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THE CONVERSION OF THE WORLD TO GOD PROMISED
TRUTH when delivered in simple terms, does not so forcibly impress the mind, as when it is embodied, as it were, in some image that is visible before our eyes: for a great number of ideas are, by means of a metaphor, presented to us at once; and, having been long familiarized to our mind, they require no stretch or intenseness of thought to bring them together; so that we view a subject, as it were, almost in its full extent, without the labour of prosecuting it in its several parts. To the great mass of mankind this species of instruction is peculiarly beneficial; because it puts the poor on an equal footing with the rich, and, in many respects, enables the illiterate peasant to comprehend truth as extensively and as accurately as the most learned philosopher. The conversion of the world, and of the Jewish nation more especially, is the subject here spoken of [Note: If it were a Sermon for the Jews (to whom the passage primarily refers), the reference to them should be made somewhat more prominent in the discourse.]; and it is predicted as resembling the spring season, wherein the whole face of nature is changed. Now, every one, however ignorant, beholds this change, and is able, in a great measure, to appreciate both its extent and value; and consequently may look forward to the accomplishment of the prediction with an interest which a more laboured and extended statement might fail to excite.
Let us then consider,
I. The comparison here instituted between the natural and moral world—
In the natural world, the parts which are uncultivated present to the view a dreary and desolate wilderness; but, when brought into cultivation, they assume altogether a new appearance, producing every thing which is beautiful to the eye, or profitable for the use of man. It is necessary, however, that human agency should be employed in effecting this change: though, after all that man can do, the work is God’s alone.
In these four particulars the comparison may well be traced.
Barren beyond expression are the countries that are destitute of spiritual cultivation—
[What is the very religion of such countries, but a mixture of the darkest ignorance with the most gloomy superstition? — — — And if such be their religion, which is under regulation and restraint, what must be their habits when subjected to no restraint? — — — A desert, or a wilderness, that brings forth nothing but briers and thorns, is but too just a picture of their state.]
But, through the Gospel of Christ, a wonderful change is wrought—
[See it in the people on the day of Pentecost; their hands were yet reeking with the Saviour’s blood; yet, by the labours of a few short hours, not less than three thousand souls were “turned from darkness unto light, and from the power of Satan unto God.” Such is the change which the Gospel operates, wheresoever it is received into the heart [Note: Col_1:6.]: “instead of the brier grows up the fir-tree, and instead of the thorn grows up the myrtle-tree [Note: Isa_55:13.];” and the whole “desert rejoices and blossoms as the rose.”]
This is effected through the instrumentality of man—
[As, in the productions of the garden and the field, it is by human labour that fertility is produced; so it is by the ministry of man that God extends to men the blessings of salvation: as it is said, “How can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how can they hear without a preacher [Note: Rom_10:14.]?”]
The power, however, that effects it is God’s alone—
[In man himself there exists no power to produce any thing that is spiritually good; no, “not so much as to think a good thought [Note: 2Co_3:5.]:” on the contrary, “in his heart there is nothing but evil, and that continually [Note: Gen_6:5.].” The work, as far as it prevails in any man, is God’s alone [Note: 2Co_5:5.]. As to him must be ascribed the glory of all the products of the earth; so must all spiritual good, in whomsoever it be found, be referred to him as its true and proper source [Note: 1Co_4:7.]. And if this be the case with respect to all the good that is in man, much more must it be so as it respects any good that is wrought by man. Even “Paul may plant, and Apollos water; but God alone can give the increase [Note: 1Co_3:6.].” As far as relates to the practical efficiency even of the best means, the creature is nothing, and God is all [Note: 1Co_3:7.].]
From the image in which the prediction is conveyed, let us turn to,
II. The change itself, which is predicted in it—
The passage primarily belongs to the Jews; and declares, as the whole preceding and following contexts do, their restoration to God, to the admiration and astonishment of the whole world. We need not, however, confine it to them [Note: This observation, if the subject be used as a Sermon for the Jews, should, of course, be omitted.]; but may contemplate generally,
1. The change described—
[Behold the whole world, Jewish as well as Gentile, yea, and I must add, the Christian too; how little is there of vital and evangelical “righteousness” to be seen! — — — As for “praise,” except amongst a very small remnant of true Believers, it is never heard ascending to the throne of God. A form of godliness, indeed, is common: but such piety as existed in the Lord Jesus Christ, and such devotions as were poured forth by the holy Apostles, are rare indeed: so rare, that neither is the one seen, nor the other heard, but as a strange thing, to be gazed at with wonder, or be stigmatized as folly [Note: 1Pe_4:4.].
