The inquiry of the grateful heart.
Many are the blessed spirits that worship God—penitence, faith, reverence, hope, and others. But none are more acceptable than the spirit of gratitude. It is that spirit which speaks here in our text. The following verses contain the answer which the same spirit gives. The inquiry before us implies remembrance of—
I. THE BENEFITS WHICH THE LORD HATH CONFERRED UPON US.
1. It is difficult because of their number, character, variety; and because of Satan's never-ceasing endeavor to hinder us herein.
2. But is full of advantage. More glory comes to God. Our own soul is blessed. We become able to help others.
3. It is a habit which we should cultivate.
II. THE RESPONSE WHICH THESE BENEFITS DEMAND. That of a grateful heart, first and chief of all. God is ever seeking to make up this response; and the devil is ever seeking to prevent it.
III. THE LORD WHO PROMPTS THE INQUIRY WILL ENABLE US TO GIVE THE RESPONSE.—S.C.
The answer of the grateful heart.
That answer is threefold.
I. HE WILL ACCEPT GOD'S SALVATION. This the meaning of the words, "I will take the cup of salvation." God has designed salvation for each one of us; he puts it before us as the master of a feast was wont to hand the cup to each guest. And the grateful heart here says, "I will take thy salvation, O Lord, the pardon which is in Christ, the sanctification of the Holy Spirit, and eternal life." No worship or service is pleasing to God until this is done.
II. HE WILL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD. Thus, by fervent prayer, will he keep in communion with God, and look to him day by day for all needed grace.
III. HE WILL OPENLY ACKNOWLEDGE GOD. "I will pay my vows," etc. What has gone before has been transacted between God and the soul; this should be before all men. If there be these three things, all holy obedience will follow; there will be the consecrated life.—S.C.