON THE SACRIFICE – Alexander Maclaren ‘The meek shall eat and be satisfied.’ — PSALM xxii.26. ‘The flesh of the sacrifice of his peace-offering for thanksgiving shall be offered in the day of his oblation.’ Such was the law for Israel. And the custom of sacrificial feasts, which it embodies, was common to many […]

SECRET FAULTS

SECRET FAULTS – Alexander Maclaren ‘Who can understand his errors? cleanse Thou me from secret faults.’ PSALM xix.12. The contemplation of the ‘perfect law, enlightening the eyes,’ sends the Psalmist to his knees. He is appalled by his own shortcomings, and feels that, beside all those of which he is aware, there is a region, […]

MAN’S TRUE TREASURE IN GOD

MAN’S TRUE TREASURE IN GOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup; Thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.’ — PSALM xvi.5, 6. We read, in the law which created the priesthood in Israel, that […]

FENCES AND SERPENTS

FENCES AND SERPENTS – Alexander Maclaren ‘… Whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.’ — ECCLES. x.8. What is meant here is, probably, not such a hedge as we are accustomed to see, but a dry-stone wall, or, perhaps, an earthen embankment, in the crevices of which might lurk a snake to sting […]

ETERNITY IN THE HEART

ETERNITY IN THE HEART – Alexander Maclaren ‘He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also He hath set the world in their heart.’ — ECCLES. iii.11. There is considerable difficulty in understanding what precise meaning is to be attached to these words, and what precise bearing they have on the general course of […]

WHAT PASSES AND WHAT ABIDES

WHAT PASSES AND WHAT ABIDES – Alexander Maclaren ‘One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.’ — ECCLES. i.4. ‘And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.’ — 1 JOHN ii.17. A great river may run through […]

PORTRAIT OF A MATRON

PORTRAIT OF A MATRON – Alexander Maclaren ‘Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil 12 She will do him good, and not evil, all the days of her life […]

THE WEIGHT OF SAND

THE WEIGHT OF SAND – Alexander Maclaren “Sand is weighty.”—Pbovebbs xxxii. 3 HIS Book of Proverbs has a very wholesome horror of the character which it calls “a fool”; meaning thereby, not so much intellectual feebleness as moral and religious obliquity, which iire the stupidest things that a man can be guilty of. My text […]

THE AFTERWARDS AN DOUR HOPE

THE AFTERWARDS AND OUR HOPE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long 18 For surely there is an end and thine expectation shall not be cut off.’ — PROVERBS xxiii.17, 18. The Book of Proverbs seldom looks beyond the limits of the temporal, but now and then […]

THE SLUGGARD IN HARVEST

THE SLUGGARD IN HARVEST – Alexander Maclaren ‘The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.’ — PROVERBS xx.4. Like all the sayings of this book, this is simply a piece of plain, practical common sense, intended to inculcate the lesson that men should diligently […]

WHAT I THINK OF MYSELF AND WHAT GOD THINKS OF ME

WHAT I THINK OF MYSELF AND WHAT GOD THINKS OF ME – Alexander Maclaren ‘All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.’ — PROVERBS xvi.2. ‘All the ways of a man’ — then there is no such thing as being conscious of having gone wrong, […]

THE POOR RICH AND THE RICH POOR

THE POOR RICH AND THE RICH POOR – Alexander Maclaren ‘There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing; there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.’ — PROVERBS xiii.7. Two singularly-contrasted characters are set in opposition here. One, that of a man who lives like a millionaire and is a pauper; another, […]

THE TWO – FOLD ASPECT OF THE DIVINE WORKING

THE TWO-FOLD ASPECT OF THE DIVINE WORKING – Alexander Maclaren ‘The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.’ — PROVERBS x.29. You observe that the words ‘shall be,’ in the last clause, are a supplement. They are quite unnecessary, and in fact they rather […]

KEEPING AND KEPT

KEEPING AND KEPT – Alexander Maclaren ‘Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.’ — PROVERBS iv.23. ‘Kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.’ — 1 PETER 1.5. The former of these texts imposes a stringent duty, the latter promises divine help to perform it. […]

FROM DAWN TO NOON

FROM DAWN TO NOON – Alexander Maclaren ‘The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.’ — PROVERBS iv.18. ‘Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their father. — MATT. xiii.43. The metaphor common to both these texts is […]

MONOTONY AND CRISES

MONOTONY AND CRISES – Alexander Maclaren ‘When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.’ — PROVERBS iv.12. The old metaphor likening life to a path has many felicities in it. It suggests constant change, it suggests continuous progress in one direction, and that all our days […]

THE SECRET OF WELL BEING

THE SECRET OF WELL BEING – Alexander Maclaren ‘My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments. 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of […]

Sorrow that Worships

Sorrow that Worships – Alexander Maclaren Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away… Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken […]

ESTHER’S VENTURE

ESTHER’S VENTURE – Alexander Maclaren ‘Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai: 11 All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his […]

THE JOY OF THE LORD

THE JOY OF THE LORD – Alexander Maclaren The joy of the Lord is your strength.’ — Nehemiah 8:10 Judaism, in its formal and ceremonial aspect, was a religion of gladness.  The feast was the great act of worship.  It is not to be wondered at, that Christianity, the perfecting of that ancient system, has been […]

AN ANCIENT NONCONFORMIST

AN ANCIENT NONCONFORMIST – Alexander Maclaren ‘… So did not I, because of the fear of God.’ — Neh. v.15. I do not suppose that the ordinary Bible-reader knows very much about Nehemiah. He is one of the neglected great men of Scripture. He was no prophet, he had no glowing words, he had no […]

THE CHARGE OF THE PILGRIM PRIESTS

THE CHARGE OF THE PILGRIM PRIESTS – Alexander Maclaren ‘Watch ye, and keep them, until ye weigh them … at Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of the Lord.’ — EZRA viii.29. The little band of Jews, seventeen hundred in number, returning from Babylon, had just started on that long pilgrimage, and made a […]

HEROIC FAITH

HEROIC FAITH – Alexander Maclaren ‘I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon them all for good that seek Him…. 23 So we fasted and […]

GOD THE JOY BRINGER

GOD THE JOY BRINGER – Alexander Maclaren ‘They kept the feast … seven days with joy; for the Lord had made them joyful.’ — EZRA vi.22. Twenty years of hard work and many disappointments and dangers had at last, for the Israelites returning from the captivity, been crowned by the completion of the Temple. It […]

JOSIAH AND THE NEWLY FOUND LAW

JOSIAH AND THE NEWLY FOUND LAW – Alexander Maclaren ‘And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the Lord given by Moses 15 And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book […]

COSTLY AND FATAL HELP

COSTLY AND FATAL HELP – Alexander Maclaren ‘He sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him: and he said, Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel.’ — 2 CHRON. […]

Jotham

Jotham – Alexander Maclaren 2 Chronicles 27:1 Jotham was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem… So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God. This King Jotham is one of the obscurer of the Jewish monarchs, and we know […]

Prudence and Faith

Prudence and Faith – Alexander Maclaren 2 Chronicles 25:9 And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The Lord is able to give thee much more than this. The character of […]

Glad Givers and Faithful Workers

Glad Givers and Faithful Workers – Alexander Maclaren 2 Chronicles 24:4 And it came to pass after this, that Joash was minded to repair the house of the Lord 5 And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel […]

Holding Fast and Held Fast

Holding Fast and Held Fast – Alexander Maclaren 2 Chronicles 20:20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said… As they went forth Jehoshaphat stood and said, Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established.’ Certainly […]

ASA’S PRAYER

ASA’S PRAYER – Alexander Maclaren ‘And Asa cried unto the Lord his God, and said, Lord, it is nothing with Thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go against this multitude. O Lord, […]

THE WAVES OF TIME

THE WAVES OF TIME – Alexander Maclaren HIS is a fragment from the chronicler’s close of his life of King David. He is referring in it to other written authorities in which there are fuller particulars concerning his hero; and he says, “the Acts of David the King, first and last, behold they are written […]

DAVID’S CHORISTERS

DAVID’S CHORISTERS – Alexander Maclaren They stood in their office, according to their order.’ — 1 CHRON. vi.32 (R.V. margin). This brief note is buried in the catalogue of the singers appointed by David for ‘the service of song in the house of the Lord.’ The waves of their choral praise have long ages since […]

THE KING’S POTTERS

THE KING’S POTTERS – Alexander Maclaren ‘There they dwelt with the king for his work.’ — l CHRON. iv.23. In these dry lists of names which abound in Chronicles, we now and then come across points of interest, oases in the desert, which need but to be pondered sympathetically to yield interesting suggestions. Here for […]

THE END

THE END – Alexander Maclaren ‘1 And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about 2 […]

The Rediscovered Law and its Effects

The Rediscovered Law and its Effects – Alexander Maclaren ‘And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord: and Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it 9 And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought […]

Divided Worship

Divided Worship – Alexander Maclaren 2 Kings 17:33 They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from there. These nations feared the Lord, and served their own gods. The kingdom of Israel had come to its fated end. Its king and people had been […]

A Kingdom’s Epitaph

A Kingdom’s Epitaph – Alexander Maclaren 2 Kings 17:6 In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes 7 For so it was, that the children […]

THE SPIRIT OF POWER

THE SPIRIT OF POWER – Alexander Maclaren ‘And Elisha said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king’s hands.’ — 2 KINGS xiii.16. This is part of one of the strangest narratives in the Old Testament. Elisha […]

Naaman’s Wrath

Naaman’s Wrath – Alexander Maclaren 2 Kings 5:10 And Elisha sent a messenger unto Naaman, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean 11 But Naaman was wroth, and went away. These two figures are significant of much beyond themselves. Elisha the […]

A Miracle Needing Effort

A Miracle Needing Effort – Alexander Maclaren 2 Kings 4:25 So she went, and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite: 26 Run now, I pray thee, […]

WHEN THE OIL FLOWS

WHEN THE OIL FLOWS – Alexander Mclaren ‘And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.’ — 2 KINGS iv.6. The series of miracles ascribed to Elisha are […]

Elijah’s Translation and Elisha’s Deathbed

Elijah’s Translation and Elisha’s Deathbed – Alexander Maclaren 2 Kings 2:12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.’ ‘…And Joash, the King of Israel, came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said. O my father, my father, the chariot of […]

THE TRANSLATION OF ELIJAH AND THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST

THE TRANSLATION OF ELIJAH AND THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST – Alexander Mclaren ‘And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.’ — 2 KINGS ii.11. ‘And […]

UNPOSSESSED POSSESSIONS

UNPOSSESSED POSSESSIONS – Alexander Mclaren ‘And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, and we be still, and take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria?’ — 1 KINGS xxii.3. This city of Ramoth in Gilead was an important fortified place on […]

AHAB AND ELIJAH

AHAB AND ELIJAH – Alexander Mclaren ‘And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy!’ — 1 KINGS xxi.20. The keynote of Elijah’s character is force-the force of righteousness. The New Testament, you remember, speaks of the ‘power of Elias.’ The outward appearance of the man corresponds to his function and his […]

ROYAL MURDERERS

ROYAL MURDERERS – Alexander Mclaren ‘And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria 2 And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because […]

PUTTING ON THE ARMOUR

PUTTING ON THE ARMOUR – Alexander Mclaren And the king of Israel answered and said. Tell him. Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off.’ — 1 KINGS xx.11. For the Young. Ahab, King of Israel, was but a poor creature, and, like most weak characters, he […]

ELIJAH STANDING BEFORE THE LORD

ELIJAH STANDING BEFORE THE LORD – Alexander Mclaren And Elijah the Tishbite … said … As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand. — 1 KINGS xvii.1.   This solemn and remarkable adjuration seems to have been habitual upon Elijah’s lips in the great crises of his life. We never find it […]

A PROPHET’S STRANGE PROVIDERS

A PROPHET’S STRANGE PROVIDERS – Alexander Mclaren ‘And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word 2 And the word of the Lord came unto […]

How to Split a Kingdom

How to Split a Kingdom – Alexander Maclaren 1 Kings 12: And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king 2 And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it (for he was fled from the presence of […]

THE NEW GARMENT RENT

THE NEW GARMENT RENT – Alexander Mclaren ‘And Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon’s servant, whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king 27 And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and […]

THE FALL OF SOLOMON

THE FALL OF SOLOMON – Alexander Mclaren 1 Kings 11:4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father 5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the […]

BUILDING IN SILENCE

BUILDING IN SILENCE – Alexander Mclaren ‘. . . There was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of Iron heard In the house, while it was in building.’ — 1 KINGS vi 7. The Temple was built in silence. It ‘rose like an exhalation.’ ‘No hammer fell, no ponderous axes rung,Like some tall palm […]

A Young Man’s Wise Choice Of Wisdom

A Young Man’s Wise Choice Of Wisdom – Alexander Mclaren 1 Kings 3:5 In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee 6 And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto Thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before Thee […]

The Royal Jubilee

The Royal Jubilee – Alexander Maclaren 2 Samuel 23:3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, He that rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. [Footnote: Preached on the occasion of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.] ‘… He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling […]

THE DYING KING’S LAST VISIONAND PSALM

THE DYING KING’S LAST VISION AND PSALM – Alexander Mclaren ‘Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, 2 The Spirit of the Lord spake by […]

BARZILLAI

BARZILLAI – Alexander Mclaren ‘And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem? 35 I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil! can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I […]

THE WAIL OF A BROKEN HEART

THE WAIL OF A BROKEN HEART – Alexander Mclaren ‘Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king’s dale; for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance; and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called […]

ITTAI OF GATH

ITTAI OF GATH – Alexander Mclaren ‘And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.’ — 2 SAMUEL xv.21. It was the darkest hour […]

GOD’S BANISHED ONES

GOD’S BANISHED ONES – Alexander Mclaren God doth devise means, that His banished be not expelled from Him.”—2 SAM. xiv. 14. david’s good-for-nothing son Absalom had brought about the murder of one of his brothers, and had fled the country. His father weakly loved the brilliant blackguard, and would fain have had him back, but was […]

THE ARK OF THE HOUSE OF OBED – EDOM

THE ARK OF THE HOUSE OF OBED – EDOM – Alexander Mclaren ‘The ark of the Lord continued in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months; and the Lord blessed Obed-edom, and all his household.’-2 SAMUEL vi.11.   Nearly seventy years had elapsed since the capture of the ark by the Philistines on the […]

DEATH AND LIFE FROM THE ARK

DEATH AND LIFE FROM THE ARK – Alexander Mclaren ‘Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand 2 And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name […]

THE SECRET OF COURAGE

THE SECRET OF COURAGE – Alexander Mclaren ‘But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.’ — 1 Samuel xxx.6.   David was at perhaps the very lowest ebb of his fortunes. He had long been a wandering outlaw, and had finally been driven, by Saul’s persistent hostility, to take refuge in the Philistines’ country. […]

A SOUL’S TRAGEDY

A SOUL’S TRAGEDY – Alexander Mclaren 1 Samuel 18:5 And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war; and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants 6 And it came to pass as […]

THE VICTORY OF UNARMED FAITH

THE VICTORY OF UNARMED FAITH – Alexander Mclaren ‘And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine 33 And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, […]

SAMUEL’S CHALLENGE AND CHARGE

SAMUEL’S CHALLENGE AND CHARGE – Alexander Mclaren ‘And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you 2 And now, behold, the king walketh before you: and I am old and grayheaded; and, behold, my sons are with […]

REPENTANCE AND VICTORY

REPENTANCE AND VICTORY – Alexander Mclaren ‘And the men of Kirjath-jearim came, and fetched up the ark of the Lord, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the Lord 2 And it came to pans, while the ark abode in Kirjath-jearim, […]

GIDEON’S ALTAR

GIDEON’S ALTAR – Alexander Mclaren “Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovah-shalom ” (the Lord is peace). Judges vi. 24. The picturesque story is familiar of the simple husbandman up in the hills, engaged furtively in threshing out a little wheat in some hollow in the rock, where he might hide […]

LOVE MAKES SUNS

LOVE MAKES SUNS – Alexander Mclaren ‘Let them that love Him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might.’ JUDGES V.51.These are the closing words of Deborah, the great warrior-prophetess of Israel. They are in singular contrast with the tone of fierce enthusiasm for battle which throbs through the rest of the […]

RECREANT REUBEN

RECREANT REUBEN – Alexander Mclaren Judges 5:16 Why stayed you among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks?… Why satest then among the sheepfolds, to hear the pipings for the flocks? At the watercourses of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.’ I. The fight. The warfare is ever repeated, though in new […]

ISRAEL’S OBSTINACY AND GOD’S PATIENCE

ISRAEL’S OBSTINACY AND GOD’S PATIENCE – Alexander Mclaren ‘And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim; 12 And they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were […]

THE END OF THE WAR

THE END OF THE WAR – Alexander Mclaren Joshua 21:43 And the LORD gave to Israel all the land which he swore to give to their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelled therein.… And the Lord gave unto Israel all the land which He sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, […]

UNWON BUT CLAIMED

UNWON BUT CLAIMED – Alexander Mclaren Joshua 13:1 Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said to him, You are old and stricken in years… ‘There remaineth yet very much land to be possessed, … them will I drive out from before the children of Israel; only divide thou it by […]

THE SUN STAYED

THE SUN STAYED – Alexander Mclaren Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon.’-JOSHUA x.12 ‘The last time,’ what a sad sound that has! In all minds there is a shrinking from the last time of doing even some common act. The walk down a street that we have passed every day for twenty years, and never […]

THE CAPTAIN OF THE LORD’S HOST

THE CAPTAIN OF THE LORD’S HOST – Alexander Mclaren And he said, Nay, but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. JOSHUA v.14. The army of Israel was just beginning a hard conflict under an untried leader. Behind them the Jordan barred their retreat, in front of them Jericho forbade […]

THE UNTRODDEN PATH AND THEGUIDING ARK

THE UNTRODDEN PATH AND THEGUIDING ARK – Alexander Mclaren ‘Come not near unto the ark, that ye may know the way by which ye must go; for ye have not passed this way heretofore.’ — JOSHUA iii.4. It was eminently true of Israel that they had ‘not passed this way heretofore,’ inasmuch as the path […]

THE CHARGE TO THE SOLDIER OF THE LORD

THE CHARGE TO THE SOLDIER OF THE LORD – Alexander Mclaren ‘Only be then strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded thee… that thou mayest prosper wheresoever thou goest.8. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but […]

THE NEW LEADER’S COMMISSION

THE NEW LEADER’S COMMISSION – Alexander Mclaren Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, 2. Moses My servant is dead: now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the […]

GOD AND HIS SAINTS

GOD AND HIS SAINTS – Alexander Maclaren ‘He loved the people; all His saints are in Thy hand: and they sat down at Thy feet; every one shall receive of Thy words.’ — DEUT. xxxiii.3.   The great ode of which these words are a part is called ‘the blessing wherewith Moses blessed the children […]

THE EAGLE AND ITS BROOD

THE EAGLE AND ITS BROOD – Alexander Maclaren ‘As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings.’ — DEUT. xxxii.11. This is an incomplete sentence in the Authorised Version, but really it should be rendered as a complete one; the description of […]

THE LESSON OF MEMORY

THE LESSON OF MEMORY – Alexander Maclaren ‘Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these lofty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep His commandments, or no.’ — DEUT. viii.2.   The strand of […]

MOSES DESPONDENT

MOSES DESPONDENT – Alexander Maclaren ‘I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.’NUM. xi.14. Detail the circumstances. The leader speaks the truth in his despondency. He is pressed with the feeling of his incapacity for his work. We may take his words here as teaching us […]

THE OLD STORE AND THE NEW

THE OLD STORE AND THE NEW – Alexander Maclaren ‘Ye shall eat old store, and bring forth the old because of the new.’ Leviticus 26:10. This is one of the blessings promised to obedience. No doubt it, like the other elements of that ‘prosperity’ which ‘is the blessing of the Old Testament,’ presupposes a supernatural order […]

THE KINSMAN REDEEMER

THE KINSMAN REDEEMER – Alexander Maclaren ‘After that he is sold he may be redeemed again; one of his brethren may redeem him.’ — LEV. xxv.48. There are several of the institutions and precepts of the Mosaic legislation which, though not prophetic, nor typical, have yet remarkable correspondences with lofty Christian truth. They may be […]

THE SCAPEGOAT

THE SCAPEGOAT – Alexander Maclaren ‘And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited….’-LEV. xvi.22. The import of the remarkable treatment of this goat does not depend on the interpretation of the obscure phrase rendered in the Authorised Version ‘for the scapegoat.’ Leaving that out of sight for the […]

AN OLD SUBSCRIPTION LIST

AN OLD SUBSCRIPTION LIST – Alexander Maclaren ‘And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering to the work….’ EXODUS xxxv.21. This is the beginning of the catalogue of contributions towards the erection of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. It […]

Blessed and Tragic Unconsciousness

Blessed and Tragic Unconsciousness – Alexander Maclaren ‘… Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.’ — EXODUS xxxiv.29. ‘… And Samson wist not that the Lord had departed from him.’ — JUDGES xvi.20. The recurrence of the same phrase in two such opposite connections is very striking. […]

SIN AND FORGIVENESS

SIN AND FORGIVENESS – Alexander Maclaren ‘… Forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty….’ — EXODUS xxiv.7. The former chapter tells us of the majesty of the divine revelation as it was made to Moses on ‘the mount of God.’ Let us notice that, whatever was the […]

THREE INSCRIPTIONS WITH ONE MEANING

THREE INSCRIPTIONS WITH ONE MEANING – Alexander Mclaren “Thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, . . ‘Holiness to the Lord.’ “—exodus xxviii. 36. “In that day there shall be upon the bells of the horses, ‘ Holiness unto the Lord.’”—Zech. xiv. 20. “His name shall be in their foreheads.”—Rev. xxii. 4. OU will have perceived […]

THE HANDS OF THE MIGHTY GOD OF JACOB

THE HANDS OF THE MIGHTY GOD OF JACOB – Alexander Mclaren The archers shot at him, but his bow abode in strength, 24 and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob.’ Genesis 49:23, 24. These picturesque words are part of what purports to be one […]

GROWTH BY TRANSPLANTING

GROWTH BY TRANSPLANTING – Alexander Mclaren ‘Then Joseph came and told Pharaoh, and said, My father and my brethren, and their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have, are come out of the land of Canaan; and, behold, they are in the land of Goshen. And he took some of his brethren, even […]

RECOGNITION AND RECONCILIATION

RECOGNITION AND RECONCILIATION – Alexander Mclaren ‘Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren 2 And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the […]

MAN’S PASSIONS ANDGOD’S PURPOSE

MAN’S PASSIONS ANDGOD’S PURPOSE – Alexander Mclaren ‘And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water […]

A FORGOTTEN VOW

A FORGOTTEN VOW – Alexander Mclaren ‘Arise, go up to Beth-el, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother,’GENESIS XXXV.1. Thirty years at least had passed since Jacob’s vow; ten or twenty since his return. He is in no […]

THE HEAVENLY PATHWAYAND THE EARTHLY HEART

THE HEAVENLY PATHWAYAND THE EARTHLY HEART – Alexander Mclaren And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in […]

A BAD BARGAIN

A BAD BARGAIN – Alexander Mclaren GENESIS xxv. 27-34 And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob. And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came […]

JEHOVAH-JIREH

JEHOVAH-JIREH – Alexander Mclaren GENESIS xxii. 14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh; (that is, The Lord will provide)  As these two, Abraham and Isaac, were travelling up the hill, the son bearing the wood, and the father with the sad burden of the fire and the knife, the boy said: Where […]

FAITH TESTED AND CROWNED

FAITH TESTED AND CROWNED – Alexander Mclaren GENESIS xxii And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And He said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of […]

A PETULANT WISH

A PETULANT WISH – Alexander Mclaren GENESIS xvii. 18 And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before Thee! These words sound very devout, and they have often been used by Christian parents yearning for the best interests of their children, and sometimes of their wayward and prodigal children. But consecrated as they […]

FAITH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS

FAITH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS – Alexander Mclaren GENESIS xv. 6 – And he believed in the Lord; and He counted it to him for righteousness. It is remarkable to find this anticipation of New Testament teaching so far back. It is like finding one full-blown flower in a garden where all else is but swelling into […]

THE WORD THAT SCATTERS FEAR

THE WORD THAT SCATTERS FEAR – Alexander Mclaren GENESIS xv. 1 – Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. I. Abram was now apparently about eighty-five years old. He had been fourteen years in Palestine, and had, for the only time in his life, quite recently been driven to have […]

GOD’S COVENANT WITH ABRAM

GOD’S COVENANT WITH ABRAM – Alexander Mclaren GENESIS xv. 5-18 – And He brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and He said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the Lord; and He counted it to […]

ABRAM THE HEBREW

ABRAM THE HEBREW – Alexander Mclaren GENESIS xiv. 13 – And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew. This is a singular designation of Abram as The Hebrew.’ Probably we have in its use here a trace of the customary epithet which he bore among the inhabitants of Canaan, and perhaps […]

THE IMPORTANCE OF ACHOICE

THE IMPORTANCE OF A CHOICE – Alexander Mclaren GENESIS xiii. 1-13 – And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. And he went on his journeys from the […]

ABRAM AND THE LIFE OF FAITH

ABRAM AND THE LIFE OF FAITH – Alexander Mclaren A great act of renunciation at the divine call lies at the foundation of Israel’s history, as it does at the foundation of every life that blesses the world or is worth living. The divine Word to Abram first gives the command in all its authoritativeness […]

AN EXAMPLE OF FAITH

AN EXAMPLE OF FAITH – Alexander Mclaren Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name […]

THE SIGN FOR MAN AND THE REMEMBRANCER FOR GOD

THE SIGN FOR MAN AND THE REMEMBRANCER FOR GOD – Alexander Mclaren And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying, And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you; And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and […]

THE SAINT AMONG SINNERS

THE SAINT AMONG SINNERS – Alexander Mclaren These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon […]

THE COURSE AND CROWN OF ADEVOUT LIFE

THE COURSE AND CROWN OF A DEVOUT LIFE – Alexander Mclaren And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.’- GENESIS v. 24. This notice of Enoch occurs in the course of a catalogue of the descendants of Adam, from the Creation to the Deluge. It is evidently a very ancient […]

