Bible Commentaries

DISCOURSE: 925

THE WEAK BELIEVER COMFORTED

Isaiah 41:10. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

OF the contest between Jehovah and the worshippers of idols, we who have never witnessed the madness of idolaters, have no conception: and, consequently, the pains taken by Jehovah to vindicate his exclusive right to the worship of his creatures appear almost superfluous. But the pertinacity with which idol-worship was upheld, not only amongst the heathen nations around Judea, but even in Judea itself, rendered every possible effort necessary to withstand its influence, and to suppress its growth. Power and authority were for the most part on the side of idolatry; in support of which the bitterest persecutions were set on foot against the adherents of true religion. But Jehovah promises to them his support, and assures them, that, however severely tried for a season, they shall triumph at last.

This is the primary import of our text. But, when we recollect, that there is a spiritual idolatry still prevalent, and that there still exists the same contest between Jehovah and the votaries of this present world, and that his faithful servants are still greatly obstructed in their ways, and painfully persecuted too for their fidelity to him, we shall see that the encouragement in our text is as needful for them, as ever it was for his people of old.

I propose then to set before you,

I. The grounds which the Lord’s people have for fear—

The idea of guilt and unworthiness might well come into our view, if we were treating the subject without any reference to the context: but as the fear and dismay mentioned in our text originated only in the power of their enemies, their own inability to withstand them, and the fearful consequences of a defeat, we think it right to confine our observations to those topics.

The Lord’s people then have many fears as arising from,

1. The number and power of their enemies—

[It is well known that the world and all its votaries are in direct opposition to the children of God. As Gideon no sooner made a league with Joshua, than all the kings of Canaan confederated to destroy them; so no sooner does any one enter into covenant with the Lord Jesus Christ and submit to him, than the whole world account him a deserter from their cause, and use all their efforts to bring him back to their standard. Even our dearest friends will be the foremost in this warfare; and “our greatest foes be those of our own household.” In confirmation of this assertion, we appeal, not to the Scriptures only, but to fact and experience. Let any man set his face to seek the Lord, and all around him will put themselves in array against him, and employ all the arts of persuasion, ridicule, expostulation, and menace, in order, if possible, to divert him from his purpose. Those who, when he was going on in the ways of sin, never uttered a single word of advice to induce him to flee from the wrath to come, no sooner behold him turning into the way of righteousness, than they express the deepest concern about his welfare, and labour to the uttermost to reclaim him from what they account the most egregious folly — — —.

In league with them will both the flesh, and the devil be; the one striving by the violence of its in-dwelling lusts, and the other by the subtlety of his devices, to draw him back into that state of guilt and bondage from which he has just escaped [Note: 2 Peter 2:18.] — — —

Such enemies, so numerous, so subtle, so inveterate, the Christian scarcely knows how to encounter: and the thought of their combined and continued efforts to destroy him, fills him not unfrequently with terror and “dismay” — — —]

2. His utter inability to withstand them—

The Christian has no idea of the extent of his own impotency to that which is good, till he comes to exert himself in the ways of God. He then finds that “without aid from the Lord Jesus Christ, he can do nothing.” This oftentimes greatly discourages him: “If,” says he, “I have run with footmen, and they have wearied me, how shall I contend with horses [Note: Jeremiah 12:5.]?” If I am not able to encounter the least of all my enemies, how can I withstand the united force of all? The discouragements arising from this source are the greater, because they so continually recur. The Christian cannot address himself to any duty, but he is constrained from painful experience to acknowledge, that all his sufficiency to do, or to will, or even to think what is good, is of God alone [Note: Philippians 2:13. 2 Corinthians 3:5.] — — — Verily, if it were not that he had hope in God, he would sit down in utter despair — — —]

3. The dreadful consequence of a defeat—

[Eternity is at stake; an eternity of bliss or woe; of bliss or woe unutterable, and inconceivable: and to those only who overcome will the prize of victory be assigned, even to those who maintain the conflict to the end, and overcome all the enemies of their souls. And how fearful the alternative! how dreadful the thought of dwelling with everlasting burnings! Can a man open his eyes to such a prospect, and not fear? Is it not sufficient to appal the stoutest heart? True indeed, some are borne up above all such fears, and are “assured, that, when the earthly house of this tabernacle shall be dissolved, they have an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens:” but all are not so privileged; or rather, all do not so fully attain the enjoyment of their privileges: and to them a doubt or suspicion of their ultimate acceptance with God is a source of the most disquieting apprehension.]

