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  WHEN BRUTUS WENT TO STAB JULIUS CAESAR
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: A gracious soul feels the sting of sin's consequences and runs
to Christ for salvation, while the Lord is provoked and saddened by His
people's sins.

Topics: "Repentance", "Sin"
Scripture References: Psalm 32:5, Psalm 51:3, Isaiah 1:18, Matthew 11:28, John 4:14, Romans 7:24, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Hebrews 12:1, James 4:8, 1 John 1:9

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes the deep affliction that sin brings to a
gracious soul, comparing it to a deer fleeing from poison to find
healing in the fountain of Christ. He illustrates how believers, aware
of their sins' impact on God, are driven to seek His mercy and healing,
echoing the lament of Paul in Romans 7:24. Brooks poignantly likens the
betrayal of sin to Brutus's betrayal of Caesar, highlighting the
personal pain it causes God when His children choose sin over Him. The
sermon calls for a recognition of the seriousness of sin and the urgent
need for repentance and healing in Christ.

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CONTENT
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"For I know my transgressions, and my

sin is always before me." Psalm 51:3

Sin most afflicts a gracious soul.

The deer feeling within her the working of the serpent's

poison--runs through the thorns and thickets, and runs

over the green and pleasant pastures--that she may drink

of the fountain and be cured.

Just so, gracious souls, being sensible of the poison and

venom of sin, run from the creatures, which are but as

thorns and thickets; and run over their own duties and

righteousness, which are but as pleasant pastures--to

come to Christ the fountain of life--that they may drink

of those waters of consolation, of those wells of salvation

which are in Him, and cast up and cast out their spiritual

poison, and be cured forever.

Believers know that their sins do most pierce and grieve

the Lord. The sins of God's people, provoke Him most, and

sadden Him most--and this makes them sigh and groan it

out, "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from

this body of death?" Romans 7:24

If a snake were to sting your dearly beloved spouse to

death--would you preserve it alive, warm it by the fire,

and hug it in your bosom? Would you not rather stab it

with a thousand wounds?

When Brutus went to stab Julius Caesar, he cried

out, "What, you my son Brutus!" So may God well cry

out, "What, you My son! What, will you stab Me with

your sins! Is it not enough that others stab My honor?

but will you, My son?"

You are wise, and know how to apply it.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/when-brutus-went-to-stab-julius-caesar/
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