CHRIST GIVEN FOR A WITNESS, LEADER, AND COMMANDER
Isaiah 55:4. Behold, I have given Him for a witness, &c.
In going into the wide world and entering upon the stern battle of life, feelings of doubt and uncertainty are not unfrequently experienced, especially by the young. They are comparatively ignorant of the difficulties, &c., that are before them; they have heard much from their seniors of the snares, &c., in life’s path; they have read many a story of moral wreck and ruin, or of suffering innocence and unprincipled prosperity, and consequently they often shrink from the arduous duties which spread out before them. How eagerly at this juncture of life do they long for some friend or guide to direct them, and when such an one is found with what unshrinking adherence and tenacity do they cling to that friend. What they so naturally and earnestly desire, and what we all stand in need of, our Heavenly Father has graciously provided in Christ, of whom the prophet speaks in the text.
I. GOD’S GREATEST GIFT TO MAN.
1. The Person given. His only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (Isaiah 55:3; Ezekiel 37:25; John 3:16, and others). Given in purpose and in promise, He came “in the fulness of time”—the completion of the designed period, the exact date when all things were ready for His coming (Galatians 4:4). What an infinitely great and glorious gift! manifesting in the highest possible degree God’s boundless love towards us, for His Son was infinitely dear to Him, and sinners were infinitely vile in His sight (John 3:16; John 15:13; Romans 5:7-8; Romans 8:32). “Thanks”—eternal thanks—“be unto God for His UNSPEAKABLE gift!” (Cf. p. 112, 113).
2. To whom He was given. To the peoples or nations of the world universally, as the subsequent verses express The Evangelical Prophet loved to dwell on this delightful truth—one of the chief glories of the Gospel (Isaiah 25:6, and others). The Messiah was given to be the Saviour, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles—the race that had rebelled, and were in a hopeless condition (Isaiah 49:6; Luke 2:10; John 6:33; John 17:21; 2 Corinthians 5:15; 1 John 2:2; Hebrews 2:9). What “glad tidings of great joy!” Christ is God’s great gift to you; receive Him here and NOW.
II. GOD’S BENEFICENT PURPOSE IN THE GIFT OF HIS SON. He has given Him—
1. For a Witness. The office of a witness is to give evidence of some important fact or facts. Thus Christ is a witness (John 18:37). He states facts. He is the great Prophet and Teacher, the perfect Revealer of Divine truth to mankind, of everything necessary to salvation. By the fall man has lost the knowledge of God, and Christ is the only source of spiritual light (John 1:9; John 8:12). All who lived before His advent were enlightened by Him (1 Peter 1:10-11). He bore witness even unto death (1 Timothy 6:13).
(1.) To the beneficence of God’s laws.
(2.) To the mercifulness of God’s character, manifested especially in His gracious provision for man’s salvation—provision full and free, &c.
(3.) To the justness of God’s claims—based upon redeeming love.
(4.) To the reliableness of God’s promises.
(5.) To the condemnation of the unbelieving and disobedient (John 3:16-19; John 3:36, and others). As a witness He is
(1.) credible and competent; His credentials are supreme; He is thoroughly acquainted with everything of which He testifies; He can be trusted implicitly without fear.
(2.) Faithful and final, because Divine. False witnesses abound—beware! But this witness cannot be deceived, nor can He deceive us. Thank God for such a “faithful and true witness.” Listen to, and confide in His testimony as recorded in the Scriptures of truth (John 8:12).
2. For a Leader. The same word is translated “Captain,” “Ruler,” “Prince” (2 Samuel 5:2; 1 Samuel 25:30; Ezekiel 28:2; Daniel 9:25). The expression may be understood in such an extensive meaning, as applied to Christ as possessed of supreme authority and jurisdiction over the Church, and over the world, in His mediatorial capacity. This is the grand glory of Christ our King (Ephesians 1:20-23; Revelation 19:16). