Homilist Isaiah 44:21-22 Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for you are my servant: I have formed you; you are my servant: O Israel… In the midst of idolaters this chapter speaks of a people who worship, love, serve God. Here is — I. AN INVITATION. "Return unto Me." This implies previous distance, wandering, unworthiness. "Return." 1. How? The sinner says, I am bound, sin holds me chained, justly. God answers, I have redeemed thee, paid thy ransom, broken thy chains. 2. To whom? "Unto Me." The sinner says, I am polluted, defiled. God answers, I have blotted out thy sins. Thou hast cleansing in the precious blood. 3. In what way? Not towards Me. Many are satisfied with appearance. But unto-into My very presence — to walk, dwell, commune with Me. All trace of former guilt gone. II. A PRIVILEGE. "Thou art My servant." 1. They serve Him. He fits them for this. "I have formed thee," fitted by indwelling of the Spirit, giving new tastes, desires, &c. We are not made servants by serving; we are made servants that we may serve. 2. They serve acceptably, cheerfully, continually, purely. None are Christians who do not serve. Notice the repetition in text, also verses 1, 2. God dwells lovingly on it. 3. They serve in hope. God's servants have a gracious promise — "Thou shalt not be forgotten of Me." Others may forget, be removed, but God never. We may be in trouble, persecution, danger, weariness, death, never forgotten. III. A CAUTION. "Remember these." God's people rejoice, but with trembling: walk surely, but not securely (1 Corinthians 10:12). "Remember these" — the world, careless, backsliders, self-seekers, heathens. "Remember these" — 1. That you may be humbled (Titus 3:3). 2. That you may honour God before them (Matthew 5:16). 3. That you may do them good (Galatians 6:1). Are your sins blotted out? If so, serve God; "remember these." If not, return. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me. |
    |