The Pulpit Commentary — Isaiah — Volume 2 — Section 80

Vers. 3-6.-Iluman[reparation for the Divine advent, We sbe.ll find, with very little seeking, a threefol application for these words: (1) a primary one in the restora- tion of the Jews to Jerusalem; (2) an historical e.nd human one in the advent of our Lord e.nd the founding of bis kingdom; (3) e. future one in the restoration of the re.ce to the likeness and the favour of God. 'l'he keystone of the pnesage wo find in the fifth verse; it ie the idea. of the manifestation of God's glory, which all me.nkind is to witnellB. We he.ve, then- I. TnE MANIFESTED GLOBY OF Goo. This was to be displayed e.nd has been showo in two illustrations which a.re now historical. 1. 'l'he faithfulness and the power ol Jehovah in the accomplishment of his people's redemption from exile. 2. A more striking inste.nce of Divine faithfulnesP, wil;dom, and power, in the giving of the gospel of Lici gre.ce, in preparing the nations of the ee.rth for its reception, in its e.ctnal initie.ti<Jn and inauguration, and in its eorly and widespread diffusion among men. II. 'l'nE GLORY wmcu WAITS TO BE REVEALED. Christ has come, and WO celebrate his advent with joy and gratitude. But it ie also e.nd eque.lly true th11t he is coming He is still " the Cowing One." Acr~ the a.rid wastes of indifl'eroncc, nnd over mountains of opposition and gulfs of apparent impoRsibility, he is coming, and iu timo we ~hall sec him-the present, reigning, triumplrnnt Lord. It is e. glorious spiritual ad vu.nee he is to make, and prebence he id to con for, and powor ho is to exert; but it will be none the less gloriollB or gracious for ils spirituality. 'l'hat, indeed, will im1m,asure.bly enhance its worth, for it will be the grander, tho trner, tho more lasting achievement. ] JL 'l'HE BTnENGTH OF OUR ABBUBANr:E CONCERNING IT. "All ffosh shall see it: for the mouth of tlie Lord hath ~poken it." There me.y be many indications the.t Jesus Christ will one day secure a glorious victory over the disbelief, the vice, the super• stition, the selliHliness, the indifference of the world; but tho strongest e.ssurnnce we can take to our striving, yearning, sometimes wondering e.nd doubting hearts is that " the mouth of the Lord he.th spoken it:" "I, if I be lifted up," etc. IV. Oun CON1'RIDUTION TOWARDS ITB COMING. "Prepare ye tho way," etc.; "make maight e. highwe.y," etc. The Christian Church has to ask itself the urgent, practicnl OIi, XL, 1-81.] THE IlOOK OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH. 83