WITH, BEFORE, AFTER

WITH, BEFORE, AFTER – Alexander Mclaren GENESIS xvii. 1 Enoch walked with God,’—GENESIS v. 22. Walk before Me. Ye shall walk after the Lord your God.’—DEUTERONOMY xiii. 4. You will have anticipated, I suppose, my purpose in doing what I very seldom do—cutting little snippets out of different verses and putting them together. You see […]

HOW SIN CAME IN

HOW SIN CAME IN – Alexander Mclaren GENESIS iii. 1-15 — HOW SIN CAME IN Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the […]

THE VISION OF CREATION

THE VISION OF CREATION – Alexander Mclaren GENESIS i. 26-ii. 3 — THE VISION OF CREATION And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the […]

The Ray and the Reflection

The Ray and the Reflection – Alexander Maclaren 1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us. We love Him, because He first loved us. Very simple words! but they go down into the depths of God, lifting burdens off the heart of humanity, turning duty into delight, and changing the aspect of […]

Christ’s Mission the Revelation of God’s Love

Christ’s Mission the Revelation of God’s Love – Alexander Maclaren 1 John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to […]

The Growth and Power of Sin

The Growth and Power of Sin – Alexander Maclaren 1 John 3:12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And why slew he him? Because his own works were evil… ‘And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an […]

Practical Righteousness

Practical Righteousness – Alexander Maclaren 1 John 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. Little children, let no man deceive you; he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous. The popular idea of the Apostle John is strangely unlike the […]

The Commandment, Old Yet New

The Commandment, Old Yet New – Alexander Maclaren 1 John 2:7 Brothers, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning… I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning…. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which […]

The Message and its Practical Results

The Message and its Practical Results – Alexander Maclaren 1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that […]

The Owner and His Slaves

The Owner and His Slaves – Alexander Maclaren 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you… Denying the Lord that bought them. The institution of slavery was one of the greatest blots on ancient civilisation. It was twice cursed, cursing both parties, […]

Going Out and Going In

Going Out and Going In – Alexander Maclaren 2 Peter 1:11 For so an entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. An entrance … my decease. I do not like, and do not often indulge in, the practice of taking fragments of Scripture for […]

Man Summoned by God’s Glory and Energy

Man Summoned by God’s Glory and Energy – Alexander Maclaren 2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness… … His Divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us […]

Sylvanus

Sylvanus – Alexander Maclaren 1 Peter 5:12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother to you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting… By Sylvanus, our faithful brother, as I account him, I have written unto you briefly. I adopt the Revised Version because, in one or two small points, it brings out more clearly the […]

The Slave’s Girdle

The Slave’s Girdle – Alexander Maclaren 1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, you younger, submit yourselves to the elder. Yes, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility… … Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. The Apostle uses here an expression of a […]

Christian Asceticism

Christian Asceticism – Alexander Maclaren 1 Peter 4:1 For as much then as Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind… Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath […]

Hallowing Christ

Hallowing Christ – Alexander Maclaren 1 Peter 3:14 But and if you suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are you: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;… Be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. These words are a quotation from the prophet Isaiah, […]

Christ the Exemplar

Christ the Exemplar – Alexander Maclaren 1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps:… For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps. These words […]

Spiritual Sacrifices

Spiritual Sacrifices – Alexander Maclaren 1 Peter 2:5 You also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices… … Spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. In this verse Peter piles up his metaphors in a fine profusion, perfectly careless of oratorical elegance or propriety. […]

Living Stones on the Living Foundation Stone

Living Stones on the Living Foundation Stone – Alexander Maclaren 1 Peter 2:4 To whom coming, as to a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,… To Whom coming, as unto a living stone … ye also, as living stones, are built up. I wonder whether Peter, when he wrote […]

Purifying the Soul

Purifying the Soul – Alexander Maclaren 1 Peter 1:22 Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit to unfeigned love of the brothers… … ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren. Note these three subsidiary clauses introduced respectively by […]

Father and Judge

Father and Judge – Alexander Maclaren 1 Peter 1:17 And if you call on the Father, who without respect of persons judges according to every man’s work… If ye call on Him as Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear. ‘If […]

Hope Perfectly

Hope Perfectly – Alexander Maclaren 1 Peter 1:13 Why gird up the loins of your mind, be sober… Wherefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end, for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Christianity has transformed hope, and given […]

Christ and His Cross the Centre of the Universe

Christ and His Cross the Centre of the Universe – Alexander Maclaren 1 Peter 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come to you:… Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently … the things which are now reported unto you … […]

Joy in Believing

Joy in Believing – Alexander Maclaren 1 Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: In Whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. The Apostle […]

The True Gold and its Testing

The True Gold and its Testing – Alexander Maclaren 1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire… That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might […]

Sorrowful, Yet Always Rejoicing

Sorrowful, Yet Always Rejoicing – Alexander Maclaren 1 Peter 1:6 Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations:… Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations. You will remember the great saying of […]

Sojourners of the Dispersion

Sojourners of the Dispersion – Alexander Maclaren 1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,… Peter, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered . The words rendered ‘strangers scattered’ are literally ‘sojourners of the Dispersion,’ and are so rendered in the […]

God’s True Treasure in Man

God’s True Treasure in Man – Alexander Maclaren Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. The Lord’s portion is His people; Jacob is the lot of His inheritance. ‘Jesus Christ (Who) gave Himself for us, that […]

The Conduct that Secures the Real Life

The Conduct that Secures the Real Life – Alexander Maclaren 1 Timothy 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on […]

One Witness, Many Confessors

One Witness, Many Confessors – Alexander Maclaren 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto you are also called… Thou . . . hast professed a good profession before many witnesses 13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ […]

Spiritual Athletics

Spiritual Athletics – Alexander Maclaren 1 Timothy 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself rather to godliness. Exercise thyself unto Godliness. Timothy seems to have been not a very strong character: sensitive, easily discouraged, and perhaps with a constitutional tendency to indolence. At all events, it is very touching to notice […]

Where and How to Pray

Where and How to Pray – Alexander Maclaren 1 Timothy 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting. The context shows that this is part of the Apostle’s directory for […]

The Glory of the King

The Glory of the King – Alexander Maclaren 1 Timothy 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. Now, unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. With this burst of […]

A Test Case

A Test Case – Alexander Maclaren 1 Timothy 1:16 However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering… Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe. The […]

The Gospel in Small

The Gospel in Small – Alexander Maclaren 1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. […]

The Chief of Sinners

The Chief of Sinners – Alexander Maclaren 1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Of whom I am chief. The less teachers of religion talk about themselves the better; and yet there is a […]

The Gospel of the Glory of the Happy God’

The Gospel of the Glory of the Happy God’ – Alexander Maclaren 1 Timothy 1:11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. The glorious gospel of the blessed God. Two remarks of an expository character will prepare the way for our consideration of this text. The first […]

The Lord of Peace and the Peace of the Lord

The Lord of Peace and the Peace of the Lord – Alexander Maclaren 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. Now the Lord of Peace Himself give you peace always, by all means. The Lord be with you all. We […]

Everlasting Consolation and Good Hope

Everlasting Consolation and Good Hope – Alexander Maclaren 2 Thessalonians 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which has loved us… Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation, and good hope through grace 17 Comfort your […]

Worthy of Your Calling

Worthy of Your Calling – Alexander Maclaren 2 Thessalonians 1:11 Why also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness… We pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the […]

Without and Within

Without and Within – Alexander Maclaren Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Them that are without. That is, of course, an expression for the non-Christian world; the outsiders who are beyond the pale of the Church. There was a very broad line of distinction between it and the […]

Risen with Christ

Risen with Christ – Alexander Maclaren Colossians 3:1 If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.… If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God 2 Set your […]

Christian Progress

Christian Progress – Alexander Maclaren Colossians 2:6 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk you in him:… As therefore ye received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and builded up in Him. It is characteristic of Paul that he should here use three figures incongruous with each other […]

Christian Endeavour

Christian Endeavour – Alexander Maclaren Colossians 1:29 Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily. I also labour, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily. I have chosen this text principally because it brings together the two subjects which are naturally before us to-day. All ‘Western […]

Thankful for Inheritance

Thankful for Inheritance – Alexander Maclaren Colossians 1:12 Giving thanks to the Father, which has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:… Giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. It is interesting to notice how […]

‘All Power’

‘All Power’ – Alexander Maclaren Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, to all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; Strengthened with all power, according to the might of His glory, unto all patience and longsuffering with joy. There is a wonderful rush and fervour in the prayers of Paul. No parts […]

The Gospel-Hope

The Gospel-Hope – Alexander Maclaren Colossians 1:5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; The hope of the Gospel. ‘God never sends mouths but He sends meat to feed them,’ says the old proverb. And yet it seems […]

Saints, Believers, Brethren

Saints, Believers, Brethren – Alexander Maclaren Colossians 1:2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be to you, and peace… . . . The saints and faithful brethren in Christ. ‘The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch,’ says the Acts of the Apostles. It was a name given […]

Gifts Given, Seed Sown

Gifts Given, Seed Sown – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 4:15 Now you Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia… And ye yourselves also know, ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the Gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church had fellowship with me in the matter of […]

How to Say ‘thank You’

How to Say ‘thank You’ – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 4:10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me has flourished again; wherein you were also careful… But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did […]

Think on These Things

Think on These Things – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure… . . . Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good […]

The Warrior Peace

The Warrior Peace – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. The great Mosque of Constantinople was once a Christian church, dedicated to […]

Rejoice Evermore

Rejoice Evermore – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.… Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say, rejoice! It has been well said that this whole epistle may be summed up in two short sentences: ‘I rejoice’; ‘Rejoice ye!’ The word and the thing crop up […]

Names in the Book of Life

Names in the Book of Life – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 4:3 And I entreat you also, true yoke fellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also… Other my fellow-labourers whose names are in the book of life. Paul was as gentle as he was strong. Winsome courtesy and delicate […]

How to Obey an Impossible Injunction

How to Obey an Impossible Injunction – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brothers dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.… Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. It is […]

Farewell Words

Farewell Words – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brothers dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.… Now unto our God and Father be the glory for ever and ever, Amen. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me salute […]

A Tender Exhortation

A Tender Exhortation – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brothers dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.… Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. The words I have chosen […]

The Rule of the Road

The Rule of the Road – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 3:16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule. Paul has just been laying down a great principle — viz. that if […]

The Race and the Goal

The Race and the Goal – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 3:13 Brothers, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind… This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark […]

Laid Hold of and Laying Hold

Laid Hold of and Laying Hold – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after… I follow after if that I may apprehend that for which also I was apprehended of Christ Jesus. ‘I was laid hold of by Jesus Christ.’ That is how […]

Saving Knowledge

Saving Knowledge – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable to his death; That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, becoming conformed unto His death; ifby any means […]

The Gain of Christ

The Gain of Christ – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 3:8 Yes doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord… That I may gain Christ, and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own, even that which is of the law, but that […]

The Loss of All

The Loss of All – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh: if any other man thinketh to have confidence in the […]

Warnings and Hopes

Warnings and Hopes – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Brethren, be ye imitators together of me, and mark them which so walk even as ye have us for an ensample. […]

Preparing to End

Preparing to End – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.… Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not irksome, but […]

Paul and Epaphroditus

Paul and Epaphroditus – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your messenger… But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need 26 […]

Paul and Timothy

Paul and Timothy – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly to you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.… But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, […]

Copies of Jesus

Copies of Jesus – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:… Do all things without murmurings and disputings; 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world, 16 […]

The Ascent of Jesus

The Ascent of Jesus – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 2:9 Why God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:… Wherefore also God highly exalted Him and gave unto Him the name which is above every name; 10 That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of […]

The Descent of the Word

The Descent of the Word – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:… Have this mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, counted it not a prize to be on an equality with God, 7 But […]

Work Out Your Own Salvation

Work Out Your Own Salvation – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13. For it is God which worketh in you both to will […]

A Willing Sacrifice

A Willing Sacrifice – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,… That I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labour in vain […]

A Plea for Unity

A Plea for Unity – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,… If there is therefore any comfort in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender […]

A Strait Betwixt Two

A Strait Betwixt Two – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not […]

A Prisoner’s Triumph

A Prisoner’s Triumph – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 1:12 But I would you should understand, brothers… Now I would have you know, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel; 13 So that my bonds became manifest in Christ throughout the whole praetorian guard, and to […]

A Comprehensive Prayer

A Comprehensive Prayer – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;… And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment; 10 So that ye may approve the things that are […]

Loving Greetings

Loving Greetings – Alexander Maclaren Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi… Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace […]

The Wide Range of God’s Grace

The Wide Range of God’s Grace – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 6:24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. In turning to the great words which I have read as a text, I ask you to […]

The Sword of the Spirit’

The Sword of the Spirit’ – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. We reach here the last and only offensive weapon in the panoply. The ‘of’ here does […]

The Helmet of Salvation’

The Helmet of Salvation’ – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Take the helmet of salvation. We may, perhaps, trace a certain progress in the enumeration of the various pieces of the Christian armour in this context. Roughly speaking, […]

The Shield of Faith

The Shield of Faith – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Above all, taking the shield of faith, whereby ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. There were two […]

A Soldier’s Shoes

A Soldier’s Shoes – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Paul drew the first draft of this picture of the Christian armour in his first letter. It is a finished picture here. One can […]

The Girdle of Truth’

The Girdle of Truth’ – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; Stand, therefore, having girded your loins with truth. The general exhortation here points to the habitual attitude of the Christian soldier. However many conflicts he may have waged, he is […]

The Breastplate of Righteousness’

The Breastplate of Righteousness’ – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; Having put on the breastplate of righteousness. There can be no doubt that in this whole context the Apostle has in mind the great passage in Isaiah lix. where the […]

The Panoply of God

The Panoply of God – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 6:13 Why take to you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and […]

Redeeming the Time

Redeeming the Time – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 5:15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, See, then, that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Some of us have, in all probability, very little more ‘time’ to ‘redeem.’ Some of […]

Sleepers At Noonday

Sleepers At Noonday – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 5:14 Why he said, Awake you that sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light. Wherefore He saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light, This is the close of a short digression about ‘light.’ The […]

Unfruitful Works of Darkness

Unfruitful Works of Darkness – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. We have seen in a former sermon that ‘the fruit,’ or outcome, ‘of the Light’ is a comprehensive […]

Paul’s Reasons for Temperance

Paul’s Reasons for Temperance – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in […]

Pleasing Christ

Pleasing Christ – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 5:10 Proving what is acceptable to the Lord. Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. These words are closely connected with those which precede them in the 8th verse — ‘Walk as children of light.’ They further explain the mode by which that commandment is to be fulfilled. They […]

The Fruit of the Light

The Fruit of the Light – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) The fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth. This is one of the cases in which the Revised Version has done service by giving currency to […]

What Children of Light Should Be

What Children of Light Should Be – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 5:8 For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Walk as children of light. It was our Lord who coined this great name for His disciples. Paul’s use of it is probably a reminiscence of […]

God’s Imitators

God’s Imitators – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 5:1 Be you therefore followers of God, as dear children; Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children. The Revised Version gives a more literal and more energetic rendering of this verse by reading, ‘Be ye, therefore, imitators of God, as beloved children.’ It is the only place in the Bible where […]

Grieving the Spirit

Grieving the Spirit – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed to the day of redemption. Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. The miracle of Christianity is the Incarnation. It is not a link in a […]

The New Man

The New Man – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 4:24 And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. We had occasion to remark in a former sermon that Paul […]

A Dark Picture and a Bright Hope

A Dark Picture and a Bright Hope – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 4:22 That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; That ye put off, concerning the former conversation, the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. If a doctor knows that […]

Christ Our Lesson and Our Teacher

Christ Our Lesson and Our Teacher – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 4:20 But you have not so learned Christ;… But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard Him, and have been taught in Him. The Apostle has been describing in very severe terms the godlessness and corruption of heathenism. He […]

The Goal of Progress

The Goal of Progress – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man… Till we all attain unto the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a full grown […]

The Measure of Grace’

The Measure of Grace’ – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 4:7 But to every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. But unto each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. The Apostle here makes a swift transition from the […]

The Threefold Unity

The Threefold Unity – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One Lord, one faith, one baptism. The thought of the unity of the Church is very prominent in this epistle. It is difficult for us, amidst our present divisions, to realise how strange and wonderful it then was that a bond […]

The Calling and the Kingdom

The Calling and the Kingdom – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation with which you are called, I beseech you, that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called. ‘They shall walk with Me in white; for they are […]

The Climax of All Prayer

The Climax of All Prayer – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God. That ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. The Apostle’s many-linked prayer, which we have been considering in successive sermons, has […]

Love Unknowable and Known

Love Unknowable and Known – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; That ye … may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, […]

the Whole Family’

the Whole Family’ – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, The whole family in heaven and earth. Grammatically, we are driven to recognise that the Revised Version is more correct than the Authorised, when it reads ‘every family,’ instead of ‘the whole family.’ There is in […]

the Chief Corner-Stone’

the Chief Corner-Stone’ – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 2:20 And are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;… Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the chief corner-stone. The Roman Empire had in Paul’s time gathered into a great unity […]

God’s Workmanship and Our Works

God’s Workmanship and Our Works – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. […]

Salvation: Grace: Faith

Salvation: Grace: Faith – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:… By grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Here are three of the key-words of the New […]

The Riches of Grace’

The Riches of Grace’ – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 2:7 That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus. One […]

The Resurrection of Dead Souls

The Resurrection of Dead Souls – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ. Scripture paints […]

The Measure of Immeasurable Power

The Measure of Immeasurable Power – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,… That ye may know … what is the exceeding greatness of His power to usward who believe, according to the working of His mighty […]

The Hope of the Calling

The Hope of the Calling – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of his calling… That ye may know what is the hope of His calling. A man’s prayers for others are a very fair thermometer of his own religious condition. What […]

God’s Inheritance in the Saints

God’s Inheritance in the Saints – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of his calling… That ye may know what is the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. The misery of Hope is that it so often owes […]

The Earnest and the Inheritance

The Earnest and the Inheritance – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of his glory. The earnest of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession. I have dealt with a portion of this verse in conjunction with the […]

God’s Inheritance and Ours

God’s Inheritance and Ours – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance… In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, … the earnest of our inheritance. A dewdrop twinkles into green and gold as the sunlight falls on it. A diamond flashes many colours as its facets catch the light. […]

According to the Riches of His Grace

According to the Riches of His Grace – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;… According to the riches of His grace. We have seen, in a previous sermon, that a characteristic note of this letter is the frequent […]

According to the Good Pleasure of His Will

According to the Good Pleasure of His Will – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, According to the good pleasure of His will, … According to the riches of His grace. That phrase, ‘according to,’ is […]

‘All Spiritual Blessings’

‘All Spiritual Blessings’ – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:… Blessed be God … who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. It is very characteristic of Paul’s […]

Saints and Faithful

Saints and Faithful – Alexander Maclaren Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:… The saints which are at Ephesus and the faithful in Christ Jesus. That is Paul’s way of describing a church. There were […]

The Owner’s Brand

The Owner’s Brand – Alexander Maclaren Galatians 6:17 From now on let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. The reference in these words is probably to the cruel custom of branding slaves as we […]

Doing Good to All

Doing Good to All – Alexander Maclaren Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good to all men, especially to them who are of the household of faith. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all. ‘As we have therefore’ — that points a finger backwards to what has […]

The Fruit of the Spirit

The Fruit of the Spirit – Alexander Maclaren Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance. ‘The fruit of the Spirit,’ says Paul, not the fruits, as we might […]

Walk in the Spirit’

Walk in the Spirit’ – Alexander Maclaren Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. We are not to suppose that the Apostle here uses the familiar contrast of […]

The Universal Prison

The Universal Prison – Alexander Maclaren Galatians 3:22 But the scripture has concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.… But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. The […]

Lessons of Experience

Lessons of Experience – Alexander Maclaren Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth… Have ye suffered so many things in vain? Preached on the last Sunday of the year. This vehement question is usually taken to be a reminder to the fickle Galatians that their Christian […]

From Centre to Circumference

From Centre to Circumference – Alexander Maclaren Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me… The life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. We have a […]

A Militant Message

A Militant Message – Alexander Maclaren 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God… Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ; and being in readiness to […]

God’s Unspeakable Gift

God’s Unspeakable Gift – Alexander Maclaren 2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift. Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift. It seems strange that there should ever have been any doubt as to what gift it is which evokes this burst of thanksgiving. There is but one of God’s many […]

Willing and not Doing

Willing and not Doing – Alexander Maclaren 2 Corinthians 8:11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will… Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will so there may be a performance also. The Revised Version reads: ‘But now complete the […]

Rich Yet Poor

Rich Yet Poor – Alexander Maclaren 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor… For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye […]

Giving and Asking

Giving and Asking – Alexander Maclaren 2 Corinthians 8:1 Moreover, brothers, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;… Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the […]

Hope and Holiness

Hope and Holiness – Alexander Maclaren 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit… Having therefore these promises . . . let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. It is […]

The Entreaties of God

The Entreaties of God – Alexander Maclaren 2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be you reconciled to God. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech … by us: we pray … in […]

The Love that Constrains

The Love that Constrains – Alexander Maclaren 2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: The love of Christ constraineth us. It is a dangerous thing to be unlike other people. It is still more dangerous to be better […]

The Patient Workman

The Patient Workman – Alexander Maclaren 2 Corinthians 5:5 Now he that has worked us for the selfsame thing is God, who also has given to us the earnest of the Spirit. Now He that hath wrought us for the self-same thing is God. These words penetrate deep into the secrets of God. They assume […]

The Triumphal Procession

The Triumphal Procession – Alexander Maclaren 2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be to God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the aroma of his knowledge by us in every place. Thanks be unto God, which always leadeth us in triumph in Christ and maketh manifest through us the savour of […]

Seal and Earnest

Seal and Earnest – Alexander Maclaren 2 Corinthians 1:23 Moreover I call God for a record on my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet to Corinth.… Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. There are three strong metaphors in this and the preceding […]

Anointed and Stablished

Anointed and Stablished – Alexander Maclaren 2 Corinthians 1:21 Now he which establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, is God;… Now He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God. The connection in which these words occur is a remarkable illustration of the Apostle’s habit of […]

Corinthians. God’s Yea; Man’s Amen

Corinthians. God’s Yea; Man’s Amen – Alexander Maclaren 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yes, and in him Amen, to the glory of God by us. For how many soever be the promises of God, in Him is the yea: wherefore also through Him is the Amen. This is […]

Strong and Loving

Strong and Loving – Alexander Maclaren 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch you, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.… Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong 14 Let all your things be done with charity. There is a singular contrast between the first four of these […]

Small Duties and the Great Hope

Small Duties and the Great Hope – Alexander Maclaren 1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, But as touching brotherly love, ye need not that I write unto you; for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another 10 And […]

The Death of Death

The Death of Death – Alexander Maclaren 1 Corinthians 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the […]

The Unity of Apostolic Teaching

The Unity of Apostolic Teaching – Alexander Maclaren 1 Corinthians 15:11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so you believed. Whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed. Party spirit and faction were the curses of Greek civic life, and they had crept into at […]

Paul’s Estimate of Himself

Paul’s Estimate of Himself – Alexander Maclaren 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed on me was not in vain… By the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain. […]

Remaining and Falling Asleep

Remaining and Falling Asleep Alexander Maclaren- 1 Corinthians 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brothers at once; of whom the greater part remain to this present… After that He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto thispresent, but some are fallen asleep. […]

The Power of the Resurrection

The Power of the Resurrection – Alexander Maclaren 1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; ‘I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according […]

What Lasts

What Lasts – Alexander Maclaren 1 Corinthians 13:8 Charity never fails: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease… Whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, […]

The Universal Gift

The Universal Gift – Alexander Maclaren 1 Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit with. The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. The great fact which to-day[1] commemorates is too often regarded as if it were a transient gift, limited to those […]

In Remembrance of Me’

In Remembrance of Me’ – Alexander Maclaren 1 Corinthians 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. This do in remembrance of Me. The account of the institution of the Lord’s Supper, contained in […]

The Limits of Liberty

The Limits of Liberty – Alexander Maclaren 1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify […]

Concerning the Crown’

Concerning the Crown’ – Alexander Maclaren 1 Corinthians 9:25 And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown… They do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we are incorruptible. One of the most famous of the Greek athletic festivals was held […]

How the Victor Runs

How the Victor Runs – Alexander Maclaren 1 Corinthians 9:24 Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain.… So run, that ye may obtain. ‘So run.’ Does that mean ‘Run so that ye obtain?’ Most people, I suppose, superficially reading the […]

Servants and Lords

Servants and Lords – Alexander Maclaren 1 Corinthians 3:21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;… All things are yours; 22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; 23 And ye are Christ’s. The […]

Death, the Friend

Death, the Friend – Alexander Maclaren 1 Corinthians 3:21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;… … All things are yours … death. What Jesus Christ is to a man settles what everything else is to Him. Our relation to Jesus determines our relation to the universe. If we belong […]

God’s Fellow-Workers

God’s Fellow-Workers – Alexander Maclaren 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are laborers together with God: you are God’s husbandry, you are God’s building. Labourers together with God. The characteristic Greek tendency to factions was threatening to rend the Corinthian Church, and each faction was swearing by a favourite teacher. Paul and his companion, Apollos, had […]

The Apostle’s Theme

The Apostle’s Theme – Alexander Maclaren 1 Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. Many of you are aware that to-day I close forty years of ministry in this city […]

Perishing or Being Saved

Perishing or Being Saved – Alexander Maclaren 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but to us which are saved it is the power of God. For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the […]

Calling on the Name

Calling on the Name – Alexander Maclaren 1 Corinthians 1:2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints… All that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. There are some difficulties, with which […]

Quartus a Brother

Quartus a Brother – Alexander Maclaren Romans 16:23 Gaius my host, and of the whole church, salutes you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city salutes you, and Quartus a brother. Quartus a brother. I am afraid very few of us read often, or with much interest, those long lists of names at the end of […]

