153. ISA 55:6. SINNERS ENTREATED TO SEEK THE LORD

Isa_55:6. Sinners Entreated to Seek the Lord

By the Rev. Silas M’Keen, Bradford, Vermont.

"Seek ye the Lord while he may be found; call ye upon him white he is near."’97Isa_55:6.

Let us consider,

I. How we should seek the Lord.

The Lord reveals himself to us, in the context, in the endearing character of a gracious Saviour from sin and wo, and it is in that respect, especially, that he is to be sought. To seek the Lord aright,

1. We must believe that he is such a Saviour as he is declared to be in Scripture.

The Scriptures are the only source of information on this subject. In particular we must believe that Jesus Christ is the only Saviour of men, that he has made an atonement altogether sufficient for all who shall ever come to him, and will certainly save all who comply with the terms on which salvation is offered; and that he is in all respects worthy of the highest lore and firmest confidence of every heart.

2. We must realize our personal need of his salvation.

We must be convinced that we have transgressed the Divine law, and are justly condemned by it. That we can make no satisfaction to Divine justice for our sins. And that except we are saved by the Lord Jesus, we must forever lie down in sorrow. These convictions must sink deep into your hearts before you will be induced to come to Jesus.

3. We must be willing, nay, anxiously desire, to embrace Christ in his entire character, and on his own terms.

He has revealed the only way in which it is consistent with his glory to save us, and he surely will never propose any other terms. If we properly seek him to save us in his own way, it must be with the heart. "With the heart man believeth," &c. "Ye shall find me when ye shall search for me with all your heart." Our heart and flesh must cry out for the living God. We must not only be earnest, but must cordially receive him when we do find him.

II. What is meant in the text by finding the Lord.

To find him, is to find by experience that he is such a glorious and blessed Saviour as he is declared to be in the Scriptures. Those who find Christ, will find,

1. That he is, and ever has been, acquainted with your heart, and all your ways.

The woman of Samaria said, "Come, see a man who told me all things I ever did," &c. David said, "O Lord, thou hast searched me," &c. You will find,

2. That he is perfectly holy, and looks on sin with infinite displeasure.

And this view of his glory will humble you in the dust before him. Isaiah exclaimed, "Wo is me! for I am undone," &c.’97Isa_6:5, &c. You will nevertheless find,

3. The Saviour to be most benevolent and merciful.

None but the contrite sinner can rightly understand or properly appreciate the nature and worth of his goodness and grace. He is penetrated with a deep conviction of his great criminality, and therefore cannot think of that mercy which has hitherto saved from hell, but with deep emotions of gratitude.

4. You will find him worthy of the highest love, the firmest confidence, and the most entire obedience.

Therefore, they cheerfully consecrate to him body and soul. Surrender to him their hearts, confide in his declarations, and bow to his authority.

5. You will find that he is a portion sufficient to satisfy the most enlarged desires of the soul.

You have sought happiness elsewhere, it has seemed within your reach, but you have been constantly disappointed. But whenever you find the Saviour, your wearied spirit will rest in him with entire satisfaction. You will say, "Thou art my portion." "My wisdom." "My righteousness, sanctification, and redemption." "My all and in all."

III. At what Time may the Saviour be found?

"Seek ye the Lord while he may be found."

Life is the opportunity given for seeking and finding the Lord.

In eternity, the time of our probation will forever terminate. Life is so uncertain, that the present now is the only time we can really and truly calculate upon. If a cure is ever to be effected, now is the best and perhaps the only time to obtain it. Launched on the current of time, and silently rolling onwards to the ocean of a dark and miserable eternity, the further you are borne along, the more difficult will be your return. There are, however, especial and particular times when the Saviour may readily be found.

For instance,

(1) "The time of youth." Ecc_12:1; Pro_8:17.

(2) When favored with the means of religious instruction’97word’97gospel ordinances, opportunities, &c.

(3) When his work is revived in your neighborhood. Spirit poured out. Many going up to the Lord’s house, &c. O, then, seek the Lord. Do not shun his mercy. Do not trifle. Do not delay. Now the Lord is graciously near: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS