DOES THE LORD WANT A BROKEN PEOPLE?
By G.
THIS question was asked just at the close of a review lesson in the Sabbath-school in this city on a recent Sabbath. There was not time to answer it as its importance deserved, and no doubt others besides the Oakland school have raised the same query when reading Matt. 21:44: “And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” This Stone is Christ, “the stone which the builders rejected,” and which “is become the head of the corner.” No, the Lord does not want a broken people. His people are designed to be parts of the building of which He is the “precious corner-stone,” a “tried stone,” a “sure foundation.” This building is to be “fitly framed together,” a process that would be impossible with broken stones. There were no broken stones in the temple built in Jerusalem; they were all hewn and dressed ready to fit together before they were brought to the place. “There was neither hammer nor ax nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.” The completed building of which Christ is the corner-stone will be the consummated work of redemption, when every thing will be restored to perfect holiness. It is the natural man, the carnal heart, that must be broken. If it be not broken by a voluntary falling on Christ by faith, and a confession and forsaking of sin, there will necessarily be a forcible breaking when He comes in glory. But when the sinner voluntarily falls on Christ and is broken, he is not left in that condition. “A broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.” Ps. 51:17. Christ Himself died of a broken heart. But David also says, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” That is, He makes them whole. His mission as Redeemer is to “bind up the broken-hearted,” and present them “perfect in Christ Jesus,” and “faultless before the presence of His glory.” G.