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Robert Murray M'Cheyne
Robert Murray M’Cheyne (1813–1843). Born on May 21, 1813, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Robert Murray M’Cheyne was a Scottish Presbyterian minister known for his fervent piety and preaching. The youngest of five, he excelled at Edinburgh University, studying classics and divinity, and was licensed to preach in 1835. Ordained in 1836, he served St. Peter’s Church in Dundee, where his passionate sermons and pastoral care revived a spiritually dormant congregation. A close friend of Andrew Bonar, he co-authored a report on Jewish missions in Palestine in 1839, fueling missionary zeal. M’Cheyne’s frail health led to breaks, but he spearheaded a revival in Dundee during 1839–1840, preaching alongside William Burns. He emphasized daily Bible reading, creating a plan still used today, and wrote hymns like “Jehovah Tsidkenu.” Unmarried, he died of typhus on March 25, 1843, at age 29, mourned widely for his holiness. He said, “A man is what he is on his knees before God, and nothing more.”
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Sermon Summary
Robert Murray M'Cheyne reflects on the unchanging and ceaseless love of God, comparing it to the Mediterranean Sea's constant waves that shape the shore. He emphasizes that, like the sea, God's love is ever-present and unwavering, even when we feel distant or dry in our spiritual lives. M'Cheyne draws parallels between the historical desolation of Israel and God's enduring grace towards His people, reminding us that despite our struggles, His love remains steadfast. The sermon highlights the beauty of God's grace that fills our hearts with peace, even in times of barrenness. Ultimately, it reassures believers of God's unbreakable promises and His love for His chosen ones.
Scriptures
On the Mediterranean Sea in the Bay of Carmel
LORD, this swelling, tideless sea, Is like Thy love in Christ to me; The ceaseless waves that fill the bay Through flinty rocks have worn their way, And Thy unceasing love alone Hath broken though this heart of stone. The countless smile that gilds the deep When sunbeams on the water sleep, Is like Thy countless smile of grace When I am seen in Jesus' face. No ebbing tide these waters know, Pure, placid, constant in their flow - No ebb Thy love to me hath known Since first it chose me for Thine own. Or, if perchance, at Thy command, The wave retiring leaves the sand, One moment all is dry, and then It turns to fill the shore again: So I have found Thy wondrous grace Forsake my soul a little space; Barren and cold, deserted, dry, A helpless worm to Thee I cry; Thy face is hid a little while, But with the morning comes Thy smile - Jesus once more His beauty shows, And all my heart with peace o'erflows. These deep blue waters lave the shore Of Israel, as in days of yore! Though Zion like a field is ploughed, And Salem's covered with a cloud - Though briers and thorns are tangled o'er Where vine and olive twined before - Though turbaned Moslems tread the gate, And Judah sits most desolate - Their nets o'er Tyre the fishers spread, And Carmel's top is withered - Yet still these waters clasp the shore As kindly as they did before! Such is Thy love to Judah's race, A deep unchanging tide of grace. Though scattered now at Thy command They pine away in every land, With trembling heart and failing eyes - And deep the veil on Israel lies - Yet still Thy word Thou canst not break, "Beloved for their fathers' sake." 18th July 1839, near Acre.
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Robert Murray M’Cheyne (1813–1843). Born on May 21, 1813, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Robert Murray M’Cheyne was a Scottish Presbyterian minister known for his fervent piety and preaching. The youngest of five, he excelled at Edinburgh University, studying classics and divinity, and was licensed to preach in 1835. Ordained in 1836, he served St. Peter’s Church in Dundee, where his passionate sermons and pastoral care revived a spiritually dormant congregation. A close friend of Andrew Bonar, he co-authored a report on Jewish missions in Palestine in 1839, fueling missionary zeal. M’Cheyne’s frail health led to breaks, but he spearheaded a revival in Dundee during 1839–1840, preaching alongside William Burns. He emphasized daily Bible reading, creating a plan still used today, and wrote hymns like “Jehovah Tsidkenu.” Unmarried, he died of typhus on March 25, 1843, at age 29, mourned widely for his holiness. He said, “A man is what he is on his knees before God, and nothing more.”