287. ISA 32:11. GOD’S ADDRESS TO THE CARELESS

Isa_32:11. God’s Address to the Careless

"Be troubled, ye careless ones."’97Isa_32:11

The text originally referred to the in habitants of Jerusalem and Judea, and is associated with fearful predictions concerning the land in general, and Jerusalem in particular. See vers. 12-14. The passage, however, may be appropriately applied to all who are in a state of indifference to the concerns of the soul, religion, and eternity. In this sense we shall consider the text.

Let us. then, notice,

I. Those to whom it is applicable.

"Ye careless ones" Carelessness signifies inattention, indifference, unconcern, heedlessness, &c. And carelessness with respect to religion is the veriest infatuation, the greatest possible madness. But who are the careless?

1. Those who live as without God in the world.

Never recognise him. Have no fear of him. Never consult him by prayer, &c.

2. Those who neglect the public worship of God.

Many never attend the house of God. Many very seldom. Others oftener. Yet how few, comparatively, with constancy and regularity. Yet God ought ever to be worshipped and magnified in the assemblies of his saints.

3. Those who are satisfied with the mere externals of religion.

Who have not repented of sin. Fled for refuge to Christ. Or given their hearts to the service of God. Who have no fellowship with God, &c.

It will apply,

4. To all who do not give supreme attention to their soul’s salvation.

Who allow any thing to have the ascendency, the preeminence, &c. Who seek the things of the body, of time, and of this world, and allow the soul, and eternity, and heaven to be matters of secondary importance.

II. The Reasons why such should be troubled.

1. God is exceedingly displeased with such.

His face is against you. God is angry with the wicked, &c. It arms earth and heaven against you. See Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Judas, Herod, &c.

2. Such are heirs to the threatenings of God’s holy word.

If the handwriting made Belshazzar tremble, how much more terrific the denunciation against impenitent sinners! How fearful are the threatenings! What awful figures are employed! The whirlwind’s blast! The tempest’s fury! The desolating storm! The awful abyss! The bottomless pit! The lake of fire! &c.

3. Such are in imminent peril every instant.

The officer is in constant pursuit. Only a step between them and death; and death the entrance of perdition. At home, abroad, everywhere under the wrath of God, and under the sentence of everlasting wo. Without repentance,

4. The endless ruin of such is inevitably certain.

No power or influence can evade the infliction of the righteous displeasure of God. "How shall we escape," &c. "The wages of sin is death," &c. "The wicked will be turned into hell," &c.

Let us,

III. Show the Careless how they may be delivered from the Troubles of Time and Eternity.

1. Proper and serious consideration is necessary.

This is the first step to seriousness, to salvation. Consider what you are careless about. The soul, Jesus, heaven, eternity. Consider your real state; your past wretchedness, your inevitable ruin.

2. Earnest repentance, and immediate turning from sin.

Now, stand still. Proceed no further. Make the solemn pause; and turn to the Lord, by confession and immediate reformation of life.

3. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

He is the appointed refuge, the only shelter. In him God is well pleased, and with all who come to him by Christ. In him you shall have pardon, peace, holiness, and eternal life.

Application

Learn,

1. The evil, and extreme folly of carelessness. Whether we are careless or not, death will come, judgment will come, eternity will come, and, without repentance, eternal death will come.

2. Present solicitude and carefulness for the soul’s welfare, will be followed by all the advantages of eternal salvation.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS