Isaiah 46:4 And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry… I. WHAT HAS GOD DONE FOR YOU ALREADY? "I have made." This brings Him very near. Others have claimed us as children; and we early learned to say, My father. But to them we owe our being subordinately, and instrumentally: to Him we owe it supremely and efficiently. They were "fathers of our flesh": but He is "the Father of our spirits." But there is another and a higher operation of which the Scripture-speaks. "This people have I formed for Myself; they shall show forth My praise." "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works." As the subjects of His .grace, a foundation is laid for everlasting confidence and joy in Him. II. WHAT GOD WILL DO. 1. He will carry. This implies something more than to guide and to lead. It supposes helplessness on their side; and tender support and assistance on His. God has a large family; but, as Bishop Hall observes, none of His children can go alone. Yet they are not left to perish in their weakness. 2. He will deliver. This implies that they are exposed to danger; but that they shall not become a prey. He delivers them from trouble. In trouble. By trouble. III. BUT HOW LONG — HOW FAR WILL HIS TENDERNESS AND CARE EXTEND? "To old age; to hoar hairs." This is a period in which a man is deprived of many of his relations and friends; is gazed on by a new generation; feels a thousand infirmities, anxieties, and distresses; and is reduced to dependence upon those around him. 1. The promise does not necessarily suppose that you will reach this period. The meaning is, that if you should reach this period you need not be afraid of it; He will be with you, and "a very present help in trouble." 2. It is only said that He will be with you "to old age, and to hoar hairs." He will be with you all through "the months of vanity, and the wearisome nights appointed you"; He will be with you even when "your heart and flesh fail you." This is implied. But it was not necessary to mention it — old age and death are so near each other — they touch. This subject displays — (1) The patience of God. What a number of provocations has He had to bear with from you in the course of sixty, seventy, eighty years! (2) Encouragement for those who are descended into the vale of years. Doubts may assail the mind of a believer to the last. But be of good comfort, ye aged servants of God. He will not turn you out of doors now your labour is over. Your salvation is nearer than when you believed. (3) What shall I say to the hoary-headed sinner? (4) What a motive is there here to induce us all to become the Lord's followers! (W. Jay.) Parallel Verses KJV: And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. |
    |