November 29

As for God, his way is perfect. - Psalms 18:30.

IN a parallel passage God’s way is called his work, where it is said, “God is the rock; his work is perfect.” The meaning, however, is the same, and applies to the whole course of his proceedings. Let us therefore observe,-First, His way in creation; and we shall find this to be perfect. Hence, when the first creation was produced, we read that the angels (and they were no mean judges) “sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” But we have also the declaration of the Judge of all, who, when he had finished the work, pronounced it to be very good. All his works praise him by bearing impressions of his attributes and designs.

There is an immense difference between the productions of men and the works of God. If we take a piece of human workmanship, however exquisite it may be, on examination we shall find it capable of improvement, so that the more we know of it the less we admire it. But it is otherwise with the works of God: they are a source of wonder and admiration. Here there is nothing redundant, nothing defective; nothing can be added, nothing taken away. Here, as we examine, we feel ourselves not on the verge of perfection only, but even of infinity, and we exclaim, not only admiringly, but adoringly too, “This thing proceedeth from the Lord of Hosts, who is wonderful in counsel and mighty in working.”

Secondly, This will apply to his way in redemption. In the economy of redemption, there is something so benevolent in the design, so infinitely wonderful in the contrivance, so exceedingly adapted to all the circumstances of man as a fallen creature, and all harmonizing with the divine perfections, that even now the believer can exclaim, with the apostle, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,” and he is “determined to know nothing among men save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”

Thirdly, His way in renovation is perfect. We readily conclude that it is not finished at once; but then it is perfect as far as it goes. It is perfect in kind and degree, though not perfect in its consummation. But this consummation is as certain as if it were present or had already taken place. The apostle, therefore, says to the Philippians, “He”-that is, God -“who hath begun the good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Lastly, In the dispensations of providence his work is perfect.

There is no such thing as chance. What we call chance is nothing less than the appointment and the work of God. But “he worketh all things after the counsel of his own will,” and “he doeth all things well.”