But it shall not be always so: for, in God’s time, righteousness shall spring up, as it were, not partially on this or that favoured spot, but simultaneously, like the verdure of the spring upon the face of the whole earth. Though the word be sown only like “an handful of corn upon the tops of the mountains, its fruit shall shake like the woods of Lebanon, and the converts be like the piles of grass that cover the earth [Note: Psa_72:16.].” “In every place, too, will incense be offered, and a pure offering” of praise and thanksgiving [Note: Mal_1:11.]; so that earth will be an emblem, and an antepast, of heaven. Then will be realized that vision of the beloved Apostle, who “saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband [Note: Rev_21:2.].” For this period we look with the strongest possible assurance, even for “the new heavens and the new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness [Note: 2Pe_3:13.].”]
2. The excellency of it—
[View this change, either as it respects God and his honour, or man and his happiness. Is it not grievous to reflect that God is almost banished from this lower world; and that the Saviour, who came down from heaven to redeem it, is scarcely known, or known only to be dishonoured and blasphemed? Verily, it is a wonder that a world so lost in wickedness is not burnt up, as Sodom and Gomorrah. Indeed it would be so, but for the elect’s sake. God in tender mercy spares it, because he has ordained that one day this barren fig-tree shall yield him fruit; and unnumbered millions, who shall spring from the loins of his inveterate foes, shall rise “a new creation,” and “be to him for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory, to all eternity.”
And how blessed will this change be to our fallen race! At present, men are but miserable creatures, full of evil passions, “hateful in themselves, and hating all around them [Note: Tit_3:3.];” yea, filled also with terrible forebodings in relation to their eternal state. But then, freed from the bonds of sin and the apprehensions of death, and living in the enjoyment of God’s presence and in the prospect of his glory, they will go on their way rejoicing. Every day will bring them an augmentation of bliss, and be, as it were, a prelude of eternal felicity. Not that this blessedness shall then commence on earth: no; it is already experienced by thousands, who can bear their testimony, that, both in respect of holiness and happiness, they have known a transition, great as from the wintry aspect of a desolate wilderness to the vernal beauty of a highly-cultivated garden.
Such is the change which is now fast approaching; and such is “the work of God’s hands, wherein he will ere long be glorified” throughout the earth [Note: Isa_60:21.].]
See then, Beloved,
1. What you should seek for yourselves—
[Look for such a change to be wrought in your hearts. This is conversion: this is salvation begun in the soul: this is the indispensable requisite for the enjoyment of heaven. Cast your eyes around you, and see the face of nature now, as contrasted with its appearance during the winter months: you see it; you admire it; you enjoy it. O! let the great Husbandman behold this blessed change in you! Let not the showers of grace, which he pours forth around you, and the rays of the Sun of Righteousness, which he causes to shine upon you, be received in vain: for then will you only bring down the heavier curse upon your souls, as the Apostle Paul has warned you: “The earth that drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: but that which beareth briers and thorns is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing: whose end is, to be burned.” Pray rather to God, that his Holy Spirit may be poured out upon you, as “rain upon the mown grass [Note: Psa_72:6.];” and that your beloved Saviour may “come down into your souls, as into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits [Note: Son_4:16.].” And be not contented with any measure of fruitfulness which at any time you may have attained: but, if there be the blade, look for the ear; and if there be the ear, look for the full corn in the ear [Note: Mar_4:28.];” that “you may be trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord; and that he may be glorified.”]
2. What you should desire for the world at large—
[Take for your prayer these words of the prophet: “Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation; and let righteousness spring up together [Note: Isa_45:8.].” You have abundant encouragement to address your God in these terms, because he has absolutely promised that the event predicted shall be accomplished: “The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose: it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon; they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God [Note: Isa_35:1-2.].” Shall such prospects be opened to us, and we feel no desire to have them realized? Let us be ashamed that we can be so regardless of God’s honour, and so indifferent about the salvation of our fellow-men. And, whilst we pray to God to effect this great work, let us, according to our respective abilities, be “fellow-workers with him;” and never rest till “the wilderness become a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest [Note: Isa_32:15.].”]