A Crushed Snake

A Crushed Snake – Alexander Maclaren Romans 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.… The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. There are three other Scriptural sayings which may have been floating in the […]

Tryphena and Tryphosa

Tryphena and Tryphosa – Alexander Maclaren Romans 16:12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which labored much in the Lord. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. The number of salutations to members of the Roman Church is remarkable when we take into account that Paul […]

Persis

Persis – Alexander Maclaren Romans 16:12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which labored much in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, who laboured much in the Lord. There are a great number of otherwise unknown Christians who pass for a moment before our view in this chapter. […]

Two Households

Two Households – Alexander Maclaren Romans 16:10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household.… … Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household.11. … Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. There does not seem much to be got out of these two sets […]

Priscilla and Aquila

Priscilla and Aquila – Alexander Maclaren Romans 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:… Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus; 4 (Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but so all the churches of the Gentiles:) 5 Likewise greet […]

Phoebe

Phoebe – Alexander Maclaren Romans 16:1 I commend to you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:… I commend unto you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the Church that is at Cenchrea: 2 That ye receive her in the Lord, worthily of the Saints, and […]

Joy and Peace in Believing

Joy and Peace in Believing – Alexander Maclaren Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in […]

Two Fountains, One Stream

Two Fountains, One Stream – Alexander Maclaren Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written aforetime were written for our learning… That we, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, might have hope 13 The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope. There is a […]

The Limits of Liberty

The Limits of Liberty – Alexander Maclaren Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God 13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock, […]

The Soldier’s Morning-Call

The Soldier’s Morning-Call – Alexander Maclaren Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us put on the armour of light. It is interesting to notice that the metaphor of the Christian […]

Salvation Nearer

Salvation Nearer – Alexander Maclaren Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.… … Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. There is no doubt, I suppose, that the Apostle, in common with […]

Love and the Day

Love and the Day – Alexander Maclaren Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loves another has fulfilled the law. Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou […]

Still Another Triplet

Still Another Triplet – Alexander Maclaren Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place to wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay… Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord 20 Therefore […]

Still Another Triplet

Still Another Triplet – Alexander Maclaren Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honourable in the light of all men 18 If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at […]

Still Another Triplet

Still Another Triplet – Alexander Maclaren Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are […]

Still Another Triplet

Still Another Triplet – Alexander Maclaren Romans 12:13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. In these verses we pass from […]

Another Triplet of Graces

Another Triplet of Graces – Alexander Maclaren Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer. These three closely connected clauses occur, as you all know, in the midst of that outline of the Christian life with which the Apostle begins the […]

A Triplet of Graces

A Triplet of Graces – Alexander Maclaren Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord. Paul believed that Christian doctrine was meant to influence Christian practice; and therefore, after the fundamental and profound exhibition of the central truths of Christianity which […]

Love that Can Hate

Love that Can Hate – Alexander Maclaren Romans 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; hold to that which is good. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good 10 In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honour […]

Grace and Graces

Grace and Graces – Alexander Maclaren Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy… Having then gifts, differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our […]

Many and One

Many and One – Alexander Maclaren Romans 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:… For we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members […]

Sober Thinking

Sober Thinking – Alexander Maclaren Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think… For I say, through the grace that is given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to […]

The Sacrifice of the Body

The Sacrifice of the Body – Alexander Maclaren Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God… I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which […]

The Interceding Spirit

The Interceding Spirit – Alexander Maclaren Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought… The Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Pentecost was a transitory sign of a perpetual gift. The tongues of fire and the […]

The Redemption of the Body

The Redemption of the Body – Alexander Maclaren Romans 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves… The adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. In a previous verse Paul has said that all true Christians have received ‘the Spirit […]

The Revelation of Sons

The Revelation of Sons – Alexander Maclaren Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God.… For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. The Apostle has been describing believers as ‘sons’ and ‘heirs.’ He drops from these […]

thy Free Spirit’

thy Free Spirit’ – Alexander Maclaren Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. We have to distinguish […]

Christ Condemning Sin

Christ Condemning Sin – Alexander Maclaren Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh… For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in […]

The Form of Teaching’

The Form of Teaching’ – Alexander Maclaren Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that you were the servants of sin… … Ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. There is room for difference of opinion as to what Paul precisely means by ‘form’ here. The word so rendered […]

The Warring Queens

The Warring Queens – Alexander Maclaren Romans 5:21 That as sin has reigned to death, even so might grace reign through righteousness to eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. As sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.’ — ROMANS v.21. I […]

What Proves God’s Love

What Proves God’s Love – Alexander Maclaren Romans 5:8 But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. We have seen in previous sermons on the preceding context that […]

A Threefold Cord

A Threefold Cord – Alexander Maclaren Romans 5:5 And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us. And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is […]

The Sources of Hope

The Sources of Hope – Alexander Maclaren Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation […]

Access into Grace

Access into Grace – Alexander Maclaren Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand. I may be allowed to begin with a word or […]

Let Us have Peace

Let Us have Peace – Alexander Maclaren Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: Let us have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. In the rendering of the Revised Version, ‘Let us have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,’ the alteration […]

Waiting Faith Rewarded and Strengthened by New Revelations

Waiting Faith Rewarded and Strengthened by New Revelations – Alexander Maclaren Romans 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. ‘And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before Me, and […]

No Difference

No Difference – Alexander Maclaren Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ to all and on all them that believe: for there is no difference: ‘There is no difference. The things in which all men are alike are far more important than those in which they differ. The […]

Paul’s Longing

Paul’s Longing – Alexander Maclaren Romans 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to the end you may be established; I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 That is, that I […]

Privilege and Obligation

Privilege and Obligation – Alexander Maclaren Romans 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints. This is the address of the Epistle. […]

The Witness of the Resurrection

The Witness of the Resurrection – Alexander Maclaren Romans 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: Declared to be the Son of God with power, … by the resurrection of the dead. It is a great mistake to treat […]

Paul in Rome

Paul in Rome – Alexander Maclaren Acts 28:30 And Paul dwelled two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in to him,… And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those […]

The Last Glimpse of Paul

The Last Glimpse of Paul – Alexander Maclaren Acts 28:17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said to them… ‘And it came to pass, that, after three days, Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and […]

After the Wreck

After the Wreck – Alexander Maclaren Acts 28:1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.… ‘And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita 2 And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every […]

A Short Confession of Faith

A Short Confession of Faith – Alexander Maclaren Acts 27:23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,… ‘…There stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve. I turn especially to those last words, ‘Whose I am […]

Tempest and Trust

Tempest and Trust – Alexander Maclaren Acts 27:13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing there, they sailed close by Crete. And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete 14 But not long after […]

A Total Wreck, All Hands Saved

A Total Wreck, All Hands Saved – Alexander Maclaren Acts 27:1 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to one named Julius… ‘And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, […]

the Heavenly Vision’

the Heavenly Vision’ – Alexander Maclaren Acts 26:19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision:… ‘Whereupon, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision. This is Paul’s account of the decisive moment in his life on which all his own future, and a great deal of the […]

Before Governors and Kings’

Before Governors and Kings’ – Alexander Maclaren Acts 26:19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision:… ‘Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: 20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judsea, and then to the […]

Me a Christian!’

Me a Christian!’ – Alexander Maclaren Acts 26:1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, You are permitted to speak for yourself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:… ‘Then Agrlppa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. This Agrippa was son of the other Herod of whom we hear […]

Felix Before Paul

Felix Before Paul – Alexander Maclaren Acts 24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go your way for this time… A Sermon to the Young ‘And as Paul reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; […]

Paul Before Felix

Paul Before Felix – Alexander Maclaren Acts 24:10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned to him to speak, answered… ‘Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully […]

A Loyal Tribute

A Loyal Tribute – Alexander Maclaren Acts 24:2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by you we enjoy great quietness… [Footnote: Preached on the occasion of the Jubilee of Queen Victoria.] ‘…Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto […]

A Plot Detected

A Plot Detected – Alexander Maclaren Acts 23:12 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse… ‘And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they bad killed Paul […]

Christ’s Witnesses

Christ’s Witnesses – Alexander Maclaren Acts 23:11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as you have testified of me in Jerusalem… ‘And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of Me […]

Rome Protects Paul

Rome Protects Paul – Alexander Maclaren Acts 22:17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;… ‘And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the Temple, I was […]

Paul on His Own Conversion

Paul on His Own Conversion – Alexander Maclaren Acts 22:6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come near to Damascus about noon… ‘And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great […]

Paul in the Temple

Paul in the Temple – Alexander Maclaren Acts 21:27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people… ‘And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia when they saw him in the […]

Philip the Evangelist

Philip the Evangelist – Alexander Maclaren Acts 21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came to Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist… ‘… We entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. The life […]

Drawing Nearer to the Storm

Drawing Nearer to the Storm – Alexander Maclaren Acts 21:1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course to Coos… ‘And it came to pass, that, after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto […]

The Blessedness of Giving

The Blessedness of Giving – Alexander Maclaren Acts 20:35 I have showed you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus… ‘…It is more blessed to give than to receive. How ‘many other things Jesus did’ and said ‘which are not written […]

Parting Words

Parting Words – Alexander Maclaren Acts 20:32 And now, brothers, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up… ‘And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace… I may be pardoned if my remarks now should assume somewhat […]

A Fulfilled Aspiration

A Fulfilled Aspiration – Alexander Maclaren Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear to myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry… ‘So that I might finish my course… ‘I have finished my course… I do not suppose that Paul in prison, […]

Parting Counsels

Parting Counsels – Alexander Maclaren Acts 20:22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:… ‘And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in […]

The Fight with Wild Beasts At Ephesus

The Fight with Wild Beasts At Ephesus – Alexander Maclaren Acts 19:21 After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying… ‘After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go […]

Would-Be Exorcists

Would-Be Exorcists – Alexander Maclaren Acts 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you? ‘…Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?’ These exorcists had no personal union with Jesus. To them He was only ‘Jesus whom Paul preached.’ They spoke […]

Two Fruitful Years

Two Fruitful Years – Alexander Maclaren Acts 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus… ‘And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples 2 […]

Gallio

Gallio – Alexander Maclaren Acts 18:14 And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O you Jews… ‘And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of […]

Constrained by the Word’

Constrained by the Word’ – Alexander Maclaren Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.… ‘And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified. The Revised Version, in concurrence […]

Paul At Corinth

Paul At Corinth – Alexander Maclaren Acts 18:1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;… ‘After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; 2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all […]

The Man Who is Judge

The Man Who is Judge – Alexander Maclaren Acts 17:31 Because he has appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he has ordained… ‘…He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, […]

Paul At Athens

Paul At Athens – Alexander Maclaren Acts 17:22 Then Paul stood in the middle of Mars’ hill, and said, You men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are too superstitious. ‘Then Paul stood In the midst of Mars-hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are […]

Thessalonica and Berea

Thessalonica and Berea – Alexander Maclaren Acts 17:1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: ‘Now, when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: 2 And Paul, as his manner was, […]

The Riot At Philippi

The Riot At Philippi – Alexander Maclaren Acts 16:19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas… ‘And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, 20 […]

Paul At Philippi

Paul At Philippi – Alexander Maclaren Acts 16:13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down… ‘And on the sabbath day we went forth without the gate, by a river side, where we supposed there was a place […]

How to Secure a Prosperous Voyage

How to Secure a Prosperous Voyage – Alexander Maclaren Acts 16:10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia… ‘And after [Paul] had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them 11 […]

A Good Man’s Faults

A Good Man’s Faults – Alexander Maclaren Acts 15:37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.… ‘And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark 38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them […]

The Charter of Gentile Liberty

The Charter of Gentile Liberty – Alexander Maclaren Acts 15:12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul… ‘Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them 13 And after they had held […]

The Breaking Out of Discord

The Breaking Out of Discord – Alexander Maclaren Acts 15:1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brothers, and said, Except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses… ‘And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye […]

The Door of Faith’

The Door of Faith’ – Alexander Maclaren Acts 14:27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them… ‘And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the […]

Dream and Reality

Dream and Reality – Alexander Maclaren Acts 14:11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia… ‘The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. This was the spontaneous instinctive utterance of simple villagers when they saw a deed of […]

Deified and Stoned

Deified and Stoned – Alexander Maclaren Acts 14:11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia… ‘And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us […]

Full of the Holy Ghost’

Full of the Holy Ghost’ – Alexander Maclaren Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. ‘And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. That joy was as strange as a garden full of flowers would be in bitter winter weather. For everything in the […]

Unworthy of Life

Unworthy of Life – Alexander Maclaren Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you… ‘… Seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. So ended the first […]

Jewish Rejecters and Gentile Receivers

Jewish Rejecters and Gentile Receivers – Alexander Maclaren Acts 13:44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. ‘And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled […]

A Stone on the Cairn

A Stone on the Cairn – Alexander Maclaren Acts 13:36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid to his fathers, and saw corruption: ‘For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was […]

The First Preaching in Asia Minor

The First Preaching in Asia Minor – Alexander Maclaren Acts 13:26 Men and brothers, children of the stock of Abraham, and whoever among you fears God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. ‘Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word […]

Why Saul Became Paul

Why Saul Became Paul – Alexander Maclaren Acts 13:9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. ‘Saul (who also is called Paul)’ .. Hitherto the Apostle has been known by the former of these names, henceforward he is known exclusively by the latter. Hitherto he […]

To the Regions Beyond

To the Regions Beyond – Alexander Maclaren Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger… ‘Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius […]

Peter After His Escape

Peter After His Escape – Alexander Maclaren Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning to them with the hand to hold their peace, declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison… But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him […]

Sober Certainty’

Sober Certainty’ – Alexander Maclaren Acts 12:11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the LORD has sent his angel… ‘And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent His angel, and hath delivered me […]

The Angel’s Touch

The Angel’s Touch – Alexander Maclaren Acts 12:7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came on him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up… ‘And, behold, the angel of the Lord … smote Peter…. 23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote […]

Peter’s Deliverance from Prison

Peter’s Deliverance from Prison – Alexander Maclaren Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church to God for him. ‘Peter therefore was kept in the prison: but prayer was made earnestly of the Church unto God for him. The narrative of Peter’s miraculous deliverance from prison […]

A Nickname Accepted

A Nickname Accepted – Alexander Maclaren Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church… ‘The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch Nations and parties, both political and religious, very often call themselves by one […]

Peter’s Apologia

Peter’s Apologia – Alexander Maclaren Acts 11:1 And the apostles and brothers that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.… ‘And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God 2 And when Peter was come up to […]

God is no Respecter of Persons’

God is no Respecter of Persons’ – Alexander Maclaren Acts 10:30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold… ‘And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in […]

What God Hath Cleansed

What God Hath Cleansed – Alexander Maclaren Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, ‘There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with […]

Copies of Christ’s Manner

Copies of Christ’s Manner – Alexander Maclaren Acts 9:34 And Peter said to him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ makes you whole: arise, and make your bed. And he arose immediately. ‘And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down […]

A Bird’s-Eye View of the Early Church

A Bird’s-Eye View of the Early Church – Alexander Maclaren Acts 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord… ‘So the Church throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified; and, walking in the fear of […]

this Way’

This Way’ – Alexander Maclaren Acts 9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women… ‘Any of this way. The name of ‘Christian’ was not applied to themselves by the followers of Jesus before the completion of the New […]

Grace Triumphant

Grace Triumphant – Alexander Maclaren Acts 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,… ‘And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the […]

A Meeting in the Desert

A Meeting in the Desert – Alexander Maclaren Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza… ‘And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way […]

Simon the Sorcerer

Simon the Sorcerer – Alexander Maclaren Acts 8:21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter: for your heart is not right in the sight of God. ‘Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. The era of the birth of Christianity […]

Seed Scattered and Taking Root

Seed Scattered and Taking Root – Alexander Maclaren Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting to his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem… ‘And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at […]

The Death of the Master and the Death of the Servant

The Death of the Master and the Death of the Servant – Alexander Maclaren Acts 7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling on God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. ‘And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, […]

The Young Saul and the Aged Paul

The Young Saul and the Aged Paul – Alexander Maclaren Acts 7:58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. ‘…the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. ‘…Paul the […]

Stephen’s Vision

Stephen’s Vision – Alexander Maclaren Acts 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God I. The vision of the Son of Man, or the […]

Filled with the Spirit

Filled with the Spirit – Alexander Maclaren Acts 6:3 Why, brothers, look you out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom… ‘Men … full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom.’ … ‘A man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost….’ ‘Stephen, full of faith and power. I […]

Gamaliel’s Counsel

Gamaliel’s Counsel – Alexander Maclaren Acts 5:38 And now I say to you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nothing:… ‘Refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this counsel or this work be of men, it […]

Our Captain

Our Captain – Alexander Maclaren Acts 5:31 Him has God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. ‘Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince. The word rendered ‘Prince’ is a rather infrequent designation of our […]

Whom to Obey — Annas or Angel?

Whom to Obey — Annas or Angel? – Alexander Maclaren Acts 5:17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, ‘Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of […]

The Wheat and the Tares

The Wheat and the Tares – Alexander Maclaren Acts 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul… ‘And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his […]

Impossible Silence

Impossible Silence – Alexander Maclaren Acts 4:20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. ‘We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. The context tells us that the Jewish Council were surprised, as they well might be, at the boldness of Peter and John, and […]

Obedient Disobedience

Obedient Disobedience – Alexander Maclaren Acts 4:19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, judge you.… ‘But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken […]

With and Like Christ

With and Like Christ – Alexander Maclaren Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled… ‘Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of […]

The First Blast of Tempest

The First Blast of Tempest – Alexander Maclaren Acts 4:1 And as they spoke to the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came on them,… ‘And as they spoke unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2 Being grieved […]

The Healing Power of the Name

The Healing Power of the Name – Alexander Maclaren Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know: yes… ‘And His name through faith in His name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by Him […]

The Prince of Life’

The Prince of Life’ – Alexander Maclaren Acts 3:14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted to you; ‘But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath […]

Then Shall the Lame Man Leap as an Hart’

Then Shall the Lame Man Leap as an Hart’ – Alexander Maclaren Acts 3:1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. ‘Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour 2 And a […]

A Fourfold Cord

A Fourfold Cord – Alexander Maclaren Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.… ‘And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. The Early Church was not a pattern for us, and the […]

The Name Above Every Name

The Name Above Every Name – Alexander Maclaren Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God has made the same Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ. ‘Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both […]

Peter’s First Sermon

Peter’s First Sermon – Alexander Maclaren Acts 2:32 This Jesus has God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. ‘This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses 33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed […]

The Abiding Gift and its Transitory Accompaniments

The Abiding Gift and its Transitory Accompaniments – Alexander Maclaren Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.… ‘And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place 2 And suddenly there came a sound […]

The Apostolic Witnesses

The Apostolic Witnesses – Alexander Maclaren Acts 1:21 Why of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,… ‘Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us … must one […]

The Unknown To-Morrow

The Unknown To-Morrow – Alexander Maclaren Acts 1:7 And he said to them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father has put in his own power. A New Year’s Sermon ‘It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put […]

The Forty Days

The Forty Days – Alexander Maclaren Acts 1:3 To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days… ‘To whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to […]

The Theme of Acts

The Theme of Acts – Alexander Maclaren Acts 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, ‘The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach 2 Until the day in which He was taken up. […]

The Ascension

The Ascension – Alexander Maclaren Acts 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,… ‘The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 Until the day in which He was taken up, after that […]

They Also Serve Who Only Stand and Wait’

They Also Serve Who Only Stand and Wait’ – Alexander Maclaren John 21:21 Peter seeing him said to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? ‘Peter, seeing him, saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do! Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that […]

Youth and Age, and the Command for Both

Youth and Age, and the Command for Both – Alexander Maclaren John 21:18 Truly, truly, I say to you, When you were young, you gird yourself, and walked where you would: but when you shall be old… Annual Sermon to the Young ‘… When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: […]

‘Lovest Thou Me?’

‘Lovest Thou Me?’ – Alexander Maclaren John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, love you me more than these? He said to him, Yes… ‘Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these? He saith unto Him, Yea, Lord; Thou […]

It is the Lord!’

It is the Lord!’ – Alexander Maclaren John 21:7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord… ‘Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. It seems a very strange thing that these disciples had […]

The Beach and the Sea

The Beach and the Sea – Alexander Maclaren John 21:4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. ‘When the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore; but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. The incident recorded in […]

An Eloquent Catalogue

An Eloquent Catalogue – Alexander Maclaren John 21:2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee… ‘There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of His disciples. This […]

Thomas and Jesus

Thomas and Jesus – Alexander Maclaren John 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut… ‘And after eight days, again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Then came Jesus. There is nothing more remarkable about the narrative of the resurrection, […]

The Risen Lord’s Charge and Gift

The Risen Lord’s Charge and Gift – Alexander Maclaren John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be to you: as my Father has sent me, even so send I you. ‘Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto yon: as My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you. And when […]

The Resurrection Morning

The Resurrection Morning – Alexander Maclaren John 20:1 The first day of the week comes Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, to the sepulcher… ‘The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Then she […]

The Grave in a Garden

The Grave in a Garden – Alexander Maclaren John 19:41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulcher, wherein was never man yet laid.… ‘In the garden a new tomb. This is possibly no more than a topographical note introduced merely for the sake […]

Joseph and Nicodemus

Joseph and Nicodemus – Alexander Maclaren John 19:38 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews… ‘And after this Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; […]

Christ Our Passover

Christ Our Passover – Alexander Maclaren John 19:36 For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. ‘These things were done, that the Scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of Him shall not be broken. The Evangelist, in the words of this text, points to […]

The Irrevocable Past

The Irrevocable Past – Alexander Maclaren John 19:22 Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. ‘What I have written I have written. This was a mere piece of obstinacy. Pilate knew that he had prostituted his office in condemning Jesus, and he revenged himself for weak compliance by ill-timed mulishness. A cool-headed governor […]

The Title on the Cross

The Title on the Cross – Alexander Maclaren John 19:19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. ‘Pilate wrote a title also, and put it on the cross. This title is recorded by all four Evangelists, in words varying […]

An Eye-Witness’ Account of the Crucifixion

An Eye-Witness’ Account of the Crucifixion – Alexander Maclaren John 19:17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:… ‘And He bearing His cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the […]

Jesus Sentenced

Jesus Sentenced – Alexander Maclaren John 19:1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. ‘Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged Him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote […]

Art Thou a King?

Art Thou a King? – Alexander Maclaren John 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas to the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall… ‘Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the […]

Jesus Before Caiaphas

Jesus Before Caiaphas – Alexander Maclaren John 18:15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known to the high priest… ‘And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high […]

Christ’s Summary of His Work

Christ’s Summary of His Work – Alexander Maclaren John 17:26 And I have declared to them your name, and will declare it: that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them. ‘I have declared onto them Thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith Thou […]

The Folded Flock

The Folded Flock – Alexander Maclaren John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom you have given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which you have given me… ‘I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may […]

The High Priest’s Prayer

The High Priest’s Prayer – Alexander Maclaren John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;… ‘Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art […]

the Lord Thee Keeps’

the Lord Thee Keeps’ – Alexander Maclaren John 17:14 I have given them your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. ‘…They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou […]

The Intercessor

The Intercessor – Alexander Maclaren John 17:1 These words spoke Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify your Son… ‘These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify […]

Glad Confession and Sad Warning

Glad Confession and Sad Warning – Alexander Maclaren John 16:29 His disciples said to him, See, now speak you plainly, and speak no proverb.… ‘His disciples said unto Jesus, Lo! now speakest Thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that Thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask […]

From’ and ‘to’

From’ and ‘to’ – Alexander Maclaren John 16:28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. ‘I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. These majestic and […]

The Joys of ‘that Day’

The Joys of ‘that Day’ – Alexander Maclaren John 16:25 These things have I spoken to you in proverbs: but the time comes, when I shall no more speak to you in proverbs… ‘These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in […]

In that Day’

In that Day’ – Alexander Maclaren John 16:23 And in that day you shall ask me nothing. Truly, truly, I say to you, Whatever you shall ask the Father in my name… ‘And in that day ye shall ask Me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My […]

Christ’s ‘Little Whiles’

Christ’s ‘Little Whiles’ – Alexander Maclaren John 16:16 A little while, and you shall not see me: and again, a little while, and you shall see me, because I go to the Father.… ‘A little while, and ye shall not see Me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me, because I go […]

The Convicting Facts

The Convicting Facts – Alexander Maclaren John 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; ‘Of sin, because they believe not on Me; Of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. Our Lord has just been telling His […]

The Departing Christ and the Coming Spirit

The Departing Christ and the Coming Spirit – Alexander Maclaren John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come to you… ‘Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: […]

Why Christ Speaks

Why Christ Speaks – Alexander Maclaren John 16:1 These things have I spoken to you, that you should not be offended. ‘These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth […]

Our Ally

Our Ally – Alexander Maclaren John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father… ‘But when the Comforter Is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from […]

Christ Foreseeing His Passion

Christ Foreseeing His Passion – Alexander Maclaren John 14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world comes, and has nothing in me. ‘Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the Prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me. But that the world may know […]

Joy and Faith, the Fruits of Christ’s Departure

Joy and Faith, the Fruits of Christ’s Departure – Alexander Maclaren John 14:28 You have heard how I said to you, I go away, and come again to you. If you loved me, you would rejoice, because I said… ‘Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. […]

Who Bring Christ

Who Bring Christ – Alexander Maclaren John 14:22 Judas said to him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world? ‘Judas saith unto Him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and […]

The Gifts of the Present Christ

The Gifts of the Present Christ – Alexander Maclaren John 14:20 At that day you shall know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. ‘At that day ye shall know that I am in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you. He that hath My […]

The Comforter Given

The Comforter Given – Alexander Maclaren John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; ‘And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of Truth; […]

Christ’s Works and Ours

Christ’s Works and Ours – Alexander Maclaren John 14:12 Truly, truly, I say to you, He that believes on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do… ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he […]

The True Vision of God

The True Vision of God – Alexander Maclaren John 14:8 Philip said to him, Lord, show us the Father, and it suffises us.… ‘Philip saith unto Jesus, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us 9 Jesus saith unto Him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known […]

The Way

The Way – Alexander Maclaren John 14:4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.… ‘And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto Him, Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, […]

‘Many Mansions’

‘Many Mansions’ – Alexander Maclaren John 14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.… ‘In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. Sorrow needs simple words for its […]

Faith in God and Christ

Faith in God and Christ – Alexander Maclaren John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.… ‘Let not your heart be troubled … believe in God, believe also in Me. The twelve were sitting in the upper chamber, stupefied with the dreary, half-understood prospect of Christ’s departure. […]

A Rash Vow

A Rash Vow – Alexander Maclaren John 13:38 Jesus answered him, Will you lay down your life for my sake? Truly, truly, I say to you, The cock shall not crow… ‘Jesus answered him, Wilt them lay down thy life for My sake? Verily, verily I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till […]

Quo Vadis?

