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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJabez Burns Sermons: 760. Isa 62:10. The Gospel Standard
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Isa_62:10. The Gospel Standard
"Lift up a standard for the people."—Isa_62:10.
The text forms a part of a prediction supposed to refer primarily to the deliverance of the Jews from Babylon, but a part of the prophecy clearly points to the Messiah, to the proclamation of his gospel, and the diffusion of his glory. It is in this evangelical sense that we consider that portion we have selected for our present meditation. Let us then consider,
I. The state of the people.
II. The standard which must be elevated.
III. The duty of the Church, to lift the standard up.
1. The state of the people.
By the people we must include the great mass of human beings. All nations, climes, colors, kindred, and tongues; Jews and Gentiles, barbarian and Scythian, bond and free. But more especially let us consider the state of the people without God, and ignorant of the gospel of his Son. In this light, there are four views in which the people may be contemplated.
1. As wandering in the regions of ignorance, and superstition.
The pagan world is the valley and shadow of death. "Darkness hath covered," &c. The people dwell in darkness. Dark as to their nature and state; as to the supreme God; as to the blessed Messiah, and the way of life; as to heaven, eternity, and hell. Superstitious as they are ignorant. Gloomy shadows overspread their path. Horrific fears haunt their spirits.
2. As the victims of Satanic vassalage.
They are the captives of Satan. Enfettered with chains of guilt. Degraded and enslaved, he drags them at his infernal chariot wheels. Their vassalage is that of the soul. It is mental as well as bodily. It is a vassalage in which all is sunken and debased.
3. As in a state of utter defilement.
We say nothing of the common evidences of depravity. Their vice is that which has become more deep through the habits and customs of ages upon ages. Vice where the whole person is leprous—which enters into all their movements—which pollutes their literature—which infects their recreations—which spoils their domestic comforts—which is the glory of their religion, and perpetuated in the presence and under the patronage of their gods. Pollution stalking abroad—improved by the artist—composed in their poetry—sung in their songs—and identified with their being.
4. As strangers to solid happiness.
How can they be happy? Nature deranged and diseased throughout—without
God—without hope—without peace. Their horrid rites tell you they are not happy, &c. And with all their guilt and depravity, are they meet for happiness in the world to come? Observe,
II. The standard which must be elevated. Now this standard is that of the gospel.
A standard bearing on it the form of the cross, on which is written in characters of blood, "Behold the Lamb of God," &c. See Isa_62:11. Now in the elevation of this standard we have a full and perfect remedy for the perishing condition of the people. The gospel standard,
1. Communicates light.
It reveals the knowledge, for the lack of which the people perish; it publishes the great salvation which they need—brings life and immortality to light—it is the harbinger of day to the people: and when it comes, "the people which sat in darkness," &c. The gospel standard is connected,
2. With the publication of freedom.
It gives "liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison," &c.; it attacks and beats down the bulwarks of Satan's empire; it pulls to the dust his strongholds; it combats and overthrows the despotical powers of darkness, and opens a way of escape for the redeemed prisoners of hope. The people know the gospel truth, and it makes them free.
3. It presents a remedy for human pollution.
"It is a fountain open for sin," &c.; the grand catholicon remedy for all the moral maladies of the soul; nothing too complicated, too inveterate, &c. It can bring down to the humility of the child, the proud metaphysician, self-deified Brahmin. It even tames the savage—it turns the raven, &c.
4. It imparts abiding peace to the miserable and perishing.
Gives the favor of God to men—implants his kindness in the soul—gives the spirit the chief good, attracts it to the centre of bliss, and causes it to revolve in the light of purity and blessedness forever and ever. "Standard of salvation," the power of God to the eternal life of all who behold it.
III. The duty of the Church to lift the standard up.
We shall now speak to the members of the Church of Christ, and of the Church in her collective character.
1. The standard is in our possession. It is intrusted to us—we must therefore be responsible; we have it not for monopoly, but diffusion; the people need it, and will die without it—and we have it. Christ expects us to lift it up to the people in the regions far off. The very spirit of
2. Our religion involves this great principle.
Our religion is love—it is having Christ's spirit—zealous for Christ's glory—to be Christ's conscientious property. Then that religion will inspire the missionary spirit, and consecrate us to the missionary cause.
3. The grand commission requires it. Two views. At any rate, the gospel must be proposed to all. "If I be lifted up," &c. If we do not, God will give it others who will, &c.
Application
1. Have you all been savingly interested in the standard of the gospel? You must look, and feel, and live. Be drawn and united.
2. The standard-bearers must be supported. By prayer, and help.
3. More laborers must be sent forth, "The harvest is great," &c.