Is It Nothing to You?

Lamentations 1:12

Introduction:

Those things most precious and blessed of the Lord are so despised by the world. The most blessed of God’s works, and the most precious things in His eyes, are repudiated, and despised, and disregarded by the world; and even sometimes by God’s own people.

The nation Israel, in our text, has always been despised by the world.

The Jewish nation has always been hated and repudiated by the Nations of the World. Very few nations have been a friend of Israel, and then only for a short period of time.

And the Jewish people have always been despised and discriminated against. This is still true today. It may go unsaid, but prejudice toward the Jews is still deeply ingrained in our society; both at home in America and abroad. Anti-Semitism has not been abolished by the human rights movement. You can’t abolish prejudice by legislation or promulgation or activism; but prejudice is bound up in the human heart, especially toward the things of God and the people of God. Just as God is hated by every natural human heart, so are His nation and people.

Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by the Jewish Nation, and the Jewish people? Do you not see that this is God’s chosen nation? Do you not see that these are God’s chosen people, who were blinded for you? Do you not see that Israel was blinded in part, so that the light of the glorious gospel might shine upon us gentiles? Is it nothing at all to you, that Israel is the foundation and cornerstone of all the blessings of God toward men; especially the spiritual blessings in the person of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, and the Son of Abraham, Isaac and of Jacob? Or will you blindly pass by, lifted up in foolish human pride against God’s chosen nation?

Yes, is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by the Jewish nation and people. Or will you bless Israel, and pray for her, and pray for the salvation of her people? By this you will bring God’s blessings, and peace, and prosperity unto your own soul!

Besides what we’ve already said concerning Israel, we want to notice two thoughts from our text this morning. 1) First, is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by the Lord Jesus Christ; 2) And secondly, is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by the Lord’s New Testament Baptist Church?

1. First, Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by the Lord Jesus Christ?

Is it nothing to you, all ye who pass His virgin birth? (Matthew 1:23)

The birth of Jesus was the only virgin birth in the history of the world. Only Jesus had no earthly father, but God was His Father. Thus it is written that Jesus was called the only begotten Son of God.

The birth of Jesus fulfilled all prophecy and all types and shadows of the promised Savior. Jesus was born the promised seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15). Jesus was born Israel’s Messiah, the promised Savior of His people (Dan. 9:25-26). Jesus was born the Lamb of God, fulfilling all the Old Testament types and shadows.

The birth of Jesus meant different things to different people. His birth meant glory to God in the highest, to the Angels who announced it. It meant good will towards men to the Shepherds, who in wonder received it. It meant salvation to old Brother Simeon and Sister Anna that glorious day in the temple. It meant the birth of Israel’s King to the eastern wise men who came to worship Him. Of course, there was old hateful Herod who tried to destroy Jesus after His birth. And there were the faithless Jews who feared the birth of their King and Messiah. Then there was the Devil who tried to destroy Jesus, even since the garden of Eden.

What about you this morning? Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by the glorious virgin birth of Christ the Lord? Or do you see in His birth, the birth of your Lord and Savior?

Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by the life of Christ?

Is it nothing to you, that pass by and behold the loving, compassionate life of Jesus? (Mt. 14:14). During His public ministry, Jesus went about doing all manner of good. He had compassion on the multitudes. He healed their sick and diseased, and gave strength to their impotent folk. He fed the hungry with food, and the hungry souls He fed with the Word of God. He opened the eyes of the blind, and cast evil spirits out of them who were possessed. He even raised the dead back to life again. But best of all, He raised up the spiritual dead to spiritual life again! He had compassion on poor and filthy, undeserving sinners like you and me. He forgave sinners of all their sins, and gave them everlasting life. He forgave harlots and publicans, and the chief of sinners of all their sins.

Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by the perfect sinless life of Jesus Christ? (Heb. 7:26). Jesus was the only man ever born who was perfect and absolutely sinless. And because of His sinless life, He imputes His righteousness to unrighteous sinners. Yes beloved, we are made righteous by the perfect sinless life of Jesus Christ. If Christ was not perfect and sinless then we could never be made right with God.

Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by the precious life of Jesus Christ? What does His life mean to you this morning? Does it mean the compassionate healing of your sin-sick soul? Does it mean your perfect, righteous standing before God?

Is it nothing to you, or is your salvation owing to the perfect life of Christ?

Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by the cross of Jesus? (Luke 23:33-46)

What does the cross of Jesus mean to you this morning?

Is it nothing to you; like Judas who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver; or those wicked men that arrested Jesus, and that spat in His face and smote Him; or those liars who falsely accused Him and judged Him without a cause; or the Jews who cried out “away with Him; crucify Him; crucify Him”; or like Pilate, who was willing to crucify that just Man Jesus for fear of the people; or those who whipped Him, and put a purple robe upon Him and thrust a crown of thorns upon His head, and mocked Him and smote Him on the head with a rod; or the soldiers who stripped Him, and nailed His hands and feet the cross; and then mocked Him, and gambled for His garments; or those rulers who passed by, which derided Him; and the others that reviled Him and mocked Him saying (Come down…He saved others…)?

Oh yes, beloved, this was each and every one of us here this morning! This was you and I, before the grace of God got a hold of our hearts- this was us!!!

Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by the cross of Jesus? Or like the thief on the cross, can you see that His cross was your cross? Can you see that His shame was your shame? Can you see that His pain was your pain? Can you see that His death was your death? Can you see Jesus forsaken of God, so that you would not be forsaken of God? Can you see His body beaten and broken so that you would be healed? Can you see His blood flowing down as a cleansing fountain for your soul? Can you believe that all Jesus suffered, He suffered for you?

2. Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by the Lord’s New Testament Church? (Luke 12:32)

Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by the little Baptist Church? Do you despise her because she is but few in number? Do you despise her because she is but poor, and plain, and simple?

What is it about the little Baptist Church that draws souls into her gates? Is it the fish and bread of social programs and social clubs? Is it fun and games for the children? Is it Dr. eloquent preacher who tells fair stories and tickles peoples ears with lies? No beloved, it is truth of the Word, and the Spirit of truth that must draw God’s people into our gates. Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain. He draws men, and adds to His Church, and builds His Church as it pleases Him.

Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by the Lord’s Church? For those who will receive it, it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom! The Lord’s New Testament Baptist Church is the pillar and ground of the truth. It is the repository of God’s Word, and of the spiritual understanding of His Word. It is the place where the pure gospel of the grace of God is faithfully preached. It is the place where the whole counsel of God is taught and preached. It is the place where the Holy Spirit of God is manifested in demonstration and power. And it is the place where God is worshipped in Spirit and in truth.

Conclusion:

Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by Jesus Christ this morning?

What does His virgin birth, His sinless life, and His death on the cross mean to you? What does His resurrection mean to you? Are you going to live forever because He ever lives for you? Repent, and believe in Jesus this morning and you will be eternally saved!

How about His Church this morning? Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by the Lord’s Church? Or do you see that His little flock is the most precious thing in this world? I pray that the Lord will show you that His Church is the most precious thing to Him! And I pray that His Church will be the most precious thing to you! Are you a part of His Church? If not, why not?