Quo Vadis? – Alexander Maclaren John 13:37 Peter said to him, Lord, why cannot I follow you now? I will lay down my life for your sake. ‘Peter said unto Him, Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now! I will lay down my life for Thy sake. Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy […]

As I have Loved’

As I have Loved’ – Alexander Maclaren John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.… ‘A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another: as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. […]

Seeking Jesus

Seeking Jesus – Alexander Maclaren John 13:33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You shall seek me: and as I said to the Jews, Where I go, you cannot come… ‘… Ye shall seek Me. In the former sermon on this verse I pointed out that it, in its fullness, applies […]

Cannot and Can

Cannot and Can – Alexander Maclaren John 13:33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You shall seek me: and as I said to the Jews, Where I go, you cannot come… ‘Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek Me: and as I said unto the […]

The Glory of the Cross

The Glory of the Cross – Alexander Maclaren John 13:31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. ‘Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him. If God he […]

The Dismissal of Judas

The Dismissal of Judas – Alexander Maclaren John 13:27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus to him, That you do, do quickly. ‘… Then said Jesus unto Judas, That thou doest, do quickly. When our Lord gave the morsel, dipped in the dish, to Judas, only John knew the significance […]

Is it I?’

Is it I?’ – Alexander Maclaren John 13:25 He then lying on Jesus’ breast said to him, Lord, who is it? ‘And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto Him, Lord, is it I? 25 Then Judas, which betrayed Him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said […]

The Servant-Master

The Servant-Master – Alexander Maclaren John 13:3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; ‘Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He was come from God, and went to God; He riseth […]

A Parting Warning

A Parting Warning – Alexander Maclaren John 12:35 Then Jesus said to them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come on you… ‘Jesus therefore said unto them, Yet a little while is the light among you. Walk while ye have the light, that darkness […]

The Universal Magnet

The Universal Magnet – Alexander Maclaren John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to me. ‘I, if I be lifted up … will draw all men unto Me. Never man spake like this Man,’ said the wondering Temple officials who were sent to apprehend Jesus. There […]

After Christ: with Christ

After Christ: with Christ – Alexander Maclaren John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor. ‘If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My […]

A New Kind of King

A New Kind of King – Alexander Maclaren John 12:12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,… ‘On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of […]

Love’s Prodigality Censured and Vindicated

Love’s Prodigality Censured and Vindicated – Alexander Maclaren John 12:1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.… ‘Then Jesus, six days before the passover, came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom He raised from the […]

Caiaphas

Caiaphas – Alexander Maclaren John 11:49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said to them, You know nothing at all,… ‘And one of them, named Caiaphas being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for […]

The Seventh Miracle in John’s Gospel — the Raising of Lazarus

The Seventh Miracle in John’s Gospel — the Raising of Lazarus – Alexander Maclaren John 11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. ‘And when Jesus thus had spoken, He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, Come forth 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound […]

The Open Grave At Bethany

The Open Grave At Bethany – Alexander Maclaren John 11:30 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. ‘Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met Him. The Jews then which were with her in the […]

Christ’s Question to Each

Christ’s Question to Each – Alexander Maclaren John 11:26 And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Believe you this? For the Young ‘… Believest then this? She saith unto Him, Yea, Lord. As each of these annual sermons which I have preached for so long comes round, I feel more solemnly the […]

‘Other Sheep’

‘Other Sheep’ – Alexander Maclaren [Footnote: Preached before the Baptist Missionary Society.] ‘Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and they shall become one flock and one Shepherd.’ — JOHN x.16 (R.V.). There were many strange and bitter lessons in this […]

The Good Shepherd

The Good Shepherd – Alexander Maclaren John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. ‘I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine 15 As the Father knoweth Me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down My life for […]

One Metaphor and Two Meanings

One Metaphor and Two Meanings – Alexander Maclaren John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night comes, when no man can work. ‘I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work. ‘The […]

Never in Bondage’

Never in Bondage’ – Alexander Maclaren John 8:33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how say you, You shall be made free?… ‘We… were never in bondage to any man: how gayest Thou, Ye shall be made free! ‘Never in bondage to any man’? Then what […]

Three Aspects of Faith

Three Aspects of Faith – Alexander Maclaren John 8:30 As he spoke these words, many believed on him. ‘Many believed on Him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him. The Revised Version accurately represents the original by varying the expression in these two clauses, retaining ‘believed on Him’ in the former, and […]

The Rock and the Water

The Rock and the Water – Alexander Maclaren John 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come to me, and drink.… ‘In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, […]

The Manna

The Manna – Alexander Maclaren John 6:48 I am that bread of life. ‘I am that bread of life 49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead 50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. ‘This is of a truth […]

How to Work the Work of God

How to Work the Work of God – Alexander Maclaren John 6:28 Then said they to him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?… ‘Then said they unto Him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is […]

The Fifth Miracle in John’s Gospel

The Fifth Miracle in John’s Gospel – Alexander Maclaren John 6:19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing near to the ship… ‘So when they had rowed about five-and-twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing […]

Fragments’ or ‘Broken Pieces’

Fragments’ or ‘Broken Pieces’ – Alexander Maclaren John 6:12 When they were filled, he said to his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.… ‘When they were filled, He said unto His disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. The Revised Version correctly makes a very slight, […]

The Fourth Miracle in John’s Gospel

The Fourth Miracle in John’s Gospel – Alexander Maclaren John 6:11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down… ‘And Jesus took the loaves; and when He had given thanks, He distributed to the disciples, and the disciples […]

The Life-Giver and Judge

The Life-Giver and Judge – Alexander Maclaren John 5:17 But Jesus answered them, My Father works till now, and I work. ‘But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work 18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill Him, because He not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that God […]

The Second Miracle

The Second Miracle – Alexander Maclaren John 4:54 This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee. ‘This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when He was come out of Judaea into Galilee. The Evangelist evidently intends us to connect together the two miracles […]

The Gift and the Giver

The Gift and the Giver – Alexander Maclaren John 4:10 Jesus answered and said to her, If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that said to you, Give me to drink… ‘Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith unto […]

Give Me to Drink’

Give Me to Drink’ – Alexander Maclaren John 4:7 There comes a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus said to her, Give me to drink. ‘… Jesus saith unto her, Give Me to drink…. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am He. This Evangelist very significantly sets side by side our […]

The Wearied Christ

The Wearied Christ – Alexander Maclaren John 4:6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. ‘Jesus therefore, being wearied with His journey, sat thus on the well…. He said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye […]

The Lake and the River

The Lake and the River – Alexander Maclaren John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish… ‘God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. […]

Christ’s Musts

Christ’s Musts – Alexander Maclaren John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:… ‘… Even so must the Son of Man be lifted up. I have chosen this text for the sake of one word in it, that solemn ‘must’ which […]

Wind and Spirit

Wind and Spirit – Alexander Maclaren John 3:8 The wind blows where it wants, and you hear the sound thereof, but can not tell from where it comes, and where it goes… ‘The wind bloweth where it listeth, and them hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: […]

Teacher or Saviour?

Teacher or Saviour? – Alexander Maclaren John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God… ‘The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, Rabbi, we know that Thou art a Teacher come from God: for no man […]

The Destroyers and the Restorer

The Destroyers and the Restorer – Alexander Maclaren John 2:19 Jesus answered and said to them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. ‘Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will raise it up. This is our Lord’s answer to the Jewish request […]

Christ Cleansing the Temple

Christ Cleansing the Temple – Alexander Maclaren John 2:16 And said to them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. ‘Take these things hence; make not My Father’s house an house of merchandise. The other Evangelists do not record this cleansing of the Temple at the […]

The First Miracle in Cana — the Water Made Wine

The First Miracle in Cana — the Water Made Wine – Alexander Maclaren John 2:11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. ‘This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth His glory. The keynote of this […]

Jesus the Joy-Bringer

Jesus the Joy-Bringer – Alexander Maclaren John 2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:… ‘And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: 2 And both Jesus was called, and His disciples, […]

The First Disciples: V. Believing and Seeing

The First Disciples: V. Believing and Seeing – Alexander Maclaren John 1:50 Jesus answered and said to him, Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, believe you?… ‘Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see […]

The First Disciples: Iv. Nathanael

The First Disciples: Iv. Nathanael – Alexander Maclaren John 1:45 Philip finds Nathanael, and said to him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth… ‘Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, […]

The First Disciples: Iii. Philip

The First Disciples: Iii. Philip – Alexander Maclaren John 1:43 The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and finds Philip, and said to him, Follow me.… ‘The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow Me. ‘The day following’ — we have a diary in […]

The First Disciples: Ii. Simon Peter

The First Disciples: Ii. Simon Peter – Alexander Maclaren John 1:40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.… ‘One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother 41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, […]

The First Disciples: I. John and Andrew

The First Disciples: I. John and Andrew – Alexander Maclaren John 1:37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.… ‘And the two disciples heard Him speak, and they followed Jesus 38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto Him, Rabbi, (which […]

The World’s Sin-Bearer

The World’s Sin-Bearer – Alexander Maclaren John 1:29 The next day John sees Jesus coming to him, and said, Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world. ‘The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the […]

three Tabernacles’

three Tabernacles’ – Alexander Maclaren John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, (and we beheld his glory… ‘The Word … dwelt among us. ‘… He that sitteth on the Throne shall dwell among them. ‘… Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them. The […]

The Light and the Lamps

The Light and the Lamps – Alexander Maclaren John 1:8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. ‘He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. ‘He was a burning and a shining light; and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in […]

The Word in Eternity, in the World, and in the Flesh

The Word in Eternity, in the World, and in the Flesh – Alexander Maclaren John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God 2 The same was in […]

The Ascension

The Ascension – Alexander Maclaren Luke 24:50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.… ‘And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them 51 And it came to pass, while He blessed them, […]

Christ’s Witnesses

Christ’s Witnesses – Alexander Maclaren Luke 24:48 And you are witnesses of these things. ‘Ye are witnesses of these things 49 And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Luke’s account of the Resurrection and […]

The Triumphant End

The Triumphant End – Alexander Maclaren Luke 24:36 And as they thus spoke, Jesus himself stood in the middle of them, and said to them, Peace be to you.… ‘And as they thus spake, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you 37 But they were terrified […]

Peter Alone with Jesus

Peter Alone with Jesus – Alexander Maclaren Luke 24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon. ‘The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. The other appearances of the risen Lord to individuals on the day of Resurrection are narrated with much particularity, and at considerable length. John gives […]

Detaining Christ

Detaining Christ – Alexander Maclaren Luke 24:28 And they drew near to the village, where they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. ‘And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and He made as though He would have gone further 29 But they constrained Him, saying, Abide with […]

The Risen Lord’s Self-Revelation to Wavering Disciples

The Risen Lord’s Self-Revelation to Wavering Disciples – Alexander Maclaren Luke 24:13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about three score furlongs.… ‘And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs […]

The First Easter Sunrise

The First Easter Sunrise – Alexander Maclaren Luke 24:1 Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the sepulcher, bringing the spices which they had prepared… ‘Now, upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came onto the sepulchre, bringing the spices […]

Words from the Cross

Words from the Cross – Alexander Maclaren Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand… ‘And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the malefactors, one on the […]

Jesus and Pilate

Jesus and Pilate – Alexander Maclaren Luke 23:13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, ‘And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth […]

A Soul’s Tragedy

A Soul’s Tragedy – Alexander Maclaren Luke 23:9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. ‘Then Herod questioned with Him in many words; but He answered him nothing. Four Herods play their parts in the New Testament story. The first of them is the grim old tiger who slew […]

the Rulers Take Counsel Together’

the Rulers Take Counsel Together’ – Alexander Maclaren Luke 23:1 And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him to Pilate. ‘And the whole multitude of them arose, and led Him unto Pilate 2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to […]

Christ’s Look

Christ’s Look – Alexander Maclaren Luke 22:61 And the Lord turned, and looked on Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, Before the cock crow… ‘And the Lord turned and looked upon Peter. All four Evangelists tell the story of Peter’s threefold denial and swift repentance, but […]

In the High Priest’s Palace

In the High Priest’s Palace – Alexander Maclaren Luke 22:54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off. ‘Then took they Him, and led Him, and brought Him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off 55 And when they had […]

The Cross the Victory and Defeat of Darkness

The Cross the Victory and Defeat of Darkness – Alexander Maclaren Luke 22:53 When I was daily with you in the temple, you stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. ‘This is your hour, and the power of darkness. The darkness was the right time for […]

Gethsemane

Gethsemane – Alexander Maclaren Luke 22:39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.… ‘And He came out, and went, as He was wont, to the mount of Olives; and His disciples also followed Him 40 And when He was at the […]

A Great Fall and a Great Recovery

A Great Fall and a Great Recovery – Alexander Maclaren Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith fail not: and when you are converted, strengthen your brothers. ‘But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Our Lord has just been […]

Christ’s Ideal of a Monarch

Christ’s Ideal of a Monarch – Alexander Maclaren Luke 22:25 And he said to them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them… And He said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors 26 But ye shall not be so: […]

Parting Promises and Warnings

Parting Promises and Warnings – Alexander Maclaren Luke 22:24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.… ‘And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest 25 And He said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over […]

The Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper – Alexander Maclaren Luke 22:7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed 8 And He sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat 9 And they said […]

The Lonely Christ

The Lonely Christ – Alexander Maclaren Luke 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew near, which is called the Passover. ‘Ye are they which have continued with Me in My temptations We wonder at the disciples when we read of the unseemly strife for precedence which jars on the tender solemnities of the Last […]

When Shall These Things Be?

When Shall These Things Be? – Alexander Maclaren Luke 21:20 And when you shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is near. ‘And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh 21 Then let them which are in Judea flee to the […]

Whose Image and Superscription?

Whose Image and Superscription? – Alexander Maclaren Luke 20:24 Show me a penny. Whose image and superscription has it? They answered and said, Caesar’s. ‘Whose image and superscription hath it? It is no unusual thing for antagonists to join forces in order to crush a third person obnoxious to both. So in this incident we […]

Tenants Who Wanted to be Owners

Tenants Who Wanted to be Owners – Alexander Maclaren Luke 20:9 Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to farmers… ‘Then began He to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, […]

A New Kind of King

A New Kind of King – Alexander Maclaren Luke 19:37 And when he was come near, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives… ‘And when He was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with […]

The Rewards of the Trading Servants

The Rewards of the Trading Servants – Alexander Maclaren Luke 19:17 And he said to him, Well, you good servant: because you have been faithful in a very little, have you authority over ten cities. ‘Because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities… Be thou also over five […]

The Trading Servants

The Trading Servants – Alexander Maclaren Luke 19:16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, your pound has gained ten pounds. ‘Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds…. And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. The Evangelist, contrary to his usual practice, tells us what was the […]

Melted by Kindness

Melted by Kindness – Alexander Maclaren Luke 19:5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said to him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down… ‘And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for […]

The Man that Stopped Jesus

The Man that Stopped Jesus – Alexander Maclaren Luke 18:40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought to him: and when he was come near, he asked him, ‘And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto Him: and when he was come near, He asked him, 41. Saying, What wilt thou […]

Entering the Kingdom

Entering the Kingdom – Alexander Maclaren Luke 18:15 And they brought to him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.… ‘And they brought unto Him also infants, that He would touch them: but when His disciples saw it, they rebuked them 16 But Jesus called them […]

Three Kinds Op Praying

Three Kinds Op Praying – Alexander Maclaren Luke 18:1 And he spoke a parable to them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; ‘And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 Saying, There was in a […]

Where are the Nine?

Where are the Nine? – Alexander Maclaren Luke 17:11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the middle of Samaria and Galilee.… ‘And it came to pass, as He went to Jerusalem, that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee 12 And as He entered into […]

God’s Slaves

God’s Slaves – Alexander Maclaren Luke 17:9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. ‘Doth He thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him! I trow not 10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are […]

Dives and Lazarus

Dives and Lazarus – Alexander Maclaren Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:… ‘There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, […]

Two Kinds of Riches

Two Kinds of Riches – Alexander Maclaren Luke 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.… ‘He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust […]

The Follies of the Wise

The Follies of the Wise – Alexander Maclaren Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely… ‘The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. The parable of which these words are the close is remarkable in that it proposes a piece of […]

Gifts to the Prodigal

Gifts to the Prodigal – Alexander Maclaren Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: ‘… Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his […]

The Prodigal and His Father

The Prodigal and His Father – Alexander Maclaren Luke 15:11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:… ‘And He said, A certain man had two sons: 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living […]

that Which was Lost’

that Which was Lost’ – Alexander Maclaren Luke 15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, does not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness… ‘An hundred sheep … ten pieces of silver,… two sons. The immediate occasion of these three inimitable parables, which have found their […]

The Rash Builder

The Rash Builder – Alexander Maclaren Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?… ‘Which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?’ […]

Excuses not Reasons

Excuses not Reasons – Alexander Maclaren Luke 14:18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said to him, I have bought a piece of ground… ‘They all with one consent began to make excuse. Jesus Christ was at a feast in a Pharisee’s house. It was a strange place for […]

The Lessons of a Feast

The Lessons of a Feast – Alexander Maclaren Luke 14:1 And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.… ‘And it came to pass, as He went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees […]

Christ’s Message to Herod

Christ’s Message to Herod – Alexander Maclaren Luke 13:32 And he said to them, Go you, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow… ‘And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to-day […]

The Strait Gate

The Strait Gate – Alexander Maclaren Luke 13:22 And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. ‘And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem 23 Then said one unto Him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And He said unto them, 24 Strive to […]

True Sabbath Observance

True Sabbath Observance – Alexander Maclaren Luke 13:10 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.… ‘And He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath 11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no […]

Fire on Earth

Fire on Earth – Alexander Maclaren Luke 12:49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? ‘I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled! We have here one of the rare glimpses which our Lord […]

The Servant-Lord

The Servant-Lord – Alexander Maclaren Luke 12:37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he comes shall find watching: truly I say to you, that he shall gird himself… Verily I say unto you, that He shall gird Himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth, and serve them. […]

Servants and Stewards Here and Hereafter

Servants and Stewards Here and Hereafter – Alexander Maclaren Luke 12:37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he comes shall find watching: truly I say to you, that he shall gird himself… ‘Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord, when He cometh, shall find watching: Verily I shall say unto you, that He […]

The Equipment of the Servants

The Equipment of the Servants – Alexander Maclaren Luke 12:35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;… ‘Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; 36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord. These words ought to stir us like the sound of a trumpet. But, […]

Stillness in Storm

Stillness in Storm – Alexander Maclaren Luke 12:29 And seek not you what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, neither be you of doubtful mind. ‘… Neither be ye of doubtful mind. I think that these words convey no very definite idea to most readers. The thing forbidden is not very sharply defined […]

Anxious About Earth, or Earnest About the Kingdom

Anxious About Earth, or Earnest About the Kingdom – Alexander Maclaren Luke 12:22 And he said to his disciples, Therefore I say to you, Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat; neither for the body… ‘And He said unto His disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, […]

The Rich Fool

The Rich Fool – Alexander Maclaren Luke 12:13 And one of the company said to him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.… ‘And one of the company said unto Him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me 14 And He said unto him, Man, […]

How to Pray

How to Pray – Alexander Maclaren Luke 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, Lord… ‘And it came to pass, that, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said […]

The Tables Turned: the Questioners Questioned

The Tables Turned: the Questioners Questioned – Alexander Maclaren Luke 10:27 And he answering said, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength… ‘But when the Pharisees had heard that He had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together 35 […]

Neighbours Far Off

Neighbours Far Off – Alexander Maclaren Luke 10:25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?… ‘And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 26 He said unto him, What is […]

Christ’s Messengers: Their Equipment and Work

Christ’s Messengers: Their Equipment and Work – Alexander Maclaren Luke 10:1 After these things the LORD appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place… ‘After these things, the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before His face into every city […]

In the Holy Mount’

In the Holy Mount’ – Alexander Maclaren Luke 9:30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:… ‘And, behold, there talked with Him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31. Who appeared in glory, and spake of His decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem. The mysterious incident which […]

Prayer and Transfiguration

Prayer and Transfiguration – Alexander Maclaren Luke 9:29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. ‘And as He prayed, the fashion of His countenance was altered. This Evangelist is especially careful to record the instances of our Lord’s prayers. That is in accordance with […]

Christ’s Cross and Ours

Christ’s Cross and Ours – Alexander Maclaren Luke 9:18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?… ‘And it came to pass, as He was alone praying, His disciples were with Him; and He asked them, […]

The Lord that Healeth Thee’

The Lord that Healeth Thee’ – Alexander Maclaren Luke 9:11 And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spoke to them of the kingdom of God… ‘He healed them that had need of healing. Jesus was seeking a little quiet and rest for Himself and His followers. For that […]

Bread from Heaven

Bread from Heaven – Alexander Maclaren Luke 9:10 And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them… ‘And the apostles, when they were returned, told Him all that they had done. And He took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the […]

A Miracle Within a Miracle

A Miracle Within a Miracle – Alexander Maclaren Luke 8:43 And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living on physicians, neither could be healed of any,… ‘And a woman, having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be […]

Seed Among Thorns

Seed Among Thorns – Alexander Maclaren Luke 8:14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth… ‘And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares, and riches, and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to […]

One Seed and Diverse Soils

One Seed and Diverse Soils – Alexander Maclaren Luke 8:4 And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spoke by a parable:… ‘And when much people were gathered together, and were come to Him out of every city, He spake by a parable: 5 A sower […]

Go into Peace

Go into Peace – Alexander Maclaren Luke 7:50 And he said to the woman, Your faith has saved you; go in peace. ‘And He said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee: go in peace. We find that our Lord twice, and twice only, employs this form of sending away those who had received […]

The Two Debtors

The Two Debtors – Alexander Maclaren Luke 7:41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. ‘There was a certain creditor which had two debtors; the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty 42 And when they had nothing to pay, he […]

A Gluttonous Man and a Winebibber

A Gluttonous Man and a Winebibber – Alexander Maclaren Luke 7:34 The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and you say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a drunkard, a friend of publicans and sinners! ‘The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, […]

Thwarting God’s Purpose

Thwarting God’s Purpose – Alexander Maclaren Luke 7:30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. ‘The Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of Him. Our Lord has just been pouring unstinted praise on the head of John the […]

Greatness in the Kingdom

Greatness in the Kingdom – Alexander Maclaren Luke 7:28 For I say to you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist… ‘He that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. We were speaking in a preceding sermon about the elements of […]

John’s Doubts and Christ’s Praise

John’s Doubts and Christ’s Praise – Alexander Maclaren Luke 7:18 ‘And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things 19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples, sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou He that should come? or look we for another? 20 When the men were come unto Him, they […]

Jesus At the Bier

Jesus At the Bier – Alexander Maclaren Luke 7:13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said to her, Weep not. ‘And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not 14 And He came and touched the bier: and they that bare […]

Worthy-Not Worthy

Worthy-Not Worthy – Alexander Maclaren Luke 7:4 And when they came to Jesus, they sought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: ‘… They besought Him … saying, That he was worthy for whom He should do this:… 6 I am not worthy that Thou shouldest enter under my […]

Three Condensed Parables

Three Condensed Parables – Alexander Maclaren Luke 6:41 And why behold you the mote that is in your brother’s eye, but perceive not the beam that is in your own eye? ‘And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceiveth not the beam that is in thine own eye? 42 […]

Laws of the Kingdom

Laws of the Kingdom – Alexander Maclaren Luke 6:20 ‘And He lifted up His eyes on His disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God, 21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh 22 Blessed are […]

Blasphemer, or — Who?

