Isaiah 25:9 And it shall be said in that day, See, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD… I. Contemplate THE GLORIOUS OBJECT we are here invited to behold. "Lo, this is our God." The words express strong emotions of pleasure, admiration, and joy, arising from the merciful interpositions made in behalf of His people, whereby Jehovah manifested Himself present among them. Though God is invisible to our bodily eyes, we behold Him when we sensibly discern those visible effects which cannot be produced by any other than His omnipotent arm. There subsists between Him and us a reciprocal endearing relation, a mutual tender affection, a continued delightful intercourse, a most agreeable concord, and an intimate union of interest and design. II. Consider THE BECOMING EXERCISE in which the Church was employed. "We have waited for Him." The repetition of the words plainly intimates the great earnestness and persevering diligence with which the saints had waited upon the Lord their God. This duty includes — 1. Earnest desire. 2. Lively expectation. 3. Holy serenity of mind (Lamentations 3:26; Isaiah 30:15). This sacred tranquillity of soul represses those uneasy disquietudes and tumultuous thoughts, which disturb the mind, and unfit for the right performance of this or any other duty. It composes the soul attentively to observe every symptom of the Divine approach, every appearance from which may be deduced favourable consequences, and every opportunity that ought to be diligently improved. It gives a seasonable check to that precipitation and haste which springs from uneasiness at our present condition, and from hurtful anxiety about immediate deliverance. III. Attend to THE ASSURED CONFIDENCE in God which the Church expressed in these words: "He will save us." In every age they have viewed the Lord as their Saviour. Salvation from the hands of their enemies, which was doubtless primarily intended in the words before us, is employed as an image, to shadow out a salvation of an infinitely higher and more important nature. IV. Examine THE CONSEQUENT RESOLUTION adopted by the Church. "We will be glad, and rejoice in His salvation." In this salvation, which is admirably suited to our character and circumstances, we ought to be glad and rejoice. (R. Macculloch.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. |
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