Isaiah 42:8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. I. THE DIVINE SUPREMACY. "I am the Lord, that is My name." 1. This assertion involves the idea of the Divine existence. 2. The assertion suggests the idea that He stands infinitely distinguished from all creatures in the manner or mode of His existence. 3. This language intimates dominion. He is related to nature, and He is related to nature necessarily and intimately, because nature is the production of His skill and power. We cannot think of God as the Creator, without being compelled to acknowledge His right and authority to legislate and govern. 4. This phrase is applicable to the Lord Jesus Christ. We have the most valid of all testimony in connection with the point, namely, the express and unqualified assertion of the Redeemer Himself, "Before Abraham was, I am." Here we have the same terms employed, and employed in the same sense. II. THE DIVINE PURPOSE. "My glory will I not give to another, nor My praise to graven images." 1. He will not give His glory to nature. Nature exists, but only exists as an effect. In nature there is no originality. 2. He will not give His "praise to graven images." 3. He will not give His glory to the Church. (1) He does not give His glory to the ministers of the Church. They are only the stewards of the mysteries of His kingdom. They are but the messengers of the Churches. They are but stars, deriving all their light from the great orb of day. (2) God, we are likewise assured, will not give His glory to ordinances. The sacraments, whatever may be the mystery and the sacredness associated with them, are but means. Conclusion — 1. Learn from this subject the value of the Bible. This is the only and the great source of all correct information and sound theology as to the essence and moral character of God. 2. You may gather from this text and subject, that Deity is propitiated, and "waits to be Gracious." 3. You may fairly infer from the subject that such as have the great (J. Newton.) Parallel Verses KJV: I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. |
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