Homilist Isaiah 57:18-19 I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts to him and to his mourners.… This could only be said of God — He alone can see the ways of man. We have here — I. A DIVINE ATTRIBUTE. Intimate knowledge of the ways of men. "I have seen." God has no need to be told. Tale-bearers exaggerate and lie. God does not even trust His angels. They go about the world observing the evil and the good. But it is not upon their reports He acts." "I know, He says, "their thoughts." "I have seen his ways. How solemnly should the fact impress us! 1. There is the man who makes a profession of religion. But that man knows how within him there exist the root and seeds of evil, that his life is a constant struggle, and sin with all its might is contending for the mastery. The deeper that man's piety is, he realizes with the greater pain his weakness and imperfection, and is horrified at the list which is written up against him by an observing God. 2. Not only the righteous are the subjects of Divine observation, but the wicked as well. The observations of Almighty God produce very different results according to the character of the person He observes. To the man who strives after the way of righteousness it is an encouragement and a warning. But to him who neglects religion and follows sin it is filled with terrible dread and is the precursor of ineffable judgment. II. A DIVINE PROMISE. The humblest efforts after holiness arc regarded by the great King, and are noted equally with the failures. He sees the whole — the follies, the weaknesses, the struggles, and the regrets, and He is filled with pity. He knows that unaided man cannot divert his way, and therefore He vouchsafes to give a promise, "I will heal." In this promise we have — 1. A manifestation of love. 2. A manifestation of authority, "Will heal." It is God only who can heal man. Application: 1. God will come to those who seek Him. They draw nigh to Him, He draws nigh to them. 2. How joyous is the sound of healing to a sick man! Much more the promise of forgiven sin. 3. Time is passing quickly. What are your ways? Are they such as encourage the Divine advances or repel infinite love? (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. |
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