112. The Lord's Appeal To His Own People.

Oh my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me. - Micah 6:3.

This is a portion of Jehovah's pleading with his people.

He has called upon the mountains and the strong foundations of the earth to hear the suit between him and Israel.

Far be it from us to trifle when God has a controversy with us, for to him it is a matter of deep solemnity. In condescending grace he makes much of the affection of his people, and he will not lose it without effort.

We have before us—

I. A PITEOUS EXCLAMATION. "O my people!"

Is it not remarkable that such language should be used by the Eternal God?

1 It is the voice of solemn earnestness.

2. It is the cry of sorrow. The interjection is wet with tears.

3. It is the appeal of love. Love injured, but living, pleading, striving, entreating.

4. It is the language of desire. Divine love yearns for the reconciliation of the rebel: it pines to have his loyal affection.

The Lord calls a revolted nation "my people" still Grace is stronger than sin. Eternal love is not founded upon our merits.

II. A PAINFUL FACT. "Wearied thee;"

Israel acted as if they were tired of their God.

1. They were weary of his name. Baal and Ashtaroth had become the fashion, and the living God was despised.

2. They were weary of his worship. The sacrifice, the priest, the holy place, prayer, praise, etc.; all these were despised.

3. They were weary of obedience to his laws, though they were right, and just, and meant for their good.

4. They were weary of his restraints: they desired liberty to ruin themselves by transgression.

The parallel between ourselves and Israel lies upon the surface.

In the following points, and many more, certain professors prove their weariness of God—

· They give up nearness of communion.

· They abandon preciseness of walking.

· They fail in fullness of consecration.

· They cool down from intensity of zeal.

· They lose the full assurance of faith, and other joys.

· And all this because they are in reality weary of their God.

This is a sorrow of sorrows to the great heart of love.

III. A PATIENT ENQUIRY. "What have I done unto thee?" etc.

Amazing love! God himself puts himself upon trial.

1. What single act of God could induce us to forsake his way? "What have I done unto thee?"

2. What continuous way of the Lord could have caused us weariness? "Wherein have I wearied thee?"

3. What testimony of any kind can we bear against God? "Testify against me."

No answer is possible except the most unreserved confession that the Lord has done us no ill. The Lord is goodness itself, and unmingled kindness.

· He has not wearied us with demands of offering.

· He has not burdened us with austerities.

· He has not tired us with monotonies.

· He has not denied us rest, but has even commanded it.

If wearied with our God, it is—

· Because of our foolish waywardness.

· Because of our fickle fancy.

· Because of our feeble love to himself and holiness.

· Or because we have misunderstood his commands.

By all that God has already done for us, let us cling to him.

By the superlative excellence of Jesus, let us be bound to him.

By the sacred power of the Holy Ghost, may we be kept loving to the end.