Isaiah 62:1 For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest… The Jews were remarkably attached to localities. They cherished the national associations with such places as Bethel, the Red Sea, the Jordan, etc.; but they loved most intensely Jerusalem and Mount Zion. To the better Jews localities were only shrines of spiritual truths. Bethel meant "God near:" the Red Sea meant "God redeeming:" Jordan meant "God faithful to his word." Those Jews saw the spiritual through the local; we are expected to see the spiritual without the help of the local. I. THE FERVENT DESIRES OF A GODLY SOUL. To see Zion - the type of Christ's Church - delivered and established in righteousness. 1. Delivered from (1) its weaknesses, in motive, aim, and work; (2) its hindrances, in body, business, and relationships; (3) its prejudices, both individual and sectarian. The Church in the world is like a lamp burning dimly in impure air. 2. Established in righteousness. (1) The internal character of a Church is the subject of greater anxiety than its outward condition. The King's daughter must be "all glorious within." (2) The internal character of a church is only preserved as it has a capacity for growing. The figure in the text is of a "brightness," not a mere flash, but brightness brightening, or going forth. II. THE VARIETY OF MOTIVES THAT INCREASE THE DESIRES. 1. Our consecration vow. We gave ourselves first to Christ, and then to his Church. 2. The emotions of the Christian life. These inspire us to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem." 3. Love to Christ. This, John tells us, is sure to find expression in love for the brethren. III. THE ONE SUPREME MOTIVE PROMINENT IN THE TEXT, The real welfare of the Church itself. "For Zion's sake." We ought to feel the utmost anxiety that (1) the joy of the Church should be increased; (2) the beauty and Christ-likeness of the Church should be perfected; (3) the efficiency and power of the Church should lye enlarged. Its righteousness - which is its true strength - should shine more and more unto the perfect day. IV. THE MAN WHO HAS GOOD DESIRES WELL NOT WITHHOLD HIS PERSONAL EFFORTS. "I will not hold my peace," etc. The real greatness of prayer is only knows to the man who works, and the greatness of work only to him who prays. - R.T. 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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