Isaiah 28:16-17 Therefore thus said the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone… (with Isaiah 7:9): — I. The first aspect in which these words may be viewed, namely, in reference TO ONE'S FIRST ESTABLISHMENT IN THE PEACE OF THE GOSPEL II. A second aspect in which they admit of being viewed is IN REFERENCE TO ONE'S CONTINUED ESTABLISHMENT IN THAT PLACE. I do not believe there is anything in the Gospel itself viewed as a system, or any. thing in sovereignty viewed as a principle of the Divine procedure, or anything in the believer's condition in this world viewed as a state of discipline, that renders it impossible for him, on the whole, to retain undiminished the peace in which he was first established; that necessitates his falling away in any measure from that assurance into which his early, simple, affectionate faith introduced him. The secret of anyone's declension in this respect is afforded us here, "If ye believe not," — continue not, that is, to believe; for faith is a life, a habit, — "surely ye shall not be established," continue, that is, to be established. As faith decays, so also will your feeling of stability, of security, be impaired. On the contrary, "He that believeth" — lives habitually in the exercise of faith "shall not make haste," shall ever maintain a calm, undisturbed repose. III. There yet remains a third aspect in which these passages may be viewed, namely, IN REFERENCE TO DUTY, OR THE WORK OF SANCTIFICATION GENERALLY. We live in a world of temptation. Do we need some mighty principle of steadfastness? What is that principle? It is faith; faith resting on Christ, and drawing strength and stability from Him; faith realising the love of God, and enjoying it actually in the soul; faith looking beyond this present scene of things, and bringing near to us another and more attractive scene. I must feel that the grasp of the eternal God is upon me. Let us have a faith like this, and under its influence we shall act our part in life, however difficult it may be — 1. With calmness; for we shall do nothing rashly — we shall learn to wait. 2. With dignity; for we shall do all things as in God's sight, and under His protection; and we shall be raised immeasurably above the petty schemes and the little meannesses of the people of the world. 3. With consistency; for having once entered on what we deem the path of truth and duty, we will follow it out. (A. L. R. Foote.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. |
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