Blasphemer, or — Who? – Alexander Maclaren Luke 5:17 And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by… ‘And it came to pass on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law […]

Instructions for Fishermen

Instructions for Fishermen – Alexander Maclaren Luke 5:4 Now when he had left speaking, he said to Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. ‘Now when He had left speaking, He said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. The […]

The Temptation

The Temptation – Alexander Maclaren Luke 4:1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 4 And Jesus, being full of the Holy Ghost, returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into thewilderness, 2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. […]

John’s Witness to Jesus, and God’s

John’s Witness to Jesus, and God’s – Alexander Maclaren Luke 3:15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not;… ‘And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, […]

The Boy in the Temple

The Boy in the Temple – Alexander Maclaren Luke 2:49 And he said to them, How is it that you sought me? knew you not that I must be about my Father’s business? ‘And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought Me! wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s […]

Simeon’s Swan-Song

Simeon’s Swan-Song – Alexander Maclaren Luke 2:29 Lord, now let you your servant depart in peace, according to your word:… ‘Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: 30. For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation. That scene, when the old man took the Infant in his withered arms, is […]

Was, Is, is to Come

Was, Is, is to Come – Alexander Maclaren Luke 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. ‘… The babe lying in a manger. ‘… While He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven… ‘This same Jesus… shall so come […]

Shepherds and Angels

Shepherds and Angels – Alexander Maclaren Luke 2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.… ‘And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came […]

The Dayspring from on High

The Dayspring from on High – Alexander Maclaren Luke 1:78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high has visited us, ‘The day-spring from on high hath visited us, 79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into […]

Zacharias’ Hymn

Zacharias’ Hymn – Alexander Maclaren Luke 1:67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, ‘And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, 68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people, 69 And hath raised up an […]

The Magnificat

The Magnificat – Alexander Maclaren Luke 1:46 And Mary said, My soul does magnify the Lord,… ‘And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour 48 For He hath regarded the low estate of His hand-maiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me […]

True Greatness

True Greatness – Alexander Maclaren Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink… He shall be great in the sight of the Lord. So spake the angel who foretold the birth of John the Baptist. ‘In the sight of the Lord’ — […]

Elijah Come Again

Elijah Come Again – Alexander Maclaren Luke 1:5 THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia… ‘There was, in the days of Herod the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of […]

The World-Wide Commission

The World-Wide Commission – Alexander Maclaren Mark 16:15 And he said to them, Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. ‘Every creature. The missionary enterprise has been put on many bases. People do not like commandments, but yet it is a great relief and strength to come back to […]

The Angel in the Tomb

The Angel in the Tomb – Alexander Maclaren Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulcher, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment… ‘They saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were aifrighted.6. And he saith unto […]

The Incredulous Disciples

The Incredulous Disciples – Alexander Maclaren Mark 16:1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices… ‘And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint Him […]

The Death Which Gives Life

The Death Which Gives Life – Alexander Maclaren Mark 15:21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. ‘And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and […]

Simon the Cyrenian

Simon the Cyrenian – Alexander Maclaren Mark 15:21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. ‘And they compel one Simon, a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to […]

The Condemnation Which Condemns the Judges

The Condemnation Which Condemns the Judges – Alexander Maclaren Mark 14:55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. ‘And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put Him to death; and found none 56 For […]

The Captive Christ and the Circle Round Him

The Captive Christ and the Circle Round Him – Alexander Maclaren Mark 14:43 And immediately, while he yet spoke, comes Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves… ‘And immediately, while He yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords […]

The Sleeping Apostle

The Sleeping Apostle – Alexander Maclaren Mark 14:37 And he comes, and finds them sleeping, and said to Peter, Simon, sleep you? could not you watch one hour? ‘Simon, sleepest thou! It is a very old Christian tradition that this Gospel is in some sense the Apostle Peter’s. There are not many features in the […]

Strong Crying and Tears’

Strong Crying and Tears’ – Alexander Maclaren Mark 14:32 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he said to his disciples, Sit you here, while I shall pray.… ‘And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and He saith to His disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray […]

Is it I?’

Is it I?’ – Alexander Maclaren Mark 14:19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I? ‘Is it I? The scene shows that Judas had not as yet drawn any suspicion on himself. Here the Apostles seem to be higher […]

The New Passover

The New Passover – Alexander Maclaren Mark 14:12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said to him… ‘And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the Passover, the disciples said unto Him, Where wilt Thou that we go and prepare that Thou mayest eat the […]

A Secret Rendezvous

A Secret Rendezvous – Alexander Maclaren Mark 14:12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said to him… ‘And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the pastorer, His disciples said unto Him, Where wilt Thou that we go and prepare that Thou mayest eat the […]

The Alabaster Box

The Alabaster Box – Alexander Maclaren Mark 14:6 And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble you her? she has worked a good work on me. ‘And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on Me 8 She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand […]

Authority and Work

Authority and Work – Alexander Maclaren Mark 13:34 For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work… ‘For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and […]

Not Far and not In

Not Far and not In – Alexander Maclaren Mark 12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said to him, You are not far from the kingdom of God… ‘Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. ‘A bruised reed He will not break, and the smoking flax He will not quench.’ […]

God’s Last Arrow

God’s Last Arrow – Alexander Maclaren Mark 12:6 Having yet therefore one son, his well beloved, he sent him also last to them, saying, They will reverence my son. ‘Having yet therefore one son, his well-beloved, he sent him also last unto them. Reference to Isaiah v. There are differences in detail here which need […]

Dishonest Tenants

Dishonest Tenants – Alexander Maclaren Mark 12:1 And he began to speak to them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and dig a place for the winefat… ‘And He began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about […]

Nothing But Leaves

Nothing But Leaves – Alexander Maclaren Mark 11:13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it… ‘And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, He came, if haply He might find any thing thereon: and when He […]

Christ’s Need of Us and Ours

Christ’s Need of Us and Ours – Alexander Maclaren Mark 11:3 And if any man say to you, Why do you this? say you that the Lord has need of him; and straightway he will send him here. ‘… Say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. […]

Almost a Disciple

Almost a Disciple – Alexander Maclaren Mark 10:17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master… ‘And when He was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to Him, and asked Him. Good Master, what shall I […]

Salt in Yourselves’

Salt in Yourselves’ – Alexander Maclaren Mark 9:50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, with which will you season it? Have salt in yourselves… ‘Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. In the context ‘salt’ is employed to express the preserving, purifying, divine energy which is otherwise […]

Salted with Fire

Salted with Fire – Alexander Maclaren Mark 9:49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. ‘Every one shall be salted with fire. Our Lord has just been uttering some of the most solemn words that ever came from His gracious lips. He has been enjoining the […]

Receiving and Forbidding

Receiving and Forbidding – Alexander Maclaren Mark 9:33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that you disputed among yourselves by the way?… ‘And He came to Capernaum: and being in the house He asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the […]

An Unanswered Question

An Unanswered Question – Alexander Maclaren Mark 9:33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that you disputed among yourselves by the way?… ‘What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? Was it not a strange time to squabble when they had just […]

Unbelieving Belief

Unbelieving Belief – Alexander Maclaren Mark 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help you my unbelief. ‘And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief. We owe to Mark’s Gospel the fullest account […]

The Omnipotence of Faith

The Omnipotence of Faith – Alexander Maclaren Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes. Jesus said unto him, If them canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. The necessity and power of faith is the prominent lesson of this narrative of […]

Christ’s Lament Over Our Faithlessness

Christ’s Lament Over Our Faithlessness – Alexander Maclaren Mark 9:19 He answers him, and said, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him to me. ‘He answereth him and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer […]

Jesus Only!

Jesus Only! – Alexander Maclaren Mark 9:8 And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves. ‘They saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves. The Transfiguration was the solemn inauguration of Jesus for His sufferings and death. Moses, the founder, and Elijah, […]

this is My Beloved Son: Hear Him’

this is My Beloved Son: Hear Him’ – Alexander Maclaren Mark 9:7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. ‘And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is […]

The Transfiguration

The Transfiguration – Alexander Maclaren Mark 9:2 And after six days Jesus takes with him Peter, and James, and John, and leads them up into an high mountain apart by themselves… ‘And after six days Jesus taketh with Him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: […]

Christ’s Cross, and Ours

Christ’s Cross, and Ours – Alexander Maclaren Mark 8:27 And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying to them… And Jesus went out, and His disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way He asked His disciples, saying […]

The Religious Uses of Memory

The Religious Uses of Memory – Alexander Maclaren Mark 8:18 Having eyes, see you not? and having ears, hear you not? and do you not remember? ‘Do ye not remember! The disciples had misunderstood our Lord’s warning ‘against the leaven of the Pharisees,’ which they supposed to have been occasioned by their neglect to bring […]

The Patient Teacher, and the Slow Scholars

The Patient Teacher, and the Slow Scholars – Alexander Maclaren Mark 8:17 And when Jesus knew it, he said to them, Why reason you, because you have no bread? perceive you not yet, neither understand?… ‘And when Jesus knew It, He saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not […]

A Royal Progress

A Royal Progress – Alexander Maclaren Mark 11:2 And said to them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as you be entered into it, you shall find a colt tied… ‘… Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, […]

Love’s Question

Love’s Question – Alexander Maclaren Mark 10:51 And Jesus answered and said to him, What will you that I should do to you? The blind man said to him, Lord… ‘What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? ‘What wilt Thou have me to do! Christ asks the first question of a petitioner, and […]

An Eager Coming

An Eager Coming – Alexander Maclaren Mark 10:50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. ‘And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. Mark’s vivid picture — long wail of the man, crowd silencing him, but wheeling round when Christ calls him — and the quick energy of […]

Bartimaeus

Bartimaeus – Alexander Maclaren Mark 10:46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus… Blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. The narrative of this miracle is contained in all the Synoptical Gospels, but the […]

Dignity and Service

Dignity and Service – Alexander Maclaren Mark 10:35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come to him, saying, Master, we would that you should do for us whatever we shall desire.… ‘And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto Him, saying, Master, we would that Thou shouldest do for us whatsoever […]

Children and Childlike Men

Children and Childlike Men – Alexander Maclaren Mark 10:13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.… ‘And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them: and His disciples rebuked those that brought them.14. But when Jesus saw it, He […]

Salt in Yourselves’

Salt in Yourselves’ – Alexander Maclaren Mark 9:50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, with which will you season it? Have salt in yourselves… ‘Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. In the context ‘salt’ is employed to express the preserving, purifying, divine energy which is otherwise […]

Salted with Fire

Salted with Fire – Alexander Maclaren Mark 9:49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. ‘Every one shall be salted with fire. Our Lord has just been uttering some of the most solemn words that ever came from His gracious lips. He has been enjoining the […]

Receiving and Forbidding

Receiving and Forbidding – Alexander Maclaren Mark 9:33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that you disputed among yourselves by the way?… ‘And He came to Capernaum: and being in the house He asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the […]

An Unanswered Question

An Unanswered Question – Alexander Maclaren Mark 9:33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that you disputed among yourselves by the way?… ‘What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?’  Was it not a strange time to squabble when they had just […]

Unbelieving Belief

Unbelieving Belief – Alexander Maclaren Mark 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help you my unbelief. ‘And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief. We owe to Mark’s Gospel the fullest account […]

The Omnipotence of Faith

The Omnipotence of Faith – Alexander Maclaren Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes. Jesus said unto him, If them canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. The necessity and power of faith is the prominent lesson of this narrative of […]

Christ’s Lament Over Our Faithlessness

Christ’s Lament Over Our Faithlessness – Alexander Maclaren Mark 9:19 He answers him, and said, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him to me. ‘He answereth him and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer […]

Jesus Only!

Jesus Only! – Alexander Maclaren Mark 9:8 And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves. ‘They saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves. The Transfiguration was the solemn inauguration of Jesus for His sufferings and death. Moses, the founder, and Elijah, […]

this is My Beloved Son: Hear Him’

this is My Beloved Son: Hear Him’ – Alexander Maclaren Mark 9:7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. ‘And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is […]

The Transfiguration

The Transfiguration – Alexander Maclaren Mark 9:2 And after six days Jesus takes with him Peter, and James, and John, and leads them up into an high mountain apart by themselves… ‘And after six days Jesus taketh with Him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: […]

Christ’s Cross, and Ours

Christ’s Cross, and Ours – Alexander Maclaren Mark 8:27 And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying to them… And Jesus went out, and His disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way He asked His disciples, saying […]

The Religious Uses of Memory

The Religious Uses of Memory – Alexander Maclaren Mark 8:18 Having eyes, see you not? and having ears, hear you not? and do you not remember? ‘Do ye not remember! The disciples had misunderstood our Lord’s warning ‘against the leaven of the Pharisees,’ which they supposed to have been occasioned by their neglect to bring […]

The Patient Teacher, and the Slow Scholars

The Patient Teacher, and the Slow Scholars – Alexander Maclaren Mark 8:17 And when Jesus knew it, he said to them, Why reason you, because you have no bread? perceive you not yet, neither understand?… ‘And when Jesus knew It, He saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not […]

Children and Little Dogs

Children and Little Dogs – Alexander Maclaren Mark 7:24 And from there he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it… ‘And from thence He arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered Into an house, and […]

The World’s Bread

The World’s Bread – Alexander Maclaren Mark 6:30 ‘And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told Him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught 31  And He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, […]

The Martyrdom of John

The Martyrdom of John – Alexander Maclaren Mark 6:17 ‘For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her 18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife 19 […]

Herod — a Startled Conscience

Herod — a Startled Conscience – Alexander Maclaren Mark 6:16 But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead. ‘But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead. The character of this Herod, surnamed Antipas, […]

Christ Thwarted

Christ Thwarted – Alexander Maclaren Mark 6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands on a few sick folk, and healed them.… ‘And He could there do no mighty work, save that He laid His hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And He marvelled because […]

The Master Rejected: the Servants Sent Forth

The Master Rejected: the Servants Sent Forth – Alexander Maclaren Mark 6:1 ‘And He went out from thence, and came into His own country; and His disciples follow Him 2 And when the Sabbath day was come, He began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing Him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man […]

Touch or Faith?

Touch or Faith? – Alexander Maclaren Mark 5:28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole…. Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole. I. The erroneous faith. — In general terms there is here an illustration of how […]

Talitha Cumi

Talitha Cumi – Alexander Maclaren Mark 5:22 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw Him, he fell at His feet, 23 And besought Him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray Thee, come and lay Thy hands on her, […]

A Refused Bequest

A Refused Bequest – Alexander Maclaren Mark 5:18 And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.… ‘He that had been possessed with the devil prayed Jesus that he might be with Him.19. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith […]

The Lord of Demons

The Lord of Demons – Alexander Maclaren Mark 5:1 ‘And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes 2 And when He was come out of the ship, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, 3 Who had his dwelling among […]

The Toiling Christ

The Toiling Christ – Alexander Maclaren Mark 4:36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. ‘They took Him even as He was in the ship…. And He was in the hinder part of the ship, […]

The Storm Stilled

The Storm Stilled – Alexander Maclaren Mark 4:35 ‘And the same day, when the even was come, He saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side 36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took Him even as He was in the ship. And there were also with Him other little […]

Lamps and Bushels

Lamps and Bushels – Alexander Maclaren Mark 4:21 And he said to them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?… ‘And Jesus said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and […]

Four Soils for One Seed

Four Soils for One Seed – Alexander Maclaren Mark 4:10 ‘And when He was alone, they that were about Him with the twelve asked of Him the parable 11 And He said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these […]

Christ’s Relations

Christ’s Relations – Alexander Maclaren Mark 3:35 For whoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother. ‘Whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is My brother, and My sister, and mother. There was a conspiracy to seize Jesus because He is ‘mad,’ and Mary […]

Christ’s Kindred

Christ’s Kindred – Alexander Maclaren Mark 3:31 ‘There came then His brethren and His mother, and, standing without, sent unto Him, calling Him 32 And the multitude sat about Him; and they said unto Him, Behold, Thy mother and Thy brethren without seek for Thee 33 And He answered them, saying, Who is My mother, or […]

The Mistakes of Christ’s Foes and Friends

The Mistakes of Christ’s Foes and Friends – Alexander Maclaren Mark 3:22 ‘And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth He out devils 23 And He called them unto Him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 And […]

He is Beside Himself’

He is Beside Himself’ – Alexander Maclaren Mark 3:21 And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. ‘And when His friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on Him: for they said, He is beside Himself’. There had […]

Ambassadors for Christ

Ambassadors for Christ – Alexander Maclaren Mark 3:6 ‘And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodlans against Him, how they might destroy Him 7 But Jesus withdrew Himself with His disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judaa 8 And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaa […]

The Anger and Grief of Jesus

The Anger and Grief of Jesus – Alexander Maclaren Mark 3:5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he said to the man… He looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts. Our Lord goes into […]

Works Which Hallow the Sabbath

Works Which Hallow the Sabbath – Alexander Maclaren Mark 2:23 ‘And it came to pass, that He went through the cornfields on the Sabbath day; and His disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn 24 And the Pharisees said unto Him, Behold, why do they on the Sabbath day that which is […]

The Secret of Gladness

The Secret of Gladness – Alexander Maclaren Mark 2:19 And Jesus said to them, Can the children of the bridal chamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?… ‘And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? This part of our Lord’s answer to the question […]

The Publicans’ Friend

The Publicans’ Friend – Alexander Maclaren Mark 2:13 ‘And He went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto Him, and He taught them 14 And as He passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose […]

Christ’s Authority to Forgive

Christ’s Authority to Forgive – Alexander Maclaren Mark 2:1 And again He entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that He was in the house 2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door; and He preached the […]

Christ’s Touch

Christ’s Touch – Alexander Maclaren Mark 1:41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and said to him, I will; be you clean. ‘Jesus put forth His hand, and touched him. Behold the servant of the Lord’ might be the motto of this Gospel, and ‘He went about doing good […]

A Parable in a Miracle

A Parable in a Miracle – Alexander Maclaren Mark 1:40 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying to him, If you will, you can make me clean.… ‘And there came a leper to Him, beseeching Him, and kneeling down to Him, and saying unto Him, If […]

Healing and Service

Healing and Service – Alexander Maclaren Mark 1:30 But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and immediately they tell him of her. ‘Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever; and straightway they tell Him of her: 31. And He came and took her by the hand, and raised her up; and the […]

Mighty in Word and Deed

Mighty in Word and Deed – Alexander Maclaren Mark 1:21 ‘And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the Sabbath day He entered into the synagogue, and taught 22 And they were astonished at His doctrine: for He taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes 23 And there was in their […]

What ‘the Gospel’ Is

What ‘the Gospel’ Is – Alexander Maclaren Mark 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ. My purpose now is to point out some of the various connections in which the New Testament uses that familiar phrase, ‘the gospel,’ and briefly to […]

The Strong Forerunner and the Stronger Son

The Strong Forerunner and the Stronger Son – Alexander Maclaren Mark 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; ‘The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send My messenger before Thy face, which shall prepare […]

On the Mountain

On the Mountain – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. ‘Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.17. And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him: but some doubted. ‘After that, He was […]

The Prince of Life

The Prince of Life – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 28:1 ‘In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came […]

The Veil Rent

The Veil Rent – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 27:51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in two from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; ‘Behold, the veil of the Temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. As I suppose we are […]

Taunts Turning to Testimonies

Taunts Turning to Testimonies – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 27:41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, ‘… The chief priests mocking Him … said, 42. He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be theKing of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will […]

The Crucifixion

The Crucifixion – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 27:33 ‘And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34 They gave Him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink 35 And they crucified Him, and parted His garments, casting lots: […]

The Sentence Which Condemned the Judges

The Sentence Which Condemned the Judges – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 27:11 And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked Him, saying, Art Thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest 12 And when He was accused of the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing 13 Then said Pilate […]

See Thou to That!’

See Thou to That!’ – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 27:4 ‘I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? See thou to that 24 I am innocent of the blood of this just Person: see ye to it.   So, what the priests said to Judas, Pilate said […]

Jesus Charged with Blasphemy

Jesus Charged with Blasphemy – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 26:65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He has spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold…   Jesus was tried and condemned by two tribunals, the Jewish ecclesiastical and the Roman civil. In each case the charge corresponded to the Court. The […]

The Real High Priest and His Counterfeit

The Real High Priest and His Counterfeit – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 26:57 ‘And they that had laid hold on Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled 58 But Peter followed Him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, […]

Gethsemane, the Oil-Press

Gethsemane, the Oil-Press – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 26:36 ‘Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy 38 Then saith He unto […]

Until that Day’

Until that Day’ – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 26:29 But I say to you, I will not drink from now on of this fruit of the vine… ‘I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in myFather’s kingdom. This remarkable saying of our […]

this Cup’

this Cup’ – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink you all of it; ‘And Jesus took the cup, and grave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 28. For this is My blood of the new testament, […]

The New Passover

The New Passover – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 26:17 ‘Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto Him, Where wilt Thou that we prepare for Thee to eat the passover? 18 And He said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, […]

The Defence of Uncalculating Love

The Defence of Uncalculating Love – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 26:6 ‘Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, 7 There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on His head, as He sat at meat 8 But when His disciples saw it, they […]

The King on His Judgment Throne

The King on His Judgment Throne – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 25:31 ‘When the Son of Man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: 32 And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a […]

Traders for the Master

Traders for the Master – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered to them his goods 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; […]

they that Were Ready’

they that Were Ready’ – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 25:10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. ‘They that were ready went in with him to the marriage. It is interesting to notice the variety of aspects […]

Dying Lamps

Dying Lamps – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 25:8 And the foolish said to the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. ‘Our lamps are gone out. This is one of the many cases in which the Revised Version, by accuracy of rendering the tense of a verb, gives a much more […]

The Waiting Maidens

The Waiting Maidens – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 25:1 ‘Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But […]

Watching for the King

Watching for the King – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord does come. ‘Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come 43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would […]

The Carrion and the Vultures

The Carrion and the Vultures – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 24:28 For wherever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together. ‘Wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. This grim parable has, of course, a strong Eastern colouring. It is best appreciated by dwellers in those lands. They tell us […]

Two Forms of One Saying

Two Forms of One Saying – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 24:13 But he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved. ‘He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved ‘In your patience possess ye your souls. These two sayings, different as they sound in our Version, are probably divergent representations […]

Two Ways of Despising God’s Feast

Two Ways of Despising God’s Feast – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 22:1 ‘And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and […]

The Stone of Stumbling

The Stone of Stumbling – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 21:44 And whoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. ‘Whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. As Christ’s ministry […]

The Vineyard and its Keepers

The Vineyard and its Keepers – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 21:33 ‘Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: 34  And when the time of the […]

A New Kind of King

A New Kind of King – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 21:4 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, ‘All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, […]

The Coming of the King to His Palace

The Coming of the King to His Palace – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 21:1 ‘And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, 2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a […]

What the Historic Christ Taught About His Death

What the Historic Christ Taught About His Death – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered to, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. ‘The Son of Man came… to give His life a ransom for many. We hear a great deal […]

The Servant-Lord and His Servants

The Servant-Lord and His Servants – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered to, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. ‘Even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. It seems at first sight strangely […]

Nearest to Christ

Nearest to Christ – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 20:23 And he said to them, You shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with… ‘To sit on My right hand, and on My left, is not Mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom […]

The Requirements of the King

The Requirements of the King – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 19:16 ‘And, behold, one came and said unto Him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17 And He said unto him, Why callest thou Me good? there is none good but One, that is, God: but if thou wilt […]

Forgiven and Unforgiving

Forgiven and Unforgiving – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 18:22 Jesus said to him, I say not to you, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. ‘Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Untilseven times; but, Until seventy times seven. The disciples had been squabbling about pre-eminence in the kingdom which they thought was […]

Persistence of Thwarted Love

Persistence of Thwarted Love – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 18:13 And if so be that he find it, truly I say to you, he rejoices more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. ‘If so be that he find it. ‘Until he find it. Like other teachers, Jesus seems to […]

The Law of Precedence in the Kingdom

The Law of Precedence in the Kingdom – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 18:1 ‘At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except […]

The Coin in the Fish’s Mouth

The Coin in the Fish’s Mouth – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 17:25 He said, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What think you, Simon?… ‘And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest them, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take […]

The Divine Christ Confessed, the Suffering Christ Denied

The Divine Christ Confessed, the Suffering Christ Denied – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 16:13 ‘When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Phllippi, He asked His disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of Man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist; some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or […]

Crumbs and the Bread

Crumbs and the Bread – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 15:21 ‘Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon 22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto Him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a […]

Peter on the Waves

Peter on the Waves – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 14:28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be you, bid me come to you on the water.… ‘And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water. We owe this account of an episode in […]

The King’s Highway

The King’s Highway – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 14:22 ‘And straightway Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a ship, and to go before Him unto the other side, while He sent the multitudes away 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening […]

The Martyrdom of John

The Martyrdom of John – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 14:1 ‘At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, 2 And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him 3 For Herod had laid hold on John, and […]

Treasure and Pearl

Treasure and Pearl – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like to treasure hid in a field; the which when a man has found, he hides… The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof […]

Leaven

Leaven – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 13:33 Another parable spoke he to them; The kingdom of heaven is like to leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal… ‘The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and bid to three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. […]

Mingled in Growth, Separated in Maturity

Mingled in Growth, Separated in Maturity – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 13:24 ‘Another parable put He forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way 26 But when […]

to Him that Hath Shall be Given’

to Him that Hath Shall be Given’ – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 13:12 For whoever has, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whoever has not… ‘Whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that […]

Ears and no Ears

Ears and no Ears – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 13:8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundred times, some sixty times, some thirty times.… ‘Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. This saying was frequently on our Lord’s lips, and that in very various connections. He sometimes, as in […]

Seeing and Blind

Seeing and Blind – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 13:1 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.… ‘They seeing, see not. This is true about all the senses of the word ‘seeing’; there is not one man in ten thousand who sees the things before his eyes. Is not […]

Four Sowings and One Ripening

Four Sowings and One Ripening – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 13:1 ‘The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side 2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto Him, so that He went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore 3 And He spake many […]

A Greater than Solomon’

A Greater than Solomon’ – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 12:42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it… ‘A greater than Solomon is here. It is condescension in Him to compare Himself with any; yet if any might have been selected, it is that great name. To […]

A Greater than Jonas’

A Greater than Jonas’ – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas… ‘A greater than Jonas is here. There never was any man in his right mind, still more of influence on his fellows, who […]

Make the Tree Good’

Make the Tree Good’ – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 12:33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt… ‘… Make the tree good, and his fruit good… In this Gospel we find that our Lord twice uses this image of a tree and its fruit. […]

An Attempt to Account for Jesus

An Attempt to Account for Jesus – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow does not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. ‘But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This man doth not cast out demons, but by Beelzebub, the prince of […]

The Pharisees’ Sabbath and Christ’s

The Pharisees’ Sabbath and Christ’s – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 12:1 ‘At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the corn; and His disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat 2 But when the Pharisees saw it they said unto Him, Behold, Thy disciples do that which is […]

The Rest Giver

The Rest Giver – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ‘Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek […]

Christ’s Strange Thanksgiving

Christ’s Strange Thanksgiving – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth… ‘I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth,because Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. When Jesus was about […]

Sodom, Capernaum, Manchester

Sodom, Capernaum, Manchester – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 11:20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:… ‘Then began He to upbraid the cities wherein most of His mighty works were done, because they repented not. These words, and the woes which they introduce, are […]

The Friend of Publicans and Sinners

The Friend of Publicans and Sinners – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a drunkard, a friend of publicans and sinners… ‘The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend […]

John’s Doubts of Jesus, and Jesus’ Praise of John

John’s Doubts of Jesus, and Jesus’ Praise of John – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 11:2 ‘Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto Him, Art Thou He that should come, or do we look for another? 4 Jesus answered and said unto them, […]