But however great be their fears, they may dismiss them all, when they are informed of,

II. The encouragement here afforded them—

Every difficulty that could harass their minds is obviated in our text, in which all their fears are anticipated, and their wants supplied. God promises them,

1. His presence—

[Were we left in the power of our enemies without any friend at hand to help us, we might well fear. But God says to the trembling soul, “Fear not; for I am with thee.” Now if but a fellow-creature were with us in a season of difficulty, we should take courage, especially if we knew that he was competent to afford us the protection we desired. How much more then may we be satisfied if Almighty God be with us! In the contemplation of this, David says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea, God is in the midst of us: we shall not be moved. God shall help us, and that right early. The Lord of Hosts is with us: the God of Jacob is our refuge [Note: Psalms 46:1-2; Psalms 46:5; Psalms 46:7; Psalms 46:11.].”

But if it be said, God may be “with us” as an enemy, or as an indifferent spectator: therefore it is not a mere persuasion of his presence that will satisfy our minds; he further assures his people of,]

2. His care—

[Believers are “his people; and He is their God:” and in this character will he be with them in all their trials. A stranger may see a person injured, and not feel himself sufficiently interested to interpose for his relief: but a husband, or a father, will not so act: he will feel the injury as done to himself; and will make the cause his own. So will God do for his people, who are authorized in all their troubles to say to him, “Arise, and plead thine own cause.” “Whoso toucheth them, toucheth the apple of his eye:” and “his eyes run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in behalf of those who trust in him:” and every perfection that he possesses will he put forth for their preservation and protection — — —

Yet, as his people are required to exert themselves, and are apt to be discouraged on account of their extreme weakness, he promises them,]

3. His succour—

[We are told that he will “put strength into his people [Note: Psalms 29:11.],” and “strengthen them with might by his power in their inward man.” What then need they to fear, when “the arms of their hands are made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob [Note: Genesis 49:24.]?” The weakest of them all may fearlessly adopt the language of the prophet, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song: he also is become my salvation [Note: Isaiah 12:2.].” Yes; the veriest stripling, with his sling and his stone, may go forth against all the Goliaths in the universe, assured of victory: for “he can do all things, through Christ who strengthened! him.”

Yet, because the Christian’s enemies are far too strong for an arm of flesh, and he is apt, notwithstanding the strength imparted to him, to be discouraged; God further engages to aid him with,]

4. His co-operation—

[Fear not; for “I will help thee,” says God: “I will help thine infirmities [Note: Romans 8:26. See the Greek.].” In this expression there is something deserving of especial notice. The term used imports, that when our burthen is so heavy and cumbersome that we cannot with all our exertions support it, God promises that he will take hold of it at the opposite end, and bear it together with us. Be it so then, that our burthen is too heavy for us: but is it too heavy for him also? “Is there any thing too hard for the Lord?” “If he be for us, not all the powers of earth and hell combined can with any effect exert themselves against us [Note: Romans 8:31.].”

Still, as long as any thing depends on him, the trembling believer cannot dispel his fears: and therefore, to complete the consolation afforded him, God assures him of,]

5. His effectual support—

[“I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” What can the believer want more than this; to have the eternal God for his refuge; and to have “underneath him his everlasting arms?” “O! happy indeed art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord, who is the shield of thy help, and the sword of thine excellency [Note: Deuteronomy 33:27-29.]?” After this promise, we wonder not at the assurances added to our text, “Behold! all that are incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded; they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shall not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. Fear not, thou worm Jacob: thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small as chaff, so that the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them [Note: ver. 11–16.].”]

And now, if, after this, any of you entertain unbelieving fears, let me expostulate with you, as God himself does—

[“I, even I, am he that comforteth you: Who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man that shall be as grass; and forgettest the Lord thy Maker; and fearest every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor [Note: Isaiah 51:12-13.]?” Do not so dishonour your Lord and Saviour: but believe him able, believe him willing, to afford you all needful succour, and to “save to the uttermost all who come unto God by him” — — —]

Yet let me not conclude without adding a few words for the conviction of those who know nothing of such fears as these—

[They who have never had a fear of their state, are at this moment destitute of any scriptural hope: for, What can they know of themselves? What can they know of the Christian warfare? What can they know of the Scriptures of truth? They are altogether in darkness even until now. Can it be supposed that God would use such efforts for the encouragement of his people, if they did not need encouragement? Why did Jehovah so tenderly chide his people of old for their fears, and give them such rich promises of aid, if their situation did not require such supports [Note: Isaiah 40:27-31.]? or why does our blessed Lord still say, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom [Note: Luke 12:32.]?” Know of a surety, that the Christian life is attended with many difficulties: and that all the supports and consolations afforded to the believer in the Holy Scriptures, are no more than his necessities require: and, if ever you begin to serve the Lord in truth, you will find the promise in our text more precious to you than gold, and “sweeter to you than honey, or the honeycomb.”]

DISCOURSE: 926

THE WORM JACOB THRESHING THE MOUNTAINS

Isaiah 41:14-16. Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument, having teeth; thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff; thou shall fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them; and thou shall rejoice in the Lord, and shall glory in the Holy One of Israel.

TO comfort and encourage the weak is among the first duties of a minister. The command of God to all his servants is, to strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees, and dispel the fears of the desponding, with an assurance, that their God will come and save them [Note: Isaiah 35:3-4.]. This is an office executed by our blessed Lord, who “carries the lambs in his bosom, and gently leads them that are with young [Note: Isaiah 40:11.].” The delight which the Father himself also takes in raising up the drooping minds of his people, appears eminently in this, that he frequently addresses them in terms which they, through despondency, would use to characterize themselves; and then under those very characters assures them of his most favourable regards. This is particularly conspicuous in the passage before us, where, addressing his people, he declares,

I. Their character—

[The name of a “worm” as applied to our blessed Lord, denotes his low and abject condition during his abode on earth [Note: Psalms 22:6.]: but, as applied to us, it rather represents our weakness and insufficiency for any thing that is good. In this sense it does indeed most justly mark our character: for there is no creature less capable of active exertion than a worm, or less able to effect any material good: and certainly our inability to perform that which is good is extreme; for we not only cannot of ourselves do a good action [Note: John 15:5.], but we cannot even speak a good word [Note: Matthew 12:34.], or think a good thought [Note: 2 Corinthians 3:5.]. God himself must give us both to will and to do [Note: Philippians 2:13.], and must work all our good works in us. As rational beings we have yet a considerable portion of the Divine image upon us; but as moral agents, “we are very far gone from original righteousness,” and are altogether “dead in trespasses and sins;” nor have we any more power to renovate ourselves, than “an Ethiopian has to change his complexion, or a leopard his spots [Note: Jeremiah 13:23.].”]

II. Their labours—

[Notwithstanding our utter impotence, we have an immensely difficult work to perform: “the worm Jacob” is required to “thresh mountains,” and to reduce them all to dust: though himself liable to be crushed beneath the smallest clod, he must address himself to this mighty task. There were to all human appearance insurmountable obstacles to the progress of the Christian Church, which yet it was destined to overcome: so are there mountains in the way of every individual, which yet he must remove, before he can arrive at the Promised Land. What almost insuperable difficulties does the world present to him! its pleasures, its maxims, its habits, its company, its friendship, its hatred, its fiercest opposition, must all be regarded as a thing of nought — — — The flesh too, with all its affections and lusts, must be mortified and subdued — — — Yea, Satan himself, with all the principalities and powers of hell, must be encountered and overcome [Note: Ephesians 6:12.] — — — Alas! who is sufficient for these things? Who that is informed of Demas turning aside through love of this present evil world, and of the great Apostle himself crying “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me?” must not tremble for himself? But such is the work assigned us; and the weakest amongst us must undertake and execute it, ere he can receive from God the the promised recompence of reward.]

III. Their successes—

[Weak as they are, they all prevail at last. As the Jews, notwithstanding all the obstructions of the Red Sea, the wilderness, and the warlike inhabitants of Canaan, obtained at last the full possession of the promised land, and as the Christian Church triumphed at last over all the power of the Roman empire, so is every believer crowned with victory at last [Note: Compare Daniel 2:34-35. with the text.] — — — The hills and mountains are levelled through his unwearied exertions [Note: Isaiah 40:3-5.]: and he is “made more than conqueror through Christ who loveth him.” Through faith he overcomes the world [Note: 1 John 5:4.]; by the aid of the Holy Spirit he mortifies the deeds of the body [Note: Romans 8:13. Galatians 5:24.]; and by a steady and uniform resistance, he overcomes Satan, so that that wicked fiend is constrained to flee from him, and to yield him the palm of victory [Note: James 4:7. 1 John 2:14; 1 John 5:18.]. The full extent of the triumphs described in our text has never yet indeed been realized in the Church of Christ: we look to a period yet future, when “the mountains shall be as dust, and be scattered as by a whirlwind;” and possibly at that period the triumphs of individuals will be more complete: but even now, by a firm reliance on the promises, we may be enabled to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness both of flesh and spirit, and to perfect holiness in the fear of God [Note: 2 Corinthians 7:1.].” If we had but faith as a grain of mustard-seed, we might say to every mountain that is in our way, “Be thou removed; and it should immediately be cast into the depths of the sea [Note: Matthew 21:21.].”]

