Homilist Isaiah 33:22 For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us. I. ACCEPTANCE OF GOD'S DECISION IN THE AFFAIRS OF LIFE. "The Lord is our Judge." These words do not refer to the final judgment, but to the verdict of the Judge in this life. 1. This decision is made known in reference to nations, as in this chapter. God judged between Israel and the Assyrians by destroying the Assyrian host. He showed that the Jews were His people, and He was their God. 2. The same may be said of Churches, as is shown by the history of the seven Churches of Asia. 3. So likewise of individuals, though the Divine decision in this case is not always so manifest. II. ACCEPTANCE OF GOD'S WILL AS THE RULE OF LIFE. "The Lord is our Lawgiver." We are liable to take our own passions, inclinations, and desires as the rule of life. Sometimes the maxims of society and the examples of others. But the only safe rule is the will of God. 1. It is benevolent in its intentions — it aims at our happiness here and hereafter. 2. It is safe in its action — always the same. Human wisdom changes. 3. It is elevating in its effects, ennobles, enriches, exalts. 4. It is eternal. We must ever live under the rule of this Lawgiver. If we accept it as the rule of life here, it will be the delight of heaven to live under the same hereafter. III. ACCEPTANCE OF GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY. "The Lord is our King." He is a worthy King. 1. A King who is infinite in power, and wisdom, and love. 2. A King who ever thinks of, and provides for, the welfare of His subjects. 3. A King whose dominion extends to all things; to every element and every creature; to all men and spirits, good and bad; to all regions — earth, heaven, and hell. 4. A King whose kingdom shall have no end. No revolution will ever disturb the security of His throne, and that because the sceptre of His kingdom is a right sceptre. Let us earnestly and devoutly say, "Thy kingdom come." IV. ASSURANCE OF SAFETY. "He will save us." A result arising from the acceptance of the Divine under the three foregoing aspects — as Judge, as Lawgiver, and as King. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.WEB: For Yahweh is our judge. Yahweh is our lawgiver. Yahweh is our king. He will save us. |
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