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CHRIST ON THE CROSS & THE LORD OUR SHEPHERD (Psalms 22 & 23)
John Stevenson
This is a double volume work by a gifted preacher from the mid-nineteenth century.
Quotes from Volume One on Psalm 22-
"Verse 2. O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not, etc. How like is this expostulation to that of a human child with its earthly parent! It is based on the ground of relationship -- "I am thine; I cry day and night, yet I am not heard. Thou art my God, yet nothing is done to silence me. In the daytime of my life I cried; in this night season of my death I entreat. In the garden of Gethsemane I occupied the night with prayers; with continual ejaculations have I passed through this eventful morning. O my God, thou hast not yet heard me, therefore am I not yet silent; I cannot cease till thou answerest." Here Christ urges his suit in a manner which none but filial hearts adopt. The child knows that the parent yearns over him. His importunity is strengthened by confidence in paternal love. He keeps not silence, he gives him no rest because he confides in his power and willingness to grant the desired relief. This is natural. It is the argument of the heart, an appeal to the inward yearnings of our nature. It is also scriptural, and is thus stated, "If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" Luke 11:13
"Verse 3. But thou art holy. Here is the triumph of faith -- the Saviour stood like a rock in the wide ocean of temptation. High as the billows rose, so did his faith, like the coral rock, wax greater and stronger till it became an island of salvation to our shipwrecked souls. It is as if he had said, "It matters not what I endure. Storms may howl upon me; men despise; devils tempt; circumstances overpower; and God himself forsake me, still God is holy; there is no unrighteousness in him."
Verse 7. All they that see me laugh me to scorn, etc. Imagine this dreadful scene. Behold this motley multitude of rich and poor, of Jews and Gentiles! Some stand in groups and gaze. Some recline at ease and stare. Others move about in restless gratification at the event. There is a look of satisfaction on every countenance. None are silent. The velocity of speech seems tardy. The theme is far too great for one member to utter. Every lip, and head, and finger, is now a tongue. The rough soldiers, too, are busied in their coarse way. The work of blood is over. Refreshment has become necessary. Their usual beverage of vinegar and water is supplied to them. As they severally are satisfied, they approach the cross, hold some forth to the Saviour, and bid him drink as they withdraw it. Luke 23:36 . They know he must be suffering an intense thirst, they therefore aggravate it with the mockery of refreshment. Cruel Romans! and ye, O regicidal Jews! Was not death enough? Must mockery and scorn be added? On this sad day Christ made you one indeed! Dreadful unity -- which constituted you the joint mockers and murderers of the Lord of glory!"
Of Volume One, CHRIST ON THE CROSS, Spurgeon said, "The best of Dr. Stevenson's books. Exceedingly precious in its unveiling of the Redeemer's sorrows. We have derived personal spiritual benefit from the perusal of this gracious exposition."
Of Volume Two, THE LORD OUR SHEPHERD, modern author Peter Jeffery said, "If there is a problem with these words of David it is that Psalm 23 is so short that we are tempted not to spend much time studying it, and it is so well known that we assume there is nothing more to learn from it. In my own experience coming across a book on Psalm 23 by John Stevenson published in 1845 shook me out of this complacency. The richness of this exposition thrilled my soul and opened my eyes to see and appreciate these familiar words in a new way. I am delighted that Stevenson's book is coming back in print so that others enjoy his exposition."
SG COMMENTARY
JS2 B50 cx GFS CWN-923 PS.23
50% Discount on this Classic Exposition of Psalms 22 & 23
SGCB Price: $22.50 (list price $45.00)
A FAVORITE VOLUME OF CH SPURGEON
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