IV. Their triumphs—

[With such weakness, and such labours, we might well expect the worm Jacob to sink in dejection and despair: but behold he triumphs and exults, “rejoicing in the Lord, and glorying in the Holy One of Israel.” Here it must be remarked, that ho does not ascribe his successes to his own arm; he does “not sacrifice to his own net, or burn incense to his own drag;” he gives the glory to Him, to whom alone it is due, even to “Jesus, who is the author and the finisher of his faith [Note: Hebrews 12:2.].” The language of David in reference to his victories exactly suits the Christian in reference to his spiritual triumphs [Note: Psalms 18:29; Psalms 18:32-34; Psalms 18:37; Psalms 18:42.]. He readily acknowledges whence it is that the weapons of his warfare have accomplished such mighty things, namely, that they have been “mighty through God [Note: 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 and 1 Corinthians 15:10.],” who “has wrought all his works in him [Note: Isaiah 26:12.],” and “of whom all his fruit has been found [Note: Hosea 14:8.].” Hence, whilst he acknowledges that “he who hath wrought him to the self-same thing is God [Note: 2 Corinthians 5:5.],” he shouts with devoutest gratitude, “Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ [Note: 1 Corinthians 15:57 and 2 Corinthians 2:14.]!”]

Let us learn from hence,

1. The folly of unbelief—

[We are apt to be discouraged by reason of our weakness. But, what if we be as weak as the meanest worm? is God therefore weak, or unable to effect the purposes of his grace? He characterises us as “worms,” on purpose that, “when weak in ourselves, we may be strong in him, and expect him to perfect his strength in our weakness.” Instead therefore of being discouraged on account of our weakness, we should rather “rejoice and glory in it, that the power of Christ may rest upon us,” and be glorified in us [Note: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.]. We should not, like the unbelieving spies, contemplate the power of our enemies, but should, with believing Joshua, regard them all “as bread for us [Note: Numbers 14:3; Numbers 14:9.]:” and, hurling defiance at them all, we should say, “Who art thou, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: his hands shall surely finish the work he has begun [Note: Zechariah 4:7-8. with Philippians 1:6.].”]

2. The need of constant exertions—

[Our weakness is no excuse for inactivity; nor does God’s promised aid supersede the necessity of our own exertions. On the contrary, it is that very promise that encourages our exertions [Note: Philippians 2:12-13.]. The mountains must be threshed by our arm: “the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent must take it by force [Note: Matthew 11:12.].” We must run our race, and fight our fight, and endure unto the end! for it is “to him only that overcometh, that the crown of glory will be given.” Give not way then to dejection or sloth, but go forth in the strength of the Lord Jesus: and when difficulties appear to be absolutely insurmountable, then go to him, and remind him of his promise, “I will strengthen thee, yea I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness [Note: ver. 10. with the text; and Amos 5:9.].” Then you shall find, that “you can do all things through him strengthening you,” and that “Satan with all his train shall be shortly and eternally bruised under your feet.”]

DISCOURSE: 927

CONSOLATION FOR THE DESPONDING

Isaiah 41:17-18. When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

THE word of God is an inexhaustible source of instruction and comfort: there are passages in it suited to persons in all states and conditions; but it is calculated more especially for the afflicted and contrite. The passage before us is peculiarly adapted to a desponding soul [Note: God, in ver. 8. reminds his people of his relation to them; assures them of his presence, and promises them strength, ver. 10; victory, ver. 14, 15. (“thou, a worm, shall thresh the mountains;”) and triumph, ver. 16. Not that they are to expect a continued series of prosperity: they may be reduced to great straits; but in their lowest state they shall still have ground for the richest consolation.]: in its primary sense it is an encouragement to the Jews to trust in God; in its spiritual meaning it extends to the Church of God in all ages.

I. An afflicted case described—

The people of God are for the most part in a low and afflicted state—

[All men, if they knew their state, are indeed “poor and needy:” but the generality think themselves “rich and increased with goods.” God’s people, however, feel their poverty and need. They are deeply sensible how destitute they are of wisdom, strength, &c.]

They ardently desire to be endued with holiness and comfort—

[Water, as having a cleansing and refreshing quality, may well be understood to mean holiness and comfort; and these are the chief objects of a Christian’s pursuit. They long to be “delivered from the body of sin and death.” They desire to be walking always in the light of God’s countenance. They leave no means untried for the accomplishing of their wishes.]

But they often seem to be labouring in vain; “they seek water, and find none”—

[They strive for victory, but the conflict remains: corruptions still at times harass and defile their souls; deadness and darkness still occasionally return upon them; and the blessedness they pant after seems as distant as ever.]

Their frequent disappointments create much dejection of mind; “their tongue faileth,” &c.—

[“Hope deferred maketh their heart sick.” They faint, as a traveller after a long and fruitless search for water. They begin to conclude that God will not hear their prayers. They fear that he “has forsaken and forgotten them.” Such diligence, disappointment, and despondency were not unknown to David [Note: Psalms 42:1-3; Psalms 42:7; Psalms 42:9 and Psalms 88:1; Psalms 88:3; Psalms 88:6-7; Psalms 88:14.].]

But in the text we have,

II. Suitable consolation administered—

A desponding person could not dictate more suitable matter of consolation. The character here given of God is not without great force—

[The desponding person thinks his case too hard to be remedied, and his sins too heinous to be forgiven. He is here reminded what a God he has to deal with. God is “the Lord” and with whom nothing is impossible [Note: Jeremiah 32:27.], whose mercy is infinite [Note: Exodus 34:6.], whose love is unchangeable [Note: Malachi 3:6.]. He is “the God of Israel [Note: This title is very significant: it is as though God laid ‘Remember my servant Jacob, to what a distressing state he was reduced, how he wrestled with me all night in prayer, and yet did not prevail: remember, how I made as though I would leave him; yea, how I lamed him, and thus apparently increased his calamity. But he would not let me go, unless I blessed him. I therefore not only blessed him, but changed his name, and conferred a singular honour upon him by calling my church after his name. Thus did I shew myself his God; and thus will I be, yea, thus I am the God of all who call upon me after his example.’ Or perhaps it refers rather to Exodus 17:1-6. where his supplying of Israel with water is mentioned.],” who, however long he may try his people, will certainly bless them at last. Thus do these titles of God justify that consoling declaration [Note: Lamentations 3:32.].]

The promises here made by God are exactly suited to the case [Note: The subject of the soul’s complaint is the very subject of God’s promise. The soul laments ‘God will not hear me; he has utterly forsaken me; it is absurd for me to cherish a hope; I might as soon expect to find rivers on a lofty mountain, as to possess grace and peace in my soul.’]—

[“I will hear:” what an encouragement to continue in prayer! “I will not forsake thee:” what can the fainting soul desire more [Note: Here is a particular reference to the promise made to Jacob, Genesis 28:15. which he afterwards pleaded with God, Genesis 32:12 and which is renewed to us, Hebrews 13:5.]? “The most discouraging circumstances shall be no bar to my favours.” “Apparent impossibilities shall be surmounted by me [Note: Though the heart be as a dry and barren wilderness, it shall be refreshed, “I will open rivers in high places.”].” “Nor shall my communications to you be either small or transient [Note: They shall be plenteous as “pools and rivers,” und incessant as “springs and fountains.”].”]

Every one who relies on these promises shall experience consolation from them—

[David bears his testimony that his cries were not in vain [Note: Psalms 34:6.]; and all who plead like him, shall find reason to make his acknowledgments [Note: Psalms 30:8-11.].]

Address—

1. Those who are unconcerned about the blessings of salvation—

[The generality know but little of spiritual troubles; but their exemption from them is by no means to be desired. They at the same time have no interest in these precious promises: they taste not the rich consolations of the Gospel; and how will “their tongue fail for thirst” in the eternal world! Let all then seek to know their spiritual wants. Let them obey the invitation of our blessed Lord [Note: John 7:37-38.]. Let them take encouragement from that gracious offer [Note: Revelation 22:17.].]

2. Those who are fainting for want of them—

[Many, eminently pious, have been in your state, but none ever waited upon God in vain. These promises cannot possibly fail of being accomplished. From them, as “from wells of salvation, you may draw water with joy.” They shall certainly be fulfilled to you, both here [Note: Psalms 36:8.], and for ever [Note: Psalms 16:11.].]