The Greatest in the Kingdom, and Their Reward

The Greatest in the Kingdom, and Their Reward – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 10:41 He that receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward… ‘He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name […]

The King’s Charge to His Ambassadors

The King’s Charge to His Ambassadors – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 10:32 ‘Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven 33 But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven 34 Think not that I am […]

Like Teacher, Like Scholar

Like Teacher, Like Scholar – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 10:24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. ‘The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.26. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. These words […]

The Widened Mission, its Perils and Defences

The Widened Mission, its Perils and Defences – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 10:16 ‘Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves 17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 18 […]

The Obscure Apostles

The Obscure Apostles – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles… ‘These twelve Jesus sent forth. And half of ‘these twelve’ are never heard of as doing any work for Christ. Peter and James and John we know; the other James […]

Christ’s Charge to His Heralds

Christ’s Charge to His Heralds – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 10:5 ‘These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, do not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, […]

A Christlike Judgment of Men

A Christlike Judgment of Men – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad… ‘But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved withcompassion on them, because they fainted, and werescattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. In the […]

The Touch of Faith and the Touch of Christ

The Touch of Faith and the Touch of Christ – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 9:18 ‘While He spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped Him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay Thy hand upon her, and she shall live 19 And Jesus arose, and followed him, and […]

Soul-Healing First: Body-Healing Second

Soul-Healing First: Body-Healing Second – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 9:6 But that you may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins, (then said he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise… ‘That ye may know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins (then saith He […]

Christ’s Encouragements

Christ’s Encouragements – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said to the sick of the palsy… ‘Son, be of good cheer. This word of encouragement, which exhorts to both cheerfulness and courage, is often upon Christ’s […]

The Peace-Bringer in the Spiritual World

The Peace-Bringer in the Spiritual World – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 8:28 And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils… ‘And when He was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two possessed with devils, […]

The Peace-Bringer in the Natural World

The Peace-Bringer in the Natural World – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 8:23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.… And when He was entered into a ship, His disciples followed Him.24. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves; but […]

Christ Repressing Rash Discipleship

Christ Repressing Rash Discipleship – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 8:19 And a certain scribe came, and said to him, Master, I will follow you wherever you go.… ‘And a certain scribe came, and said unto Him, Master, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest.20. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds […]

The Healing Christ

The Healing Christ – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 8:17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bore our sicknesses. ‘Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. You will remember, probably, that in our Old Testament translation of these words they are made to refer […]

The Touch that Cleanses

The Touch that Cleanses – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 8:14 And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. ‘When He was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him.1. And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou […]

Swift Healing and Immediate Service

Swift Healing and Immediate Service – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 8:14 And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, He saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.15. And He touched her hand, and the […]

The Faith Which Christ Praises

The Faith Which Christ Praises – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof: but speak the word only… ‘The centurion answered and said: Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof, but speak the word only, and […]

The Christ of the Sermon on the Mount

The Christ of the Sermon on the Mount – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: ‘And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine: 29. For He taught them as […]

The Two Paths

The Two Paths – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 7:13 Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction… ‘Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which […]

Judging, Asking, and Giving

Judging, Asking, and Giving – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that you be not judged. ‘Judge not, that ye be not judged 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that […]

Anxious Care

Anxious Care – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one… ‘Ye cannot serve God and Mammon.25. Therefore I say unto you. Take no thought for your life. Foresight and foreboding are two very […]

Hearts and Treasures

Hearts and Treasures – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. ‘For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. ‘Your treasure’ is probably not the same as your neighbour’s. It is yours, whether you possess it or not, because you love it. For what […]

Two Kinds of Treasure

Two Kinds of Treasure – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust does corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20. But lay up […]

Fasting

Fasting – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 6:16 Moreover when you fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces… Moreover, when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, […]

Thine is the Kingdom’

Thine is the Kingdom’ – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For your is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. ‘Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. There is no reason to suppose that this […]

Lead Us not into Temptation’

Lead Us not into Temptation’ – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 6:13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For your is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. ‘And lead us not into temptation. The petition of the previous clause has to do with the past, this with the […]

Deliver Us from Evil’

Deliver Us from Evil’ – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For your is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. ‘But deliver us from evil. The two halves of this prayer are like a calm sky with stars shining silently in […]

‘Forgive Us Our Debts’

‘Forgive Us Our Debts’ – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. The sequence of the petitions in the second half of the Lord’s Prayer suggests that every man who needs to pray for daily bread needs also to […]

The Cry for Bread

The Cry for Bread – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread. ‘Give us this day our daily bread. What a contrast there is between the two consecutive petitions, Thy will be done, and Give us this day! The one is so comprehensive, the other so narrow; the one loses self […]

thy Will be Done’

thy Will be Done’ – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. ‘Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. It makes all the difference whether the thought of the name, or that of the will, of God be the prominent […]

thy Kingdom Come’

thy Kingdom Come’ – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. ‘Thy kingdom come. ‘The Lord reigneth, let the earth be glad’; ‘The Lord reigneth, let the people tremble,’ was the burden of Jewish psalmist and prophet from the first to the last. They […]

The Structure of the Lord’s Prayer

The Structure of the Lord’s Prayer – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray you: Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be your name. ‘After this manner therefore pray ye. ‘After this manner’ may or may not imply that Christ meant this prayer to be a form, but He certainly meant it […]

‘Our Father’

‘Our Father’ – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray you: Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be your name. ‘Our Father which art in heaven. The words of Christ, like the works of God, are inexhaustible. Their depth is concealed beneath an apparent simplicity which the child and the savage can […]

Hallowed be Thy Name’

Hallowed be Thy Name’ – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray you: Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be your name. Hallowed be Thy name. Name is character so far as revealed. I. What is meaning of Petition? Hallowed means to make holy; or to show as holy; or to regard […]

Solitary Prayer

Solitary Prayer – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 6:6 But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father which is in secret… Enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret. An old heathen who had […]

Trumpets and Street Corners

Trumpets and Street Corners – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 6:1 Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. ‘Take heed that ye do nob your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no […]

The Law of Love

The Law of Love – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 5:43 ‘Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and […]

Non-Resistance

Non-Resistance – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 5:38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also 40 And if any man […]

Swear not At All’

Swear not At All’ – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: 34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: 35 Nor […]

The New Form of the Old Law

The New Form of the Old Law – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 5:17 ‘Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass […]

The Eighth Beatitude

The Eighth Beatitude – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. We have seen the description of the true subjects of the kingdom growing into form […]

The Seventh Beatitude

The Seventh Beatitude – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. ‘Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. This is the last Beatitude descriptive of the character of the Christian. There follows one more, which describes his reception by […]

The Sixth Beatitude

The Sixth Beatitude – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. AT first hearing one scarcely knows whether the character described in this great saying, or the promise held out, is the more inaccessible to men. […]

The Fifth Beatitude

The Fifth Beatitude – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. ‘Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. THE divine simplicity of the Beatitudes covers a divine depth, both in regard to the single precepts and to the sequence of the whole. I have already pointed out […]

The Fourth Beatitude

The Fourth Beatitude – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. ‘Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Two preliminary remarks will give us the point of view from which I desire to consider these […]

The Second Beatitude

The Second Beatitude – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. ‘Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. An ordinary superficial view of these so-called Beatitudes is that they are simply a collection of unrelated sayings. But they are a great deal more than that. […]

The First Beatitude

The First Beatitude – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 5:2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. ‘Ye are not come unto the mount that burned with fire, nor unto the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of “awful” words.’ With […]

The New Sinai

The New Sinai – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 5:1 ‘And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain: and when He was set, His disciples came unto Him: 2 And He opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven 4 Blessed are they […]

The Early Welcome and the First Ministers of the King

The Early Welcome and the First Ministers of the King – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 4:17 ‘From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand 18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net […]

The Springing of the Great Light

The Springing of the Great Light – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 4:12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, He departed into Galilee; 13 And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: 14 That it might be fulfilled which […]

The Victory of the King

The Victory of the King – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. ‘Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, […]

The Baptism in Fire

The Baptism in Fire – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water to repentance. but he that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear… ‘He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. There is no more pathetic figure in Scripture than […]

The Herald of the King

The Herald of the King – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 3:1 ‘In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand 3 For this is He that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in […]

The King in Exile

The King in Exile – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 2:13 ‘And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and His mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child […]

The First-Fruits of the Gentiles

The First-Fruits of the Gentiles – Alexander Maclaren Matthew 2:1 ‘Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the […]

Stout Words,’ and Their Confutation

Stout Words,’ and Their Confutation – Alexander Maclaren Malachi 3:13 ‘Your words have been stout against Me, saith the Lord: yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against Thee? 14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, and that we have […]

A Dialogue with God

A Dialogue with God – Alexander Maclaren Malachi 3:7 Even from the days of your fathers you are gone away from my ordinances, and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you… Return unto Me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts. But ye say, Wherein […]

The Unchanging Lord

The Unchanging Lord – The Unchanging Lord Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed. ‘I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. The scriptural revelations of the divine Name are always the basis of intensely practical admonition. […]

The Last Word of Prophecy

The Last Word of Prophecy – Alexander Maclaren Malachi 3:1 ‘Behold, I will send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts 2 […]

A Dialogue with God

A Dialogue with God – Alexander Maclaren Malachi 1:6 A son honors his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is my honor? and if I be a master, where is my fear?… ‘A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a Father, […]

The Source of Power

The Source of Power – Alexander Maclaren Zechariah 4:1 ‘And the Angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, 2 And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold, a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon […]

A Vision of Judgement and Cleansing

A Vision of Judgement and Cleansing – Alexander Maclaren Zechariah 3:1 And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.… ‘And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at […]

Brave Encouragements

Brave Encouragements – Alexander Maclaren Haggai 2:1 ‘In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying, 2 Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the […]

Vain Toil

Vain Toil – Alexander Maclaren Haggai 1:6 You have sown much, and bring in little; you eat, but you have not enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink… ‘Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; […]

Zion’s Joy and God’s

Zion’s Joy and God’s – Alexander Maclaren Zephaniah 3:14 Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem….17. He will rejoice over thee with […]

The Record of Two Kings

The Record of Two Kings – Alexander Maclaren Micah 6:16 For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and you walk in their counsels… In the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah began Omri to reign over Israel, twelve years: six years reigned he […]

Threefold Repentance

Threefold Repentance – Alexander Maclaren Jonah 3:1 ‘And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying, 2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee 3 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was […]

Guilty Silence and its Reward

Guilty Silence and its Reward – Alexander Maclaren Jonah 1:1 Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great, city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before Me 3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence […]

The Carcass and the Eagles

The Carcass and the Eagles – Alexander Maclaren Amos 6:1 ‘Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came! 2 Pass ye unto Calneh, and see; and from thence go ye to Hamath the great; […]

The Sins of Society

The Sins of Society – Alexander Maclaren Amos 5:4 ‘For thus saith the Lord unto the house of Israel, Seek ye Me, and ye shall live: 5 But seek not Beth-el, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beer-sheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Beth-el shall come to nought 6 Seek the […]

Smitten in Vain

Smitten in Vain – Alexander Maclaren Amos 4:4 ‘Come to Beth-el, and transgress; at Gilgal multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes after three years: 5 And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim and publish the free offerings; for this liketh you, O ye children of Israel, saith the […]

Israel Returning

Israel Returning – Alexander Maclaren Hosea 14:1 O Israel, return to the LORD your God; for you have fallen by your iniquity. ‘O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity 2 Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto Him, Take away all iniquity, and […]

A Colloquy Between a Penitent and God

A Colloquy Between a Penitent and God – Alexander Maclaren Hosea 14:1 O Israel, return to the LORD your God; for you have fallen by your iniquity.… A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the Lord […]

Destruction and Help

Destruction and Help – Alexander Maclaren Hosea 13:9 O Israel, you have destroyed yourself; but in me is your help. ‘O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in Me is thine help. ‘It is thy destruction, O Israel, that thou art against Me, against thy Help’ (R.V.). These words are obscure by reason of their […]

Fruit Which is Death’

Fruit Which is Death’ – Alexander Maclaren Hosea 10:1 Israel is an empty vine, he brings forth fruit to himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he has increased the altars… ‘Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: according to the multitude of his fruit he hath increased the altars; […]

Physicians of no Value’

Physicians of no Value’ – Alexander Maclaren Hosea 5:13 When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to king Jareb… ‘When Ephralm saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound, then went Ephraim to Assyria, and sent to king Jareb: but he is not able […]

‘Let Him Alone’

‘Let Him Alone’ – Alexander Maclaren Hosea 4:17  ‘Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone. The tribe of Ephraim was the most important member of the kingdom of Israel; consequently its name was not unnaturally sometimes used in a wider application for the whole of the kingdom, of which it was the principal part. […]

A New Years Message

A New Years Message – Alexander Maclaren Daniel 12:13 But go you your way till the end be: for you shall rest, and stand in your lot at the end of the days. ‘But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of […]

Faith Stopping the Mouths of Lions

Faith Stopping the Mouths of Lions – Alexander Maclaren Daniel 6:16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spoke and said to Daniel… ‘Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake […]

Mene, Tekel, Peres

Mene, Tekel, Peres – Alexander Maclaren Daniel 5:17 Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let your gifts be to yourself, and give your rewards to another… ‘Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another: yet I will read the writing unto […]

Harmless Fires

Harmless Fires – Alexander Maclaren Daniel 3:13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego… ‘Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Then they brought these men before the king 14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, […]

The Image and the Stone

The Image and the Stone – Alexander Maclaren Daniel 2:36 This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. ‘This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king 37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee […]

Youthful Confessors

Youthful Confessors – Alexander Maclaren Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank… ‘But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the […]

The River of Life

The River of Life – Alexander Maclaren Ezekiel 47:1 Afterward he brought me again to the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward… Waters issued out from under the threshold of the house. Unlike most great cities, Jerusalem was not situated on a great river. […]

The Dry Bones and the Spirit of Life

The Dry Bones and the Spirit of Life – Alexander Maclaren Ezekiel 37:1 The hand of the LORD was on me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD… 1 The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in […]

Yielding to One’s Surroundings

Yielding to One’s Surroundings – A. Maclaren. Ezekiel 11:12 And you shall know that I am the LORD: for you have not walked in my statutes, neither executed my judgments… Surely there is nothing walks the earth more contemptible, as well as more certainly evil, than a man who lets himself be made by whatever […]

Do not Leg the World Mould You

Do not Leg the World Mould You – A. Maclaren. Ezekiel 11:12 And you shall know that I am the LORD: for you have not walked in my statutes, neither executed my judgments… I beseech you all, and especially you young people, not to let the world take and mould you, like a bit of […]

Hardened for Endurance

Hardened for Endurance – A. Maclaren. Ezekiel 3:9 As an adamant harder than flint have I made your forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks… Loose-braced, easy souls, that lie open to all the pleasurable influences of ordinary life, are no more fit for God’s weapons than a reed for a lance, […]

The End in View Should Control Conduct

The End in View Should Control Conduct – A. Maclaren. Lamentations 1:9 Her filthiness is in her skirts; she remembers not her last end; therefore she came down wonderfully: she had no comforter. O LORD… If the lazy student would only bring clearly before his mind the examination room, and the unanswerable paper, and the […]

‘As Sodom’

‘As Sodom’ – Alexander Maclaren Jeremiah 52:1 Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah 2 And he did that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that […]

The Kinsman-Redeemer

The Kinsman-Redeemer – Alexander Maclaren Jeremiah 50:34 Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of hosts is his name: he shall thoroughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land… Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of Hosts is His name: He shall thoroughly plead their cause. Among the remarkable provisions of the […]

The Sword of the Lord

The Sword of the Lord – Alexander Maclaren Jeremiah 47:6 O you sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere you be quiet? put up yourself into your scabbard, rest, and be still. O thou sword of the Lord, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy […]

God’s Patient Pleadings

God’s Patient Pleadings – Alexander Maclaren Jeremiah 44:4 However, I sent to you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, Oh… I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate. The long death-agony of the Jewish […]

Ebedmelech the Ethiopian

Ebedmelech the Ethiopian – Alexander Maclaren Jeremiah 39:18 For I will surely deliver you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but your life shall be for a prey to you… For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto […]

The Last Agony

The Last Agony – Alexander Maclaren Jeremiah 39:1 In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army against Jerusalem, and they besieged it 2 And in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day of the month, the city […]

The World’s Wages to a Prophet

The World’s Wages to a Prophet – Alexander Maclaren Jeremiah 37:11 And it came to pass, that when the army of the Chaldeans was broken up from Jerusalem for fear of Pharaoh’s arm, 12 Then Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin, to separate himself thence in the midst of […]

Zedekiah

Zedekiah – Alexander Maclaren Jeremiah 37:1 And king Zedekiah the son of Josiah reigned instead of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim… Zedekiah the son of Josiah reigned as king … whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon made king’ Zedekiah was a small man on a great stage, a weakling set to face circumstances that would have […]

Jeremiah’s Roll Burned and Reproduced

Jeremiah’s Roll Burned and Reproduced – Alexander Maclaren Jeremiah 36:32 Then took Jeremiah another roll, and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah… Then took Jeremiah another roll, and gave it to Baruch … who wrote therein … all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in […]

The Rechabites

The Rechabites – Alexander Maclaren Jeremiah 35:16 Because the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them… The sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them; but this people have not hearkened unto Me. The […]

What the Immense Creation Teaches

What the Immense Creation Teaches – Alexander Maclaren Jeremiah 31:37 Thus said the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath… ‘If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for […]

What the Stable Creation Teaches

What the Stable Creation Teaches – Alexander Maclaren Jeremiah 31:36 If those ordinances depart from before me, said the LORD… If those ordinances depart from before Me, saith the Lord, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before Me for ever. This is the seal of the new covenant, which […]

Yokes of Wood and Iron

Yokes of Wood and Iron – Alexander Maclaren Jeremiah 28:13 Go and tell Hananiah, saying, Thus saith the Lord; Thou hast broken the yokes of wood; but thou shalt make for them yokes of iron. I suppose that I had better begin by a word of explanation as to the occasion of this saying. One king […]

Two Lists of Names

Two Lists of Names – Alexander Maclaren Jeremiah 17:13 O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake you shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth… They that depart from Me shall be written in the earth Rejoice that your names are written in heaven. A name […]

A Soul Gazing on God

A Soul Gazing on God – Alexander Maclaren Jeremiah 17:12 A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary.… I must begin by a word or two of explanation as to the language of this passage. The word ‘is’ is a supplement, and most probably it ought to be omitted, and […]

Sin’s Writing and its Erasure

Sin’s Writing and its Erasure – Alexander Maclaren Jeremiah 17:1 The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond: it is graven upon the table of their heart, and upon the horns of your altars. ‘Ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by […]

An Impossibility Made Possible

An Impossibility Made Possible – Alexander Maclaren Jeremiah 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may you also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. Can the Ethiopian change his skin?’  ‘If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. ‘Behold, I make all things new. […]

Calms and Crises

Calms and Crises – Alexander Maclaren Jeremiah 12:5 If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? and if in the land of peace… If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and though […]

Forsaking Jehovah

Forsaking Jehovah – Alexander Maclaren Jeremiah 2:19 Your own wickedness shall correct you, and your backslidings shall reprove you… Know therefore, and see, that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that My fear is not in thee, saith the Lord God of hosts.’ Of course […]

Stiff-Necked Idolaters and Pliable Christians

Stiff-Necked Idolaters and Pliable Christians – Alexander Maclaren Jeremiah 2:11 Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but My people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. The obstinacy of the adherents of idolatry is in striking contrast with Israel’s continual tendency to forsake Jehovah. It reads a scarcely […]

The God of the Amen’

The God of the Amen’ – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 65:16 That he who blesses himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth… He who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth. […]

The Sympathy of God

The Sympathy of God – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 63:9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them… In all their afflictions He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them. I. The wonderful glimpse opened here […]

The Winepress and its Treader

The Winepress and its Treader – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 63:2 Why are you red in your apparel, and your garments like him that treads in the winefat? Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? I have trodden the winepress alone. The structure of these closing […]

Mighty to Save

Mighty to Save – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 63:1 Who is this that comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel… Mighty to save. We have here a singularly vivid and dramatic prophecy, thrown into the form of a dialogue between the prophet and a stranger whom he sees […]

Walls and Gates

Walls and Gates – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 60:18 Violence shall no more be heard in your land, wasting nor destruction within your borders; but you shall call your walls Salvation… Thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise The prophet reaches the height of eloquence in his magnificent picture of the restored Jerusalem, […]

Flimsy Garments

Flimsy Garments – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 59:6 Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity… Their webs shall not become garments. ‘I counsel thee to buy of me … white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness […]

We Sure of To-Morrow? a New Year’s Sermon

We Sure of To-Morrow? a New Year’s Sermon – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 56:12 Come you, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day… To-morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant. These words, as they stand, are the call […]

The Great Proclamation

The Great Proclamation – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. The meaning of the word preach is ‘proclaim like a herald’; or, what is perhaps more familiar to […]

The Passing and the Permanent

The Passing and the Permanent – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 54:1 Sing, O barren, you that did not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, you that did not travail with child… For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of […]

The Suffering Servant — Vi

The Suffering Servant — Vi – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 53:12 Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong; because He hath poured out His soul unto death: and was numbered with the transgressors; and He bare the sins of many, and made intercession for the […]

The Suffering Servant — V

The Suffering Servant — V – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 53:11 He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied: by His knowledge shall My righteous servant justify many; and He shall bear their iniquities’  These are all but the closing words of this great prophecy, and are the fitting crown of all […]

The Suffering Servant — Iv

The Suffering Servant — Iv – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 53:10 It pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief: when Thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. We have […]

The Suffering Servant — Ii

The Suffering Servant — Ii – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 53:4 Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His […]

The Suffering Servant — I

The Suffering Servant — I – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 53:1 Who has believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? For He grew up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we see Him, […]

Clean Carriers

Clean Carriers – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 52:11 Depart you, depart you, go you out from there, touch no unclean thing; go you out of the middle of her; be you clean… Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord. The context points to a great deliverance. It is a good example of the […]

The Awakening of Zion

The Awakening of Zion – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 51:9 Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old.  ‘Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion. Both these verses are, I think, to be regarded as spoken by one voice, that of the Servant […]

Dying Fires

Dying Fires – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 50:11 Behold, all you that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire… Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that gird yourselves about with firebrands: walk ye in the flame of your fire, and among the brands that ye have […]

The Servant’s Triumph

The Servant’s Triumph – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 50:8 He is near that justifieth Me; who will contend with Me? let us stand together: who is Mine adversary? let him come near to Me 9 Behold, the Lord God will help Me; who is he that shall condemn Me? lo, they all shall wax old as a […]

The Servant’s Inflexible Resolve

The Servant’s Inflexible Resolve – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 50:7 For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint… For the Lord God will help Me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set My face like a flint. What a […]

The Servant’s Obedience

The Servant’s Obedience – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 50:5 The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. I was not rebellious, neither turned away back I. The secret of Christ’s life, filial obedience. The fact is attested by Scripture. By His own words: ‘My meat is to do […]

The Servant’s Words to the Weary

The Servant’s Words to the Weary – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 50:4 The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary… The Lord God hath given me the tongue of them that are taught, that I should know […]

A River of Peace and Waves of Righteousness

A River of Peace and Waves of Righteousness – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 48:18 O that you had listened to my commandments! then had your peace been as a river, and your righteousness as the waves of the sea: Oh that thou hadst hearkened to My commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and […]

A Righteousness Near and a Swift Salvation

A Righteousness Near and a Swift Salvation – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 46:12 Listen to me, you stouthearted, that are far from righteousness:… Hearken unto Me, ye stout-hearted, that are far from righteousness: I bring near My righteousness; it shall not be far off, and My salvation shall not tarry. God has promised that He will […]

Hidden and Revealed

Hidden and Revealed – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 45:1 Thus said the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before him… Verily thou art a God that hidest Thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour…. I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth; […]

Writing Blotted Out and Mist Melted

Writing Blotted Out and Mist Melted – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and, as a cloud, your sins: return to me; for I have redeemed you. I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins. Isaiah has often and […]

Jacob — Israel — Jeshurun

Jacob — Israel — Jeshurun – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 44:1 Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen:… Yet now hear, O Jacob My servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen…. Fear not, O Jacob, My servant; and thou, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. You observe that there are here […]

Thy Name: My Name

Thy Name: My Name – Alexander Maclaren But now thus said the LORD that created you, O Jacob, and he that formed you, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed you… I have called thee by thy name. ‘Every one that is called by My name. Great stress is laid on names in Scripture. […]

Christ the Arrester of Incipient Evil and the Nourisher of Incipient Good

Christ the Arrester of Incipient Evil and the Nourisher of Incipient Good – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 42:3 A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment to truth.… A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall He not quench…. He […]

Unfailing Stabs and Fainting Men

Unfailing Stabs and Fainting Men – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who has created these things, that brings out their host by number… …For that He is strong in power; not one faileth…. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth […]

‘Have Ye Not? Hast Thou Not?’

