THE WAY TO LIFE
Isaiah 55:3. Hear, and your soul shall live.
The great secret of all true happiness is obedience to the will of God. And the fruitful cause of misery and discomfort, is the spirit of indifference to the Divine authority and contempt for the commands of Heaven. It is therefore of infinite importance that we should be acquainted with the rule and principle of obedience, and that its delightful effect in promoting our happiness should be so exhibited to our view, and impressed upon our hearts, as to induce and secure the performance of that which God commands. This is one great end of the Scripture revelation, &c. Obedience is enforced by a regard to our own happiness.… Nowhere, perhaps, is this more conspicuous than in this chapter.… And in the text, the principle is again displayed, that obedience to the Divine will is needful in order to receive any good.
I. A GRACIOUS PROCLAMATION FOR AUDIENCE.
1. The Almighty Sovereign by whom the proclamation is made. Marvellous that He should stoop to speak to man, &c. Yet a latent scepticism prevails, leading men to overlook the fact that it is God who addresses them. God is speaking in His Word.
2. The solemn business to which the proclamation relates. The life of our soul—the life of God in the soul, &c.
3. The serious attention to this proclamation demanded. Several terms are brought together. Implies attention, humble submission, obedience (1 Samuel 15:22; Proverbs 1:24-26).
II. A MERCIFUL DECLARATION OF DIVINE FAVOUR.
1. The nature of the engagement proposed.
2. The peculiar properties of the covenant. Divine in its origin, eternal in its duration.
3. The invaluable blessings that flow from submission. These mercies are great, numerous, valid. Have you submitted to God? (Romans 10:1-4).—George Smith, D.D.
I. THE MESSAGE IMPLIED.
When we are commanded to “hear,” it is supposed that there is a voice which addresses us. This is none else than the voice of Jehovah, who addresses us in this chapter with peculiar energy and feeling. In the first verse we have an epitome of the whole Gospel. This is the message implied in the text.
II. THE REGARD THIS MESSAGE DEMANDS.
“Hear.” This command condemns such as do not hear the gospel when they have the opportunity of doing so. It also reproves such as do so only occasionally, and permit the most trivial engagements and excuses to keep them away from the sanctuary. But more is meant by hearing than your presence in the place where the Gospel is preached. Hear,
1. With attention (H. E. I. 2573–2576);
2. With affection;
3. With believing application (H. E. I. 2654–2658);
4. With obedient compliance;
5. With humble prayer.
III. THE ADVANTAGE PROMISED.
It is a personal, spiritual, great, and sure advantage.—Thornhill Kidd: Fifty-three Sermons, pp. 1–7.
How much of the language of Scripture is language of invitation! He who has the most and best to give is most free in disposing of it; and in this the Divine Benefactor proves that His thoughts and ways are above those of men.
I. THE BLESSING PROFERRED: the life of the soul.
1. The soul was originally made for life.
2. The soul’s life is endangered by sin, the wages of which are death.
3. The soul is redeemed by the death of Him who was and is “the Life,” even Jesus Christ.
4. The soul is capable of renewal and revival by the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit, “the Lord and Giver of life.”
5. It is God’s pleasure that the soul should live. The true life of the soul is an immortal life. “Life and immortality” are Gospel gifts.
II. THE CONDITION IMPOSED: attention to the Divine voice.
1. A voluntary act. The first indispensable step in order to life is the giving heed to Heaven’s quickening voice.
2. Submission and self-surrender. This is involved in “Hear!” for this requires that self-sufficiency be given up, and that God’s voice be heeded as of supreme authority.
3. The approach and obedience of faith. “Come!”
4. The condition is one compatible both with God’s grace and with men’s freedom. Desert is out of the question; by hearing men cannot merit or earn life. At the same time the condition imposes a true probation to all who are addressed. The terms of life are not hard; they are suitable to man, the receiver; they are honourable to God, the Giver!—Homiletical Library, vol. ii. p. 117.
I. Reasons for a diligent attention to the voice of Christ in His Word.
1. The majesty and grace of Him who addresses you (Isaiah 55:4, and others).
2. The great end proposed by Christ, for which He seeks a conference with you. That your souls may live—live a life of faith, holiness, happiness, &c.
3. The rich consolations which follow a devout reception of the Word. All the blessings of grace and glory.
4. The awful denunciations following a neglected Gospel.
II. Requisites for a profitable attendance.
1. Before you come—meditation and prayer.
2. When you come—with prayer, reverence, faith—Christ is present with all His capacity to bless.
3. Afterwards, aim to retain the impression. Where hearing ends practising begins.—Samuel Thodey.