The Pulpit Commentary — Isaiah — Volume 2 — Section 423

which h11s enjoyed 11nd Is ea.pa.hie of o.n independent government,-comes the summons from 11bove; "01111 forth o.11 thy powers, leave no means untried, prepare the way, make a supreme and sacrificial effort to break the bonds, to walk in the way, to reach the goal of II true 11nd lasting liberty." II. THE REWARD OF OBEDIENCE. "His reward is with him," etc. The first recom- pense is found in: 1. A blessed sense of deliverance from bondage. The man, or the Church, rejoices greatly that he is one of the "rerleemed of the Lord." The fact that God has struck off bis shackles and made him breathe the sweet air of free.Jorn, the consciousness that iniquity "has no dominion over him," is the greatest and happiest of all facts to him. Life holds no heritage which is equal to the "salvation" which has come to his heart, to his life. 2. A restored repu1ation. He did belong to tho unholy, the guilty, perhaps to the vicious or to the violent; now he is one of "the holy people" whom all men honour. This conduct8 to: 3. Communi11n and rriendship with the best and worthiest; with the Highest himself, and with the wise and good among men; he is among those who are" sought out," "not forsaken." Other rewards accompany obedience, not here stated or hinted. We may suirgest: 4. Capacity for usefulness to others, occupying a position in which he (or it, the Church) may lead other enslaved ones into spiritual freedom (Ps. Ii. 12, 13; John xxi. 15; Acts xxvi. 18; Jas. v. 19, 20). 6. A good hope of an inheritance where perfect freedom dwells.-C. 1 Ver. 1.-Godly desires for the 0hurch. The Jews were remarkably attached to localities. They cherished the national associations with snch places as Bethel, the Red Sea, the Jordan, etc.; but they loved most intensely Jerusalem and Mount Zion. To the better Jews lo.::alities were only shrines of spiritual truths. Bethel meant "God near;" the Red Sea meant "God redeeming;" Jordan meant "God faithful to his word." Those Jews saw the spiritual through the local; we are expected to see the spiritual without the help of the local. I. THE FEBVENT DEBinES oF A GODLY SOUL. To see Zion-the type of Christ's Church-delivered and established in righteousness. 1. Delivered from (1) its weak- nesses, in motive, e.im, and work; (2) its hindrances, in body, business, and relation- ships; (3) its prejudices, both individual and sectarian. The Church in the world is like a lamp burning dimly in impure air. 2. Established in righteousness. (1) The internal character of a· Church is the subject of greater anxiety than its outward con- dition. The King's daughter must be "all glorious within." (2) The internal character of a church is only preserved as it has a capacity for growing. The figure in the text is of a" brightness," not a mere flash, but brightness brightening, or going forth. II. THE VARIETY OF MOTIVES THAT INCREASE THE DESIRES. 1. Our consecration vow. We gave ourselves first to Christ, and then to his Church. 2. The emotions of the Christian life. These inspire us to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem." 3. Love to Christ. This, John tells us, is sure to find expression in love for the brethren. III. THE ONE SUPREME MOTl\"E PROMINENT IN THE TEXT. The real welfare of ~he Church itself. "For Zion's sake." We ought to feel the utmost anxiety that (1) the ;"oy of the Church should be increased; (2) the beauty and Christ-likeness of the Church should be perfected; (3) the efficiency and power of the Church should be enlarged. Its righteousness-which is its true strength-should shine more and more unto the perfect day. IV. THE MAN WHO HAS GOOD DESIRES WILL NOT WITHHOLD HIS PERSONAL EFFORTS. "I will not hold my peace," etc. 'l'he real greatness of prayer is only known to the man who works, and the greatness of work only to him who prays.-R. T. Ver. 2.-77ie Lori!'s new name/or his people. "And men shall call thee by a new name, which the mouth of Jehovah she.11 appoint" (compare, for the promise of a new name, Rev. ii. 17; iii. 12). Abram, brought into covenant with God, receives a new name-Abraham. Jacob finds his triumph seal his acceptance with Goel, and he is henceforth known by a new name-Israel. What the name is to be God only knows, but.. it will recognize the fact that the people had been faithful, and were rewarded for their fait.bfulness. A singular sentiment prevailed among the Jews in connection with this new naming. The possession of a new name came to be regarded among the pious as a demonstration that all sins committed under the old name were 438 THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH. [on, txn. 1-12