Sermons by the Monday Club Isaiah 42:1-17 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; my elect, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit on him… About these chapters, as a unit, a halo of Messianic brightness gathers, like the aureole with which painters surround the brow of Christ. In these verses (1-11) the prophet taught that — I. THE COMING SAVIOUR WAS TO SET UP A KINGDOM WHICH SHOULD BE UNIVERSAL (vers. 1, 4, 6). Those whom Isaiah addressed supposed that true religion was to reach the world, if at all, through the channels of Judaism; they thought the only way to heaven was through the ,portals of the Jewish Church. The prophet declares that the benefits of Christ s kingdom are to extend to Jew and Gentile alike. No distinctions of race or clime are to arrest its growth. No wonder that under the thrill of such a vision he shouts, "Sing unto the Lord a new song, and His praise from the end of the earth!" It is sometimes said that the religious spirit of the Old Testament is narrow; that it makes God bestow His favours on the few, and not on the many. Can, however, a larger measure of grace be conceived than is here expressed? II. CHRIST'S KINGDOM WAS TO BE EXTENDED BY PEACEFUL MEASURES (vers. 2, 3). The prophet addressed those who thought religious conquest was to be achieved by force. Hitherto conflicts had marked the intercourse of God's chosen people with the Gentiles. The Jews looked for their coming king to be warlike. How strangely, then, does Isaiah describe their conquering prince, — "He shall not cry," i.e. shout as He advances, "nor lift up," i.e. make demonstration of His power, "nor shall He cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall He not quench: He shall bring forth judgment unto truth," i.e. truth shall be His victorious weapon. The element in Christianity to which our text refers makes that which is feeble among men powerful for Christ. It also makes it possible for all Christ's servants to be efficient labourers. They become such by imbibing the spirit of the Master. Not all can publicly proclaim the Gospel, but every one can seek for the "same mind which was in Christ." III. CHRIST'S KINGDOM WAS TO REVEAL GOD'S SYMPATHY WITH MAN, ESPECIALLY IN HIS SUFFERING. (ver. 7). The primary reference in these figures is undoubtedly to spiritual results. Eyes morally blind are to be opened, and captive souls emancipated from the prison-house of sin. It is, however, no less true that bodily and mental freedom are included in the blessings of Messiah's reign. The Church is now the representative of the Divine sympathy for suffering; and she should not forget that, as of old, believers will be multiplied when it is seen that through her Christ now cares for bodies as well as souls. IV. CHRIST'S KINGDOM WAS TO FILL THE EARTH WITH JOY (vers. 10, 11). As lessons from our subject we learn — 1. Christians should labour in hope. Isaiah suggests one of the strongest proofs of our Lord's divinity by affirming, "He shall not fail nor be discouraged until He have set judgment in the land." When we learn of the Master we catch a hopeful spirit. 2. The results of serving Christ are permanent. (Sermons by the Monday Club.) Parallel Verses KJV: Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. |
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