Accept, I beseech You, the free-will offerings of my mouth, O Lord: and teach me Your judgments.

Posted : 23 Jun, 2013 05:22 AM

Psalm 119:108 Accept, I beseech You, the free-will offerings of my mouth, O Lord: and teach me Your judgments.





As the first-fruits of his entire self-devotion to the Lord; as the

only sacrifice he could render in his affliction; and as an

acknowledgment of his answered prayer for quickening grace,

behold this faithful servant of God presenting the free-will

offerings of his mouth for acceptance. Such he knew to be an

acceptable service. For the sacrifices of the Old Testament

were not only typical of the One sacrifice for sin, but of the

spiritual worship of the people of God. To those who are

interested in the atonement of Jesus, there needs "no more

sacrifice for sin." That which is now required of us, and in

which we would delight, is to "take with us words, and turn to

Him, and say unto Him-Take away all iniquity, and receive us

graciously; so will we render the

calves of our lips."

No offering but a free-will offering is accepted. Such was the

service under the law: such must it be under the gospel. Yet

neither can this offering be accepted, until the offerer himself

has found acceptance with his God. "The Lord had respect,"

first to the person of "Abel," then "to his offering." But if our

persons are covered with the robe of acceptance-if the

"offering up of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" has

"perfected" us before God: however defiled our services may

be, however mixed with infirmity, and in every way most

unworthy; even a God of ineffable holiness "beholds no

iniquity" in them. No offering is so pure as to obtain

acceptance in any other way; no offering so sinful as to fail of acceptance in this way. Most abundant, indeed, and

satisfactory is the provision made in heaven for the continual

and everlasting acceptance of our polluted and distracted

services-"Another angel came, and stood at the altar, having a

golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense,

that he should offer it, with the prayers of all saints, upon the

golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of

the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints,

ascended up before God out of the angel's hand." With such a

High Priest and Intercessor, not only is unworthiness

dismissed, but boldness and assurance of faith is

encouraged.

But, as we remarked, it was a free-will offering that we here

presented-the over flowing of a heart filled with love. No

constraint was necessary. Prayer was delightful. He was not

forced upon his knees. Let me seek fellowship with Him in

presenting my free offering before my God. Does not He love

it? Does not His free love to me deserve it? Did not my

beloved Savior give a free-will offering of delight and of joy?

And shall not His free-flowing love be my pattern and my

principle? Shall His offering be free for me, and mine, be

reluctant for Him? Shall He be ready with His blood for me,

and I be backward with my mouth for Him? O my God, work

Your own Almighty work-make me not only living, but "willing

in the day of Your power." Let the stream flow in the full tide of

affectionate devotedness. Blessed Jesus! I would be Yours,

and none other's. I would tell the world, that I am captivated

by Your love, and consecrated to Your service. Oh, let me

"rejoice for that I offered willingly." Great grace is it, that He is

willing to accept my service. For what have I to offer, that is

not already "his own?" But let me not forget to supplicate for

further instruction-'Teach me Your judgments, that I may be

directed to present a purer offering; that by more distinct and

accurate knowledge of Your ways, my love may be enlarged, and my obedience more entire, until I "stand perfect and

complete in all the will of God."'



by

Charles Bridges

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