Isaiah 62:1 For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest… I. THE PRESENT IMPLIED OBSCURITY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. "The righteous One and the Saviour" (Vulgate). Whenever the righteous One and Saviour are hidden there is obscurity. II. HER ANTICIPATED GLORY. The burning lamp is a symbol of the presence of Jehovah. Jesus is termed "the brightness of His Father's glory and the express image of His person." Connect both the figures in the text. The Sun of Righteousness shall go forth like the light of the morning. 1. Manifestly. Light maketh manifest. 2. Irresistibly, as the light of the morning. 3. Universally. As all the earth turns to the sun, all are visited by the morning light. "Righteousness shall go forth as brightness" in all the earth. III. THE MEANS BY WHICH THE WORK IS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED. "For Zion's sake I will not hold My peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest." Some think these are expressions of Jehovah. Correct or not, it is a Scriptural truth; it has long lain near the heart of God! Others, that Jesus is the speaker. The world is His purchased property, but His own world received him not. Yet the Father has pledged Himself to vindicate His right: "Ask of me." The most common opinion is that these words are Isaiah's, as a man of God and as a minister of God. It is proper to be used by all who mention the name of the Lord. Human agency, then, is the means employed. In providence God helps man by man. In grace the same. The Word of God is to be carried and held forth as light. The text indicates the manner also. 1. It shall be consistent — prayer and exertion. "Not hold my peace, not rest." 2. Affectionate exertions also — from a principle of love. "For Zion's sake." 3. Persevering. "Until the righteousness go forth." (J. Summerfield, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. |
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