644. ISA 52:7. THE HERALDS OF MERCY
Isa_52:7. The Heralds of Mercy
"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth glad tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth."’97Isa_52:7.
This beautiful prophecy evidently refers to the proclamation of the gospel; and is thus quoted by the apostle, Rom_10:15. It is the expression of that joy and delight which the human mind experiences in the annunciation of truths and blessings so rich and glorious, as those which form the sum and substance of Christianity. Our text has been realized in the experience of myriads; and is now strikingly appropriate to the messengers of salvation, as they visit the regions of Pagan superstition and cruelty. Consider,
I. The representation of the gospel given.
II. The character of its ministry.
III. Our obligation to labor for its diffusion.
I. The representation of the gospel given.
1. Glad tidings, or tidings of good. The gospel does not announce that which is ordinarily good. It loses sight of the inferior blessings which relate to the body and time, although these are generally found in its train; and refers us to that which i? preeminently good’97supremely good’97eternally good. The good the gospel announces includes,
(1.) The enjoyment of God’s favor and love. By sin this is forfeited. In guilt we are heirs only of wrath, and are condemned already, Joh_3:18. Sin exposes to death; the gospel reveals to us the Divine mediation, by which it may be blotted out. It announces remission of sins in the name of Jesus Christ. "Being justified freely," &c. Rom_3:24, Rom_3:25. It calls the sinner, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out," Act_3:19. It points to Jesus and his atoning death. "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace," Eph_1:7; Col_1:14. With the forgiveness of sin is connected God’s favor, and the rich communications of his love.
(2.) The restoration of the Divine image. Sin defiles the soul; it mars its beauty, impairs its health and vigor. It perverts its powers, and deranges all its dignified energies and attributes. The gospel directs to the means of purity. It refers to the "blood of Jesus Christ," which "cleanseth us from all sin," 1Jn_1:7. To the Spirit of God, which renews the mind, and by which the sinfulness of the heart is subdued, &c. To the Divine word, by which the mind is led to the sanctifying knowledge of "the truth as it is in Jesus." Hence the gospel is both the charter of mercy, and the renovator of the heart’97for it both brings salvation, and teaches men to deny ungodliness, Tit_2:11, Tit_2:12.
(3.) The offer of eternal life. Man is destined to endless being. His guilt exposes to endless punishment. "The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord," Rom_6:23. It opens to men the gates of everlasting felicity.
2. It publishes peace. The cessation of hostilities on the part of God towards the sinner, and the gracious terms on which he makes peace with him. And this comports with the essential character of the gospel, which delivers from the power and works of the devil, and which brings into holy harmony with the will of God, all the passions and feelings of the soul. This peace is the peace of God in us, as well as towards us; and our hearts are swayed, by his word and Spirit, into absolute obedience and love. But peace often signifies every good; and, with the acceptance of the gospel, every good is received and enjoyed:’97all the graces of the Spirit; all the plenitude of Divine love; all the regards of a benign Providence; all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, Rom_8:32.
3. It affirms the reign of God. God reigneth; not Baal, nor Ashtoreth, nor Juggernaut. Not the sun, or the moon, &c. But Jehovah’97the Creator of the world’97the Ruler of the universe. He reigneth in the exercise of wisdom, almightiness, benevolence, purity, and mercy. What a contrast to the senseless idols of heathen lands! His reign is coeval with time, and shall be universal and eternal!
II. The character of its ministry. "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him," &c. Observe,
1. This ministry is human. Not angelic: angels are deeply interested; they hailed the advent of the Messiah, and rejoice in its success, &c.; but they do not constitute its ministry. This celestial treasure is put into "earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us," 2Co_4:7. God sanctifies and calls men to go forth in this embassy of mercy and love.
2. This ministry is benevolent. It is emphatically an offer of goodness’97a message of mercy.’97an exhibition of love. The subject is the benevolence of God; the design is benevolent’97human happiness; the spirit is to be such’97love of Christ, and love to souls constrain. A messenger will produce little effect unless his heart overflows with it.
3. This ministry is active and diligent. "Feet upon the mountains," &c.’97following the benighted wanderer’97seeking the lost. Oh, see the field of effort, and the extent of labor. "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature," Mar_16:15.
4. A ministry which should command attention. The attention of men is demanded. "How beautiful," &c. Observe, and attend, and hearken. Here are depths of love. Here are subjects of sublime grandeur. Here are concerns of great importance. Here are facts and truths in which we are eternally interested. To attention to this we are called, and for it we are responsible; and what shall the end of those be who obey not the gospel? "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear!" Mat_13:9.
III. Oar obligations to labor for its diffusion.
1. There is the obligation arising from our possession of it. We have it for our selves, and next for the world. Monopoly is iniquitous to our dying race, &c.
2. Obligation of gratefulness. To God, who sent it to us. To the memories of the missionaries, who introduced it. To our martyred reformers, who rescued it from corruption. To our immediate predecessors, from whom we received it.
3. Obligation of the Divine command. Our Divine Saviour is now reiterating, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations," Mat_28:19. It is his royal will’97his divine mandate. To refuse or neglect, is disloyalty and rebellion.
Application
1. Rejoice in the glad tidings of the gospel. Make it your boast, &c. Glory in it’97secure its consolations.
2. Value and support its ministry. Do so with your influence, your prayers, and your lives.
3. Be solicitous for its consummation. Oh, think of the universal reign of goodness, and peace, and joy, throughout our world; and hasten it on by an ardent love and strong faith, and by increasing toil in the great vineyard of the Saviour!
Autor: JABEZ BURNS