‘Have Ye Not? Hast Thou Not?’ – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 40:21 Have ye not known, have ye not heard? hath it not been told yon from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?… Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard? The recurrence of the same form of interrogation in these […]

The Shepherd and the Fold

The Shepherd and the Fold – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom… ‘… Thou hast guided them in Thy strength unto Thy holy habitation. What a grand triumphal ode! The picture of Moses and the […]

O Thou that Bringest Good Tidings

O Thou that Bringest Good Tidings – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 40:9 O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain: O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! There is something very grand […]

Where to Carry Troubles

Where to Carry Troubles – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 37:14 And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. When Hezekiah heard the threatenings of Sennacherib’s servants, he rent his clothes and went into the house […]

The Triumph of Faith

The Triumph of Faith – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 37:14 And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord 15 And Hezekiah prayed unto the Lord, saying, 16 O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, that […]

The King’s Highway

The King’s Highway – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 35:8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it… And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the way of holiness; the unclean shall not […]

Mirage or Lake

Mirage or Lake – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 35:6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out… For in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the glowing sand shall become a pool, and the […]

Miracles of Healing

Miracles of Healing – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 35:5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the […]

What Life’s Journey May Be

What Life’s Journey May Be – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 35:1 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. The redeemed shall walk there: And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their […]

Judge, Lawgiver, King

Judge, Lawgiver, King – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 33:22 For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us. For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our King; He will save us. There is reference here to the three […]

The Fortress of the Faithful

The Fortress of the Faithful – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 33:16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks; bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.  This glowing promise becomes even more striking if we mark its connection with the solemn question in the previous context. ‘Who […]

God’s Waiting and Man’s

God’s Waiting and Man’s – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 30:18 And therefore will the Lord wait, that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted, that He may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgment: blessed are they that wait for Him. God’s waiting and man’s — bold […]

Quietness and Confidence’

Quietness and Confidence’ – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 30:15 For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall you be saved… In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength. ISRAEL always felt the difficulty of sustaining itself on the height of […]

The Husbandman and His Operations

The Husbandman and His Operations – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 28:23 Give ye ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech 24 Doth the plowman plow all day to sow? doth he open and break the clods of his ground! 25 When lie hath made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the […]

God’s Strange Work

God’s Strange Work – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 28:21 For the LORD shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work… That He may do His work, His strange work; and bring to pass His act, His strange act. […]

Man’s Crown and God’s

Man’s Crown and God’s – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 28:5 In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, to the residue of his people, In that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty. […]

A Crown Op Pride or a Crown of Glory

A Crown Op Pride or a Crown of Glory – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 28:3 The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet; 4 And the glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley, shall be a fading flower, and as the hasty fruit before the summer; which when […]

The Judgment of Drunkards and Mockers

The Judgment of Drunkards and Mockers – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 28:1 Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine! 2 Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one, which, […]

The Grasp that Brings Peace

The Grasp that Brings Peace – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 27:5 Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; yea, let him make peace with Me. Lyrical emotion makes the prophet’s language obscure by reason of its swift transitions from one mood of feeling to another. But the main drift here […]

The Song of Two Cities

The Song of Two Cities – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 26:1 In that day shall this song he sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks 2 Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in 3 Thou wilt keep […]

The Veil Over All Nations

The Veil Over All Nations – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 25:7 He will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all nations. The previous chapter closes with a prediction of the reign of Jehovah in Mount Zion ‘before His elders’ in Glory. The allusion apparently […]

The Feast on the Sacrifice

The Feast on the Sacrifice – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 25:6 And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make to all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees… And in this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a feast. There is here a reference […]

‘In This Mountain’

‘In This Mountain’ – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 25:6 In this mountain shall the Lord of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined 7 And He will destroy in this mountain the face of […]

The Harvest of a Godless Life

The Harvest of a Godless Life – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 17:10 Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the Rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips: In the day shalt thou make thy plant to grow, and in […]

The Blind Man’s Guide

The Blind Man’s Guide – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 13:16 Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished. I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make […]

The Well-Spring of Salvation

The Well-Spring of Salvation – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 12:3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. There are two events separated from each other by more than fifteen hundred years which have a bearing upon this prophecy: the one supplied the occasion for its utterance, the other claimed to be […]

The Sucker from the Felled Oak

The Sucker from the Felled Oak – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: […]

Great Voices from Heaven

Great Voices from Heaven – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:… Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God 2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, […]

Light or Fire?

Light or Fire? – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 10:17 And the Light of Israel shall be for a fire, and his Holy One for a flame: and it shall burn and devour his thorns and his briers in one day. With grand poetry the prophet pictures the Assyrian power as a forest consumed like thistles and briers […]

The Nativity

The Nativity – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given: and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful… ‘Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before […]

The Kingdom and the King

The Kingdom and the King – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 9:2 The people that walked in darkness hare seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined 3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before Thee according to the […]

Shiloah and Euphrates

Shiloah and Euphrates – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 8:6 For as much as this people refuses the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah’s son; Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly … the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and […]

Vision and Service

Vision and Service – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 6:1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple 2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered […]

A Prophet’s Woes

A Prophet’s Woes – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 5:8 Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may he placed alone in the midst of the earth! 9 In mine ears said the Lord of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall he desolate, even […]

A Paradox of Selling and Buying

A Paradox of Selling and Buying – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 3:3 The captain of fifty, and the honorable man, and the counselor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator. Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money. THE first reference of these words is of course to the Captivity. […]

The Stupidity of Godlessness

The Stupidity of Godlessness – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 1:3 The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, My people doth not consider. This is primarily an indictment against Israel, but it touches us all. ‘Doth not know’ i.e. has no familiar acquaintance with; ‘doth not consider,’ i.e. frivolously ignores, never meditates on. […]

The Great Suit: Jehovah Versus Judah

The Great Suit: Jehovah Versus Judah – Alexander Maclaren Isaiah 1:1 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. I Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the Lord hath spoken: I have nourished and […]

The Conclusion of the Matter

The Conclusion of the Matter – Alexander Maclaren Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; 2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not […]

A New Years Sermon to the Young

A New Years Sermon to the Young – Alexander Maclaren Ecclesiastes 11:9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will […]

Misused Respite

Misused Respite – Alexander Maclaren Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in […]

Finis Coronat Opus

Finis Coronat Opus – Alexander Maclaren Ecclesiastes 7:8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.… Better is the end of a thing than the beginning. This Book of Ecclesiastes is the record of a quest after the chief good. […]

Naked or Clothed?

Naked or Clothed? – Alexander Maclaren Ecclesiastes 5:15 As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand. ‘… Their works do follow them. It is to be observed that these two sharply contrasted […]

Lessons for Worship and for Work

Lessons for Worship and for Work – Lessons for Worship and for Work Ecclesiastes 5:1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil 2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let […]

A Time to Plant’

A Time to Plant’ – Alexander Maclaren Ecclesiastes 3:2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to plant. The writer enumerates in this context a number of opposite courses of conduct arranged in pairs, each of […]

Two Views of Life

Two Views of Life – Alexander Maclaren Ecclesiastes 1:13 And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven… This sore travail hath God given to the sons of man, to be exercised therewith. ‘He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His […]

The Past and the Future

The Past and the Future – Alexander Maclaren Ecclesiastes 1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall he; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. ‘That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to […]

An Unwalled City

An Unwalled City – Alexander Maclaren Proverbs 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. The text gives us a picture of a state of society when an unwalled city is no place for men to dwell in. In the Europe of today […]

The Sluggard’s Garden

The Sluggard’s Garden – Alexander Maclaren Proverbs 24:30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. This picture of the sluggard’s […]

The Portrait of a Drunkyard

The Portrait of a Drunkyard – Alexander Maclaren Proverbs 23:29 Who has woe? who has sorrow? who has contentions? who has babbling? who has wounds without cause? who has redness of eyes?… Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30. […]

A Condensed Guide for Life

A Condensed Guide for Life – Alexander Maclaren Proverbs 23:15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine 16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things 17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long 18 […]

Bread and Gravel

Bread and Gravel – Alexander Maclaren Proverbs 20:17 “Bread of deceit” is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. ‘Bread of deceit’ is a somewhat ambiguous phrase, which may mean either of two things, and perhaps means both. It may either mean any good obtained by deceit, or good which […]

A String of Pearls

A String of Pearls – Alexander Maclaren  Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise 2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul 3 It is an honour for a man […]

Two Fortresses

Two Fortresses – Alexander Maclaren Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.11. The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit’  The mere reading of these two verses shows that, contrary to the usual rule in […]

A Bundle of Proverbs

A Bundle of Proverbs – Alexander Maclaren Proverbs 16:22  Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly 23 The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips 24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to […]

Satisfied from Self

Satisfied from Self – Alexander Maclaren Proverbs 14:14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. A good man shall be satisfied from himself. At first sight this saying strikes one as somewhat unlike the ordinary Scripture tone, and savouring rather of a […]

Hollow Laughter, Solid Joy

Hollow Laughter, Solid Joy – Alexander Maclaren Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. ‘These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be fulfilled.A poet, who used to be more fashionable than he is now, […]

Sin the Mocker

Sin the Mocker – Alexander Maclaren Proverbs 14:1 Every wise woman builds her house: but the foolish plucks it down with her hands. Fools make a mock at sin; but among the righteous there is favour. The wisdom of this Book of Proverbs is not simply intellectual, but it has its roots in reverence and […]

The Tillage of the Poor

The Tillage of the Poor – Alexander Maclaren Proverbs 13:23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment. Much food is in the tillage of the poor. Palestine was a land of small peasant proprietors, and the institution of the Jubilee was intended to […]

The Many-Sided Contrast of Wisdom and Folly

The Many-Sided Contrast of Wisdom and Folly – Alexander Maclaren Proverbs 12:1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish 2 A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn 3 A man shall not be established by wickedness; but the root of the […]

Wisdom and Christ

Wisdom and Christ – Alexander Maclaren Proverbs 8:30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; 31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. There is a singular difference between the two portions […]

Wisdom’s Gift

Wisdom’s Gift – Alexander Maclaren Proverbs 8:21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance. The word here rendered ‘substance’ is peculiar. Indeed, it is used in a unique construction in this passage. It means […]

The Cords of Sin

The Cords of Sin – Alexander Maclaren Proverbs 5:22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.  In Hosea’s tender picture of the divine training of Israel which, alas! failed of its effect, we read, ‘I drew them with cords of a man,’ which is […]

The Two Paths

The Two Paths – Alexander Maclaren Proverbs 4:10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of your life shall be many. Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.11. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee […]

The Gifts of Heavenly Wisdom

The Gifts of Heavenly Wisdom – Alexander Maclaren Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of His correction: 12 For whom the Lord loveth He correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth 13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth […]

Wisdom’s Call

Wisdom’s Call – Alexander Maclaren Proverbs 1:20 Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: 21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, 22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their […]

A Young Man’s Best Counsellor

A Young Man’s Best Counsellor – Alexander Maclaren Proverbs 1:1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; 2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man […]

The Prayer of Prayers

The Prayer of Prayers – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do your will; for you are my God: your spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. ‘Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God! Thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. These two […]

God’s Scrutiny Longed For

God’s Scrutiny Longed For – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 139:23Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:… ‘Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; 24. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. This […]

The Charge of the Watchers in the Temple

The Charge of the Watchers in the Temple – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 134:1 Behold, bless you the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.… ‘Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, which by night stand in the House of the Lord.2. […]

Mountains Round Mount Zion

Mountains Round Mount Zion – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 125:1 They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but stays for ever.… ‘They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.2. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so […]

time for Thee to Work’

time for Thee to Work’ – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 119:126 It is time for you, LORD, to work: for they have made void your law. ‘It is time for Thee, Lord, to work; for they have made void Thy Law.127. Therefore I love Thy commandments above gold, yea, above fine gold.128. Therefore I esteem all […]

A Stranger in the Earth

A Stranger in the Earth – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 119:19 I am a stranger in the earth: hide not your commandments from me. ‘I am a stranger in the earth: hide not Thy commandments from me….64. The earth, O Lord, is full of Thy mercy: teach me Thy statutes. There is something very remarkable in […]

Life Hid and not Hid

Life Hid and not Hid – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 119:11 Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against you. ‘Thy word have I hid in my heart. ‘I have not hid Thy righteousness in my heart. Then there are two kinds of hiding — one right and one wrong: […]

A Cleansed Way

A Cleansed Way – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 119:9 ‘Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to Thy word. There are many questions about the future with which it is natural for you young people to occupy yourselves; but I am afraid that the most of you ask more anxiously ‘How […]

Inviolable Messiahs and Prophets

Inviolable Messiahs and Prophets – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 105:14 He suffered no man to do them wrong: yes, he reproved kings for their sakes; ‘He reproved kings for their sakes; 15. Saying, Touch not Mine anointed, and do My prophets no harm. The original reference of these words is to the fathers of the Jewish […]

Forgiveness and Retribution

Forgiveness and Retribution – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 99:8 You answered them, O LORD our God: you were a God that forgave them, though you took vengeance of their inventions. ‘Thou wast a God that forgavest them, though Thou tookest vengeance of their inventions. When the prophet Isaiah saw the great vision which called him to […]

What God Will Do for Us

What God Will Do for Us – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 91:15 ‘He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and show him My salvation.   When considering the previous verses of this […]

The Answer to Trust

The Answer to Trust – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 91:14 ‘Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My name. There are two voices speaking in the earlier part of this psalm: one that of a saint who professes his reliance upon […]

The Habitation of the Soul

The Habitation of the Soul – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 91:9 ‘Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. It requires a good deal of piecing to make out from the Hebrew the translation of […]

The Sheltering Wing

The Sheltering Wing – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 91:4 ‘He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler. We remember the magnificent image in Moses’ song, of God’s protection and guidance as that of the eagle who stirred up his nest, and hovered over […]

Continual Sunshine

Continual Sunshine – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 89:15 ‘Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of Thy countenance. The Psalmist has just been setting forth, in sublime language, the glories of the divine character — God’s strength, His universal sway, the justice and judgment which are the […]

A Sheaf of Prayer Arrows

A Sheaf of Prayer Arrows – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 86:1 ‘Bow down Thine ear, O Lord, hear me; for I am poor and needy 2 Preserve my soul, for I am holy: O Thou my God, save Thy servant that trusteth in Thee 3 Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto Thee daily […]

The Bridal of the Earth and Sky’

The Bridal of the Earth and Sky’ – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 85:10 ‘Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other 11 Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven 12 Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her […]

Sparrows and Altars

Sparrows and Altars – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 84:3 ‘Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even Thine altars, O Lord of Hosts, my King, and my God. The well-known saying of the saintly Rutherford, when he was silenced and exiled from his parish, […]

Nearness to God the Key to Life’s Puzzle

Nearness to God the Key to Life’s Puzzle – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 73:28 ‘It is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Thy works. The old perplexity as to how it comes, if God is good and wise and strong, that […]

A Song of Deliverance

A Song of Deliverance – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 56:13 ‘For Thou hast delivered my soul from death: hast Thou not delivered my feet from falling? that I may walk before God in the light of the living. According to the ancient Jewish tradition preserved in the superscription of this psalm, it was written at the lowest […]

Fear and Faith

Fear and Faith – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in you.… ‘What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.4. … In God I have put my trust: I will not fear. It is not given to many men to add new words to the vocabulary of […]

The Lord of Hosts, the God of Jacob

The Lord of Hosts, the God of Jacob – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 46:11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. ‘The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge. Some great deliverance, the details of which we do not know, had been […]

The King in His Beauty

The King in His Beauty – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 45:2 ‘Thou art fairer than the children of men; grace is poured into Thy lips: therefore God hath blessed Thee forever 3 Gird Thy sword upon Thy thigh, O mighty one, Thy glory and Thy majesty 4 And in Thy majesty ride on prosperously, because of truth […]

A Threefold Thought of Sin and Forgiveness

A Threefold Thought of Sin and Forgiveness – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.… ‘Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.2. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.’ This psalm, […]

‘Lying Vanities’

‘Lying Vanities’ – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 31:6 I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD. ‘They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.’ — JONAH 11.8. Jonah’s refusal to obey the divine command to go to Nineveh and cry against it is best taken, not as prosaic history, […]

‘Into Thy Hands’

‘Into Thy Hands’ – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 31:5 Into your hand I commit my spirit: you have redeemed me, O LORD God of truth. ‘Into Thine hand I commit my spirit: Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. The first part of this verse is consecrated for ever by our Lord’s use of […]

Be for Thou Art’

Be for Thou Art’ – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 31:2 Bow down your ear to me; deliver me speedily: be you my strong rock, for an house of defense to save me.… ‘Be Thou to me a strong Rock, an house of defence to save me.3. For Thou art my Rock and my Fortress. It sounds […]

Seek Ye — ‘I Will Seek’

Seek Ye — ‘I Will Seek’ – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 27:8 When you said, Seek you my face; my heart said to you, Your face, LORD, will I seek. ‘When Thou saidst, Seek ye my face; My heart said unto Thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.9. Hide not Thy face far from me. We […]

God’s Guests

God’s Guests – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 27:4 ‘One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. We shall do great injustice to this mystical aspiration of the Psalmist, if we degrade it to be the mere […]

Guidance in Judgment

Guidance in Judgment – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 25:8 ‘Good and upright is the Lord; therefore will He teach sinners in the way 9 The meek will He guide in judgment; and the meek will He teach His way.’ The Psalmist prays in this psalm for three things: deliverance, guidance, and forgiveness. Of these three petitions the […]

Open Sins

Open Sins – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 19:13 ‘Keep back Thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Another psalmist promises to the man who dwells ‘in the secret place of the Most High’ that’ he shall not […]

The Two Awakings

The Two Awakings – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 17:15 As for me, I will behold your face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with your likeness. ‘I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness. ‘As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when Thou awakest, Thou shalt despise their image.’ […]

God with Us, and We with God

God with Us, and We with God – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved….11. In Thy presence […]

One Saying from Three Men

One Saying from Three Men – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 10:6 He has said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity. ‘The wicked hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved. ‘Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.’ ‘And in my […]

A Staircase of Three Steps

A Staircase of Three Steps – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in you rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because you defend them… ‘All those that put their trust in Thee … them also that love Thy name … the righteous.’ I have ventured to isolate these […]

Blessedness and Praise

Blessedness and Praise – Alexander Maclaren Psalm 1:1 ‘Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord.’ ‘Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. […]

The End of the Lord’

The End of the Lord’ – Alexander Maclaren Job 42:1 Then Job answered the Lord, and said, 2 I know that Thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can he withholden from Thee 3 Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for […]

What Life May be Made

What Life May be Made – Alexander Maclaren Job 22:26 For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God 27 Thou shalt make thy prayer unto Him, and He shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows 28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it […]

Knowledge and Peace

Knowledge and Peace – Alexander Maclaren Job 22:21 Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. In the sense in which the speaker meant them, these words are not true. They mean little more than ‘It pays to be religious.’ What kind of notion of acquaintance with God Eliphaz […]

Calm in Prospect of Death

Calm in Prospect of Death – Alexander Maclaren Job 16:22 When a few years are come, then I shall go the way from where I shall not return. Why should we be pensive and wistful when we think how near our end is? Is the sentry sad as the hour for relieving guard comes nigh? […]

Job’s Question, Jesus’ Answer

Job’s Question, Jesus’ Answer – Alexander Maclaren Job 14:14 If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. If a man die, shall he live again? ‘… I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were […]

Two Kinds of Hope

Two Kinds of Hope – Alexander Maclaren Job 8:14 Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider’s web.’ ‘And hope maketh not ashamed.’ — ROMANS v.5. These two texts take opposite sides. Bildad was not the wisest of Job’s friends, and he gives utterance to solemn commonplaces with partial truth in […]

The Peaceable Fruits of Sorrows Rightly Borne

The Peaceable Fruits of Sorrows Rightly Borne – Alexander Maclaren Job 5:17 Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: 18 For He maketh sore, and bindeth up: He woundeth, and His hands make whole 19 He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there […]

The Net Broken

The Net Broken – Alexander Maclaren Esther 8:3 And Esther spoke yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet… And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he […]

Mordecai and Esther

Mordecai and Esther – Alexander Maclaren Esther 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? […]

The Net Spread

The Net Spread – Alexander Maclaren Esther 3:1 After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him… After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him 2 […]

Sabbath Observance

Sabbath Observance – Alexander Maclaren Nehemiah 13:15 In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day […]

Reading the Law with Tears and Joy

Reading the Law with Tears and Joy – Alexander Maclaren Nehemiah 8:1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel 2 And […]

Discouragements and Courage

Discouragements and Courage – Alexander Maclaren Nehemiah 4:9 Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them 10 And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall […]

‘Over Against His House’

‘Over Against His House’ – Alexander Maclaren Nehemiah 3:28 The priests repaired every one over against his house. The condition of our great cities has lately been forced upon public attention, and all kinds of men have been offering their panaceas. I am not about to enter upon that discussion, but I am glad to seize […]

The Church and Social Evils

The Church and Social Evils – Alexander Maclaren Nehemiah 1:4 It came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven. Ninety years had passed since the returning exiles had arrived at Jerusalem. They had encountered many difficulties which […]

A Reformer’s Schooling

A Reformer’s Schooling – Alexander Maclaren Nehemiah 1:1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, 2 That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the […]

The New Temple and its Worship

The New Temple and its Worship – Alexander Maclaren Ezra 6:14 And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo: and they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, […]

Building in Troublous Times

Building in Troublous Times – Alexander Maclaren Ezra 4:1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the Lord God of Israel; 2 Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for […]

Altar and Temple

Altar and Temple – Alexander Maclaren Ezra 3:1 And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem 2 Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his […]

The Eve of the Restoration

The Eve of the Restoration – Alexander Maclaren Ezra 1:1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put […]

The Fall of Judah

The Fall of Judah – Alexander Maclaren 2 Chronicles 36:1 Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and made him king in his father’s stead in Jerusalem.… Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned eleven years in Jerusalem 12 And he did that […]

Josiah

Josiah – Alexander Maclaren 2 Chronicles 34:1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years 2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, […]

Manasseh’s Sin and Repentance

Manasseh’s Sin and Repentance – Alexander Maclaren 2 Chronicles 33:9 So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel 10 And the Lord spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken 11 Wherefore […]

A Strange Reward for Faithfulness

A Strange Reward for Faithfulness – Alexander Maclaren 2 Chronicles 32:1 After these things, and the establishment thereof, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah… After these things, and the establishment thereof, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came. The Revised Version gives a much more accurate and significant rendering of a part of these […]

A Loving Call to Reunion

A Loving Call to Reunion – Alexander Maclaren 2 Chronicles 30:1 And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the Lord God of Israel 2 For the king had taken counsel, […]

Sacrifice Renewed

Sacrifice Renewed – Alexander Maclaren 2 Chronicles 29:18 Then they went in to Hezekiah the king, and said, We have cleansed all the house of the Lord, and the altar of burnt-offering, with all the vessels thereof, and the shew-bread table, with all the vessels thereof 19 Moreover, all the vessels, which king Ahaz in his […]

A Godly Reformation

A Godly Reformation – Alexander Maclaren 2 Chronicles 29:1 Hezekiah began to reign when he was five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah 2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to […]

Joash

Joash – Alexander Maclaren 2 Chronicles 24:2 And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest….17 Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.’ Here we have the tragedy of […]

The King’s Farewell

The King’s Farewell – Alexander Maclaren 2 Chronicles 24:1 Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem… ‘Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of […]

A Strange Battle

A Strange Battle – Alexander Maclaren 2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, will you not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that comes against us; neither know we what to do… We have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but […]

A Mirror for Magistrates’

A Mirror for Magistrates’ – Alexander Maclaren 2 Chronicles 19:1 And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned to his house in peace to Jerusalem 2 And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? therefore […]

Jehoshaphat’s Reform

Jehoshaphat’s Reform – Alexander Maclaren 2 Chronicles 17:1 And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel 2 And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken 3 And the […]

The Search that Always Finds

The Search that Always Finds – Alexander Maclaren 2 Chronicles 15:15 And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire… They … sought Him with their whole desire; and He was found of them: and the Lord gave them rest round about. […]

Asa’s Reformation, and Consequent Peace and Victory

Asa’s Reformation, and Consequent Peace and Victory – Alexander Maclaren 2 Chronicles 14:2 And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God; 3 For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: 4 […]

The Secret of Victory

The Secret of Victory – Alexander Maclaren 2 Chronicles 13:18 Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed… The children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the Lord God of their fathers. These words are the summing-up of the story of a strange old-world battle […]

Contrasted Services

Contrasted Services – Alexander Maclaren 2 Chronicles 12:8 Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries. They shall be his servants: that they may know My service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries. Rehoboam was a self-willed, godless king […]

The Duty of Every Day

The Duty of Every Day – Alexander Maclaren 2 Chronicles 8:12 Then Solomon offered burnt offerings to the LORD on the altar of the LORD, which he had built before the porch,… Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the Lord … Even after a certain rate every day.’ — (A.V.) ‘Then Solomon offered burnt offerings […]

The Promised King and Temple-Builder

The Promised King and Temple-Builder – Alexander Maclaren 1 Chronicles 28:3 But God said to me, You shall not build an house for my name, because you have been a man of war, and have shed blood. And it came to pass that night, that the word of the Lord came unto Nathan, saying, 5 […]

David’s Charge to Solomon

David’s Charge to Solomon – Alexander Maclaren 1 Chronicles 28:1 And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession […]

David’s Prohibited Desire and Permitted Service

David’s Prohibited Desire and Permitted Service – Alexander Maclaren 1 Chronicles 22:6 Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the Lord God of Israel 7 And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of […]

Amasiah

Amasiah – Alexander Maclaren 1 Chronicles 17:1 Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to Nathan the prophet, See, I dwell in an house of cedars… Amasiah, the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the Lord.’ This is a scrap from the catalogue of Jehoshaphat’s ‘mighty […]

Drill and Enthusiasm

Drill and Enthusiasm – Alexander Maclaren 1 Chronicles 12:33 Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank… [Men that] could keep rank, they were not of double heart.’  These words come from the muster-roll of the hastily raised army that brought […]

The Rediscovered Law and its Effects

The Rediscovered Law and its Effects – Alexander Maclaren 1 Chronicles 6:32 And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing… They stood in their office, according to their order. This brief note is buried in the catalogue of the singers appointed by David for ‘the service of song […]

He Uttered His Voice, the Earth Melted’

He Uttered His Voice, the Earth Melted’ – Alexander Maclaren 2 Kings 19:20 Then Isaiah the son of Amos sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, That which thou hast prayed to Me against Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard 21 This is the word that the Lord hath spoken concerning […]

Hezekiah, a Pattern of Devout Life

Hezekiah, a Pattern of Devout Life – Alexander Maclaren 2 Kings 18:5 He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.… Hezekiah trusted in the Lord God of Israel….6. He clave to the Lord, and departed […]

Methodical Liberality

Methodical Liberality – Alexander Maclaren 2 Kings 12:4 4 And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the Lord, even the money of every one that passeth the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that cometh into […]

Jehoiada and Joash

Jehoiada and Joash – Alexander Maclaren 2 Kings 11:1 And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal 2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king’s sons which […]

