Another thing remarkable concerning the gospel was its strange success in those places to which is was spread; it gathered in multitudes, not by external compulsion, but as it were by such a natural instinct and inclination, as brings the birds of prey to their prey; for wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together (Matt. 24:28), where Christ is preached, souls will be gathered in to him. The lifting up of Christ from the earth, that is, the preaching of Christ crucified, which, one would think, should drive all men from him, will draw all men to him (John 12:32), according to Jacob’s prophecy, that to him shall the gathering of the people be (Gen. 49:10; See also Isa. 60:8). The eagles will be where the carcase is, for it is food for them, it is a feast for them; where the slain are, there is she (Job 39:30). Eagles are said to have a strange sagacity and quickness of scent to find out the prey, and they fly swiftly to it (Job 9:26). So those whose spirits God shall stir up, will be effectually drawn to Jesus Christ, to feed upon him; whither should the eagle go but to the prey? Whither should the soul go but to Jesus Christ, who hast the words of eternal life (John 6:68)? The eagles will distinguish what is proper for them from that which is not; so those who have spiritual senses exercised, will know the voice of the good Shepherd from that of a thief and a robber. Saints will be where the true Christ is, not the false Christs. This is applicable to the desires that are wrought in every gracious soul after Christ, and communion with him. Where he is in his ordinances, there will his servants choose to be. A living principle of grace is a kind of natural instinct in all the saints, drawing them to Christ to live upon him.~~Matthew Henry, Commentary--Vol. 5, pp. 288-289
Posted on: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 23:23:01 +0000
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