Impure Zeal

Impure Zeal – Alexander Maclaren 2 Kings 10:18 And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said unto them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu shall serve him much 19 Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests; let none be wanting: for I have a […]

The Story of Hazael

The Story of Hazael – Alexander Maclaren 2 Kings 8:9 So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels’ burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Ben-hadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of […]

Silent Christians

Silent Christians – Alexander Maclaren 2 Kings 7:9 Then they said one to another, We do not well; this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace; if we tarry till the morning light, some mischief will come upon us; now therefore come, that we may go and tell the king’s household.’ […]

Impossible, — Only I Saw It’

Impossible, — Only I Saw It’ – Alexander Maclaren 2 Kings 7:1 Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord, Tomorrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour he sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria 2 Then […]

Naaman’s Imperfect Faith

Naaman’s Imperfect Faith – Alexander Maclaren 2 Kings 5:15 ‘And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of […]

Sight and Blindness

Sight and Blindness – Alexander Maclaren 2 Kings 3:1 Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah… Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp […]

Gentleness Succeeding Strength

Gentleness Succeeding Strength – Alexander Maclaren 2 Kings 2:13 He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; 14 And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of […]

The Chariot of Fire

The Chariot of Fire – Alexander Maclaren 2 Kings 2:1 And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal 2 And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the Lord hath sent me to Beth-el. And Elisha said […]

Ahab and Micaiah

Ahab and Micaiah – Alexander Maclaren 1 Kings 22:7 And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him? 8 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but […]

Elijah’s Weakness, and its Cube

Elijah’s Weakness, and its Cube – Alexander Maclaren 1 Kings 19:1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy […]

The Trial by Fire

The Trial by Fire – Alexander Maclaren 1 Kings 18:25 ‘And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, Choose yon one bullock for yourselves, and dress it first; for ye are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under 26 And they took the bullock which was given them, and […]

Obadiah

Obadiah – Alexander Maclaren 1 Kings 18:12 And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from you, that the Spirit of the LORD shall carry you where I know not… To the Young ‘… I thy servant fear the Lord from my youth. This Obadiah is one of the obscurer figures […]

Political Religion

Political Religion – Alexander Maclaren 1 Kings 12:25 Then Jeroboam built Shechera in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel 26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: 27 If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of […]

The New Garment Bent

The New Garment Bent – Alexander Maclaren 1 Kings 11:26 And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon’s servant, whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow woman… ‘And Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon’s servant, whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his […]

A Royal Seeker After Wisdom

A Royal Seeker After Wisdom – Alexander Maclaren 1 Kings 10:1 And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.… And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, […]

Promises and Threatenings

Promises and Threatenings – Alexander Maclaren 1 Kings 9:1 And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the LORD, and the king’s house… And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the Lord, and the king’s house, and all Solomon’s desire […]

The Matter of a Day in its Day’

The Matter of a Day in its Day’ – Alexander Maclaren 1 Kings 8:59 And let these my words, with which I have made supplication before the LORD, be near to the LORD our God day and night… At all times, as the matter shall require.’ I have ventured to diverge from my usual custom, […]

The King ‘Blessing’ His People

The King ‘Blessing’ His People – Alexander Maclaren 1 Kings 8:54 And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the Lord, he arose from before the altar of the Lord, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven 55 And he […]

Great Preparations for a Great Work

Great Preparations for a Great Work – Alexander Maclaren 1 Kings 5:1 And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David 2 And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, 3 Thou knowest […]

The Great Gain of Godliness

The Great Gain of Godliness – Alexander Maclaren 1 Kings 4:25 And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, all the days of Solomon 26 And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen 27 And those […]

David Appointing Solomon

David Appointing Solomon – Alexander Maclaren 1 Kings 1:28 Then king David answered and said, Call me Bathsheba. And she came into the king’s presence, and stood before the king. Then king David answered and said, Call me Bath-sheba. And she came into the king’s presence, and stood before the king 29 And the king sware, […]

A Libation to Jehovah

A Libation to Jehovah – Alexander Maclaren 2 Samuel 23:15 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Beth-lehem, which is by the gate! 16 And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of […]

David’s Hymn of Victory

David’s Hymn of Victory – Alexander Maclaren 2 Samuel 22:40 For Thou hast girded me with strength to battle: them that, rose up against me hast Thou subdued under me 41 Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me 42 They looked, but there was none […]

A Loyal Vow

A Loyal Vow – Alexander Maclaren 2 Samuel 15:15 And the king’s servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.’ We stand here at the darkest hour of King David’s life. Bowed down by the consciousness of his past sin, and recognising in the rebellion […]

Pardoned Sin Punished

Pardoned Sin Punished – Alexander Maclaren 2 Samuel 15:1 And It came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him 2 And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy […]

David and Nathan

David and Nathan – Alexander Maclaren 2 Samuel 12:13 And David said to Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said to David, The LORD also has put away your sin… And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away […]

Thou Art the Man

Thou Art the Man – Alexander Maclaren 2 Samuel 12:5 And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD lives… And David said to Nathan, As the Lord liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die; because he did this thing, and because he […]

More than Conquerors Through Him’

More than Conquerors Through Him’ – Alexander Maclaren 2 Samuel 10:8 And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ish-tob, and Maacah, were by themselves in the field 9 When Joab saw that the front […]

David and Jonathan’s Son

David and Jonathan’s Son – Alexander Maclaren 2 Samuel 9:1 And David said, is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan’s sake? 2 And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto […]

David’s Gratitude

David’s Gratitude – Alexander Maclaren 2 Samuel 7:18 Then went king David in, and sat before the Lord, and he said, Who am I, O Lord God? and what is my house, that Thou hast brought me hitherto? 19 And this was yet a small thing in Thy sight, O Lord God; but Thou hast spoken […]

One Fold and One Shepherd

One Fold and One Shepherd – Alexander Maclaren 2 Samuel 5:1 Then came all the tribes of Israel to David to Hebron, and spoke, saying, Behold, we are your bone and your flesh.… Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh […]

The Bright Dawn of a Reign

The Bright Dawn of a Reign – Alexander Maclaren 2 Samuel 2:1 And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?… And it came to pass after this, that David enquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up […]

At the Front or the Base

At the Front or the Base – Alexander Maclaren 1 Samuel 30:24 For who will listen to you in this matter? but as his part is that goes down to the battle… As his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff. David’s city of […]

What Doest Thou Here?

What Doest Thou Here? – Alexander Maclaren 1 Samuel 29:3 Then said the princes of the Philistines, What do these Hebrews here? And Achish said to the princes of the Philistines… Then said the princes of the Philistines, What do these Hebrews here!’ ‘The word of the Lord came to him, and He said unto […]

The End of Self-Will

The End of Self Will – Alexander Maclaren 1 Samuel 29:1 Now the Philistines gathered together all their armies to Aphek: and the Israelites pitched by a fountain which is in Jezreel. Now the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa […]

Love and Remorse

Love and Remorse – Alexander Maclaren 1 Samuel 26:1 And the Ziphites came to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Does not David hide himself in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon?… And David arose, and came to the place where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the place where Saul lay, and Abner the […]

Love for Hate, the True Quid Pro Quo

Love for Hate, the True Quid Pro Quo – Alexander Maclaren 1 Samuel 24:4 And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the Lord said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine  enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David […]

Jonathan, the Pattern of Friendship

Jonathan, the Pattern of Friendship – Alexander Maclaren 1 Samuel 20:1 And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life? 2 And he said unto him, God forbid; thou shalt not […]

The Shepherd-King

The Shepherd-King – Alexander Maclaren 1 Samuel 16:1 And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt them mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel! fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided Me a king among his sons 2 […]

Saul Rejected

Saul Rejected – Alexander Maclaren 1 Samuel 15:10 Then came the word of the Lord unto Samuel, saying, 11 It repenteth Me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following Me, and hath not performed My commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the Lord all […]

Old Truth for a New Epoch

Old Truth for a New Epoch – Alexander Maclaren 1 Samuel 12:13 Now therefore behold the king whom you have chosen, and whom you have desired! and, behold, the LORD has set a king over you.… Now therefore behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired! and, behold, the Lord hath set […]

The King After Man’s Heart

The King After Man’s Heart – Alexander Maclaren 1 Samuel 10:17 And Samuel called the people together unto the Lord to Mizpeh; 18 And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out […]

The Old Judge and the Young King

The Old Judge and the Young King – Alexander Maclaren 1 Samuel 9:15 Now the Lord had told Samuel In his ear a day before Saul came, saying 16 To-morrow, about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over My people […]

Make Us a King’

Make Us a King’ – Alexander Maclaren 1 Samuel 8:4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel, onto Ramah, 5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations 6 But […]

Faithlessness and Defeat

Faithlessness and Defeat – Alexander Maclaren 1 Samuel 4:1 And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Ebenezer… And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Eben-ezer: and the […]

The Child Prophet

The Child Prophet – Alexander Maclaren 1 Samuel 2:11 And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister to the LORD before Eli the priest. And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision […]

A Gentle Heroine, a Gentile Convert

A Gentle Heroine, a Gentile Convert – Alexander Maclaren Ruth 1:1 Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land… And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and […]

Strength Profaned and Lost

Strength Profaned and Lost – Alexander Maclaren Judges 16:21 But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass… But the Philistines took him, and put out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and bound him with fetters of brass; […]

A Battle Without a Sword

A Battle Without a Sword – Alexander Maclaren Judges 7:13 And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream to his fellow, and said, Behold, I dreamed a dream, and… And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream unto his fellow, and said, Behold, […]

‘Fit, Though Few’

‘Fit, Though Few’ – Alexander Maclaren Judges 7:1 Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod… Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so […]

Gideon’s Fleece

Gideon’s Fleece – Alexander Maclaren Judges 6:37 Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry on all the earth beside… Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece […]

All Things are Yours’

All Things are Yours’- Alexander Maclaren Judges 5:20 They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera. They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.’ ‘For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with […]

A Summary of Israel’s Faithlessness and God’s Patience

A Summary of Israel’s Faithlessness and God’s Patience – Alexander Maclaren Judges 2:1 And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt… And an angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up […]

The Cities of Refuge

The Cities of Refuge – Alexander Maclaren Joshua 20:1 The LORD also spoke to Joshua, saying,… The Lord also spake unto Joshua, saying, 2 Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses: 3 That the slayer that killeth any […]

Caleb — a Green Old Age

Caleb — a Green Old Age – Alexander Maclaren Joshua 14:6 Then the children of Judah came to Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said to him… And Caleb… said unto him (Joshua), Thou knowest the thing that the Lord said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and […]

The National Oath At Shechem

The National Oath At Shechem – Alexander Maclaren Joshua 8:30 Then Joshua built an altar to the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal,… And Joshua said unto the people. Ye cannot serve the Lord: for He is an holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins 20 […]

Achan’s Sin, Israel’s Defeat

Achan’s Sin, Israel’s Defeat – Alexander Maclaren Joshua 7:1 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah… But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son […]

Rahab

Rahab – Alexander Maclaren Joshua 6:25 And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father’s household, and all that she had; and she dwells in Israel even to this day… And Joanna paved Rahab the harlot alive… and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day.’ This story comes in like an oasis in […]

The Siege of Jericho

The Siege of Jericho – Alexander Maclaren Joshua 6:10 And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, You shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice… ‘And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, … until the day I bid you shout; then shall […]

Stones Crying Out

Stones Crying Out – Alexander Maclaren Joshua 4:10 For the priests which bore the ark stood in the middle of Jordan… For the priests which bare the ark stood in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was finished that the Lord commanded Joshua to speak unto the people, according to all that Moses commanded […]

the Waters Saw Thee; They Were Afraid’

the Waters Saw Thee; They Were Afraid’ – Alexander Maclaren Joshua 3:1 And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel… And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you 6 And Joshua […]

The New Leaders Commission

The New Leaders Commission – Alexander Maclaren Joshua 1:1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister… Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake […]

A Death in the Desert

A Death in the Desert – Alexander Maclaren Deuteronomy 34:5 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.… So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord.6. And he buried […]

Shod for the Road

Shod for the Road – Alexander Maclaren Deuteronomy 33:25 Your shoes shall be iron and brass; and as your days, so shall your strength be. Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.’ There is a general correspondence between those blessings wherewith Moses blessed the tribes of […]

Israel the Beloved

Israel the Beloved – Alexander Maclaren Deuteronomy 33:12 And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long… The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, […]

Their Rock and Our Rock

Their Rock and Our Rock – Alexander Maclaren Deuteronomy 32:31 For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges. Their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being Judges.’ Moses is about to leave the people whom he had led so long, and his last words are […]

The Spirit of the Law

The Spirit of the Law – Alexander Maclaren Deuteronomy 30:11 For this commandment which I command you this day, it is not hidden from you, neither is it far off.… For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off.12. It is not in heaven, […]

A Choice of Masters

A Choice of Masters – Alexander Maclaren Deuteronomy 28:47 Because you served not the LORD your God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things; 48. Therefore shalt thou […]

Prophets and the Prophet

Prophets and the Prophet – Alexander Maclaren Deuteronomy 18:9 When you are come into the land which the LORD your God gives you, you shall not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.… When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do […]

The Eating of the Peace-Offering

The Eating of the Peace-Offering – Alexander Maclaren Deuteronomy 12:18 But you must eat them before the LORD your God in the place which the LORD your God shall choose, you, and your son, and your daughter… But thou must eat them before the Lord thy God in the place which the Lord thy God […]

God’s Faithfulness

God’s Faithfulness – Alexander Maclaren Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD your God, he is God, the faithful God… Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him. ‘Faithful,’ like most Hebrew words, has a picture in it. It means […]

An Unfulfilled Desire

An Unfulfilled Desire – Alexander Maclaren Numbers 23:10 Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous… ‘… Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!’ ‘… Balaam also the son of […]

Balaam

Balaam – Alexander Maclaren Numbers 22:6 Come now therefore, I pray you, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail… ‘He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call […]

The Poison and the Antidote

The Poison and the Antidote – Alexander Maclaren Numbers 21:4 And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom… ‘And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to compare the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was […]

The Waters of Meribah

The Waters of Meribah – Alexander Maclaren Numbers 20:1 Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month… ‘Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam […]

Service a Gift

Service a Gift – Alexander Maclaren Numbers 18:7 Therefore you and your sons with you shall keep your priest’s office for everything of the altar, and within the veil… ‘… I have given your priest’s office unto you as a service of gift.’  All Christians are priests — to offer sacrifices, alms, especially prayers; to […]

Moses the Intercessor

Moses the Intercessor – Alexander Maclaren Numbers 14:19 Pardon, I beseech you, the iniquity of this people according to the greatness of your mercy, and as you have forgiven this people… ‘Pardon, I beseech Thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of Thy mercy, and as Thou hast forgiven this people, from […]

Weighed, and Found Wanting

Weighed, and Found Wanting – Alexander Maclaren Numbers 14:1 And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. ‘And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.2. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron; and the […]

Afraid of Giants

Afraid of Giants – Alexander Maclaren Numbers 13:17 And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said to them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain: ‘And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way […]

The Hallowing of Work and of Rest

The Hallowing of Work and of Rest – Alexander Maclaren Numbers 10:35 And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, LORD, and let your enemies be scattered… ‘And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, Lord, and let Thine enemies be […]

Hobab

Hobab – Alexander Maclaren Numbers 10:29 And Moses said to Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses’ father in law, We are journeying to the place of which the LORD said… ‘And Moses said unto Hobab … Come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the Lord hath spoken good concerning […]

The Guiding Pillar

The Guiding Pillar – Alexander Maclaren THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL in the wilderness, surrounded by miracle, had nothing which we do not possess. They had some things in an inferior form; their sustenance came by manna; ours comes by God’s blessing on our daily work, which is better. Their guidance came by this supernatural pillar; […]

The Warfare of Christian Service

The Warfare of Christian Service – Alexander Maclaren Numbers 4:23 From thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shall you number them; all that enter in to perform the service… ‘All that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle.’ These words occur in the series of regulations […]

God’s Slaves

God’s Slaves – Alexander Maclaren Leviticus 25:42 For they are my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as slaves. ‘For they are My servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt; they shall not be sold as bondmen. This is the basis […]

Sojourners with God

Sojourners with God – Alexander Maclaren Leviticus 25:23 The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine, for you are strangers and sojourners with me. ‘The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is Mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with Me.’ The singular institution of the […]

The Consecration of Joy

The Consecration of Joy – Alexander Maclaren Leviticus 23:33 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,… ‘And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 34. Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the Lord.35. On the first day shall […]

Our Visits to the Sanctuary Should be Frequent

Our Visits to the Sanctuary Should be Frequent – Alexander Maclaren Leviticus 19:30 You shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD. We shall never see the glory of that light which dwells between the cherubim if our visits to the shrine are brief and interrupted, and the bulk of our time […]

Our Visits to the Sanctuary Should be Frequent

Our Visits to the Sanctuary Should be Frequent – Alexander Maclaren Leviticus 16:1 And the LORD spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the LORD, and died;… ‘And the Lord spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron when they offered before […]

The Day of Atonement

The Day of Atonement – Alexander Maclaren Leviticus 16:1 And the LORD spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the LORD, and died;… ‘And the Lord spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron when they offered before the Lord, and died; […]

The First Stage in the Leper’s Cleansing

The First Stage in the Leper’s Cleansing – Alexander Maclaren Leviticus 14:1 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,… ‘And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2. This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought unto the priest: 3. And the priest shall go forth […]

Strange Fire

Strange Fire – Alexander Maclaren Leviticus 10:1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon… ‘And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire […]

The Burnt Offering a Picture and a Prophecy

The Burnt Offering a Picture and a Prophecy – Alexander Maclaren Leviticus 1:1 And the LORD called to Moses, and spoke to him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, ‘And the Lord called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, 2. Speak unto the children of […]

The Copies of Things in the Heavens

The Copies of Things in the Heavens – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 40:1 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,… ‘And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2. On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.3. And thou shalt put therein the ark of […]

The Mediator’s Threefold Prayer

The Mediator’s Threefold Prayer – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 33:12 And Moses said to the LORD, See, you say to me, Bring up this people: and you have not let me know whom you will send with me… ‘And Moses said unto the Lord, See, Thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and Thou hast […]

The Golden Calf

The Golden Calf – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 32:1 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron… ‘And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto […]

Ransom for Souls — Ii

Ransom for Souls — Ii – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 30:15 The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering to the LORD… ‘The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel….’ This tax was […]

Ransom for Souls — I

Ransom for Souls — I – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 30:12 When you take the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul to the LORD… ‘Then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul.’ This remarkable provision had a religious intention. […]

The Altar of Incense

The Altar of Incense – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 30:1 And you shall make an altar to burn incense on: of shittim wood shall you make it.… ‘Thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon.’ Ceremonies are embodied thoughts. Religious ceremonies are moulded by, and seek to express, the worshipper’s conception of his God, and […]

The Names on Aaron’s Breastplate

The Names on Aaron’s Breastplate – Alexander Maclaren Exodu:12s 28 And you shall put the two stones on the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial to the children of Israel… Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord, upon his two shoulders, for a memorial…. And Aaron shall bear the names of the […]

The Golden Lampstand

The Golden Lampstand – Alexander Maclaren Exod5:31us 2 And you shall make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls… ‘Thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold….’ If we could have followed the Jewish priest as he passed in his daily ministrations […]

The Bread of the Presence

The Bread of the Presence – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 25:30 And you shall set on the table show bread before me always. ‘Thou shalt set upon the table shew-bread before Me alway.’  I suspect that to many readers the term ‘shew-bread’ conveys little more meaning than if the Hebrew words had been lifted over into […]

The Love of Thine Espousals’

The Love of Thine Espousals’ – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 24:1 And he said to Moses, Come up to the LORD, you, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel… ‘And He said unto Moses, Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of […]

The Feast of Ingathering in the End of the Year

The Feast of Ingathering in the End of the Year – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 23:16  And the feast of harvest, the first fruits of your labors, which you have sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering… ‘And the feast of harvest, the first-fruits of thylabours, which them hast sown In thy field: and […]

The Decalogue: — Man and Man

The Decalogue: — Man and Man – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother: that your days may be long on the land which the LORD your God gives you. ‘Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.13. […]

The Decalogue: — Man and God

The Decalogue: — Man and God – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 20:1 And God spoke all these words, saying,… ‘And God spake all these words, saying, 2. I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.3. Thou shalt have no other gods before […]

The Ideal Statesman

The Ideal Statesman – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 18:21 Moreover you shall provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness… ‘Thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them.’ You will have […]

Gershom and Eliezer

Gershom and Eliezer – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 18:3 And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land: ‘The name of the one [of Moses’ sons] was Gershom … and the name of the other was Eliezer….’ In old times […]

Jehovah Nissi

Jehovah Nissi – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 17:15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: ‘And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah Nissi [that is, the Lord is my Banner].’ We are all familiar with that picturesque incident of the conflict between Israel and Amalek, which […]

Marah

Marah – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 15:23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter… ‘And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.24. And the people […]

The Ultimate Hope

The Ultimate Hope – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 15:17 You shall bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of your inheritance, in the place, O LORD… ‘Thou shalt bring them in and plant them in the mountain of Thine inheritance….’ I. The lesson taught by each present deliverance and kindness is that we shall […]

A Path in the Sea

A Path in the Sea – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 14:19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them… ‘And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, […]

Thought, Deed, Word

Thought, Deed, Word – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 13:9 And it shall be for a sign to you on your hand, and for a memorial between your eyes, that the LORD’s law may be in your mouth… ‘It shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that […]

The Passover: an Expiation and a Feast, a Memorial and a Prophecy

The Passover: an Expiation and a Feast, a Memorial and a Prophecy – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 12:1 And the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt saying,… ‘And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 2. This month shall be unto you the beginning of […]

The Call of Moses

The Call of Moses – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 3:1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert… ‘Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth My people the children of Israel, […]

The Ark Among the Flags

The Ark Among the Flags – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 2:1 And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi.… ‘And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi.2. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when […]

Death and Growth

Death and Growth – Alexander Maclaren Exodus 1:6 And Joseph died, and all his brothers, and all that generation. ‘And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation.7. And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty….’ These remarkable words occur in a short section which makes the […]

A Coffin in Egypt

A Coffin in Egypt – Alexander Maclaren Genesis 50:26 So Joseph died, being an hundred and ten years old: and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt. ‘They embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.’ So closes the book of Genesis. All its recorded dealings of […]

Joseph’s Faith

Joseph’s Faith – Alexander Maclaren Genesis 50:25 And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from hence. ‘Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from […]

A Calm Evening, Promising a Bright Morning

A Calm Evening, Promising a Bright Morning – Alexander Maclaren Genesis 50:14 And Joseph returned into Egypt, he, and his brothers, and all that went up with him to bury his father, after he had buried his father. ‘And Joseph returned into Egypt, he, and his brethren, and all that went up with him to […]

The Shepherd, the Stone of Israel

The Shepherd, the Stone of Israel – Alexander Maclaren Genesis 49:24 But his bow stayed in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob… The mighty God of Jacob. From thence is the Shepherd, the stone of Israel.’ A slight alteration in the rendering will […]

The Trials and Visions of Devout Youth

The Trials and Visions of Devout Youth – Alexander Maclaren Genesis 37:1 And Jacob dwelled in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. ‘And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen […]

The Twofold Wrestle — God’s with Jacob and Jacob’s with God

The Twofold Wrestle — God’s with Jacob and Jacob’s with God – Alexander Maclaren Genesis 32:9 And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which said to me, Return to your country… ‘And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father […]

Mahanaim: the Two Camps

Mahanaim: the Two Camps – Alexander Maclaren Genesis 32:1 And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.… ‘And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God’s host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim’ […]

The First Apostle of Peace At Any Price

The First Apostle of Peace At Any Price – Alexander Maclaren Genesis 26:12  Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundred times: and the LORD blessed him. ‘Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold, and the Lord blessed him. And the man […]

Pottage Versus Birthright

Pottage Versus Birthright – Alexander Maclaren Genesis 25:34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentils; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way… ‘Esau despised his birthright’ Broad lessons unmistakable, but points strange and difficult to throw oneself back to so different a set of ideas. So I. […]

The Death of Abraham

The Death of Abraham – Alexander Maclaren Genesis 25:8 Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.… ‘Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; […]

Guidance in the Way

Guidance in the Way – Alexander Maclaren Genesis 19:15 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who has not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth… ‘I being in the way, the Lord led me.’  So said Abraham’s anonymous servant when telling how he had found Rebekah […]

The Swift Destroyer

The Swift Destroyer – Alexander Maclaren Genesis 19:15 And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take your wife, and your two daughters, which are here… And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest them be consumed […]

Because of His Importunity’

Because of His Importunity’ – Alexander Maclaren Genesis 18:16 And the men rose up from there, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.… And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. And the […]

The Man of Faith

The Man of Faith – Alexander Maclaren Genesis 12:6 And Abram passed through the land to the place of Sichem, to the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the […]

Going Forth

Going Forth – Alexander Maclaren Genesis 12:5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered… They went forth to go into the land of Canaan, and into the land of Canaan they came.’The reference of these words is to Abram’s act of faith in […]

Life in Canaan

Life in Canaan – Alexander Maclaren Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless you, and curse him that curses you: and in you shall all families of the earth be blessed.   And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Beth-el, and pitched his tent, having Beth-el on the […]

‘Clear Shining After Rain’

‘Clear Shining After Rain’ – Alexander Maclare And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark… Gen 8 : 01  And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to […]

What Crouches At the Door

What Crouches At the Door – Alexander Maclaren Genesis 4:7 If you do well, shall you not be accepted? and if you do not well, sin lies at the door. And to you shall be his desire… These early narratives clothe great moral and spiritual truths in picturesque forms, through which it is difficult for […]

Eden Lost and Restored

Eden Lost and Restored – Alexander Maclare Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way…   ‘Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter […]

How Sin Came In

How Sin Came In – Alexander Maclaren Gen 3 : 1-15 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the […]

The Vision of Creation

The Vision of Creation – Alexander Maclaren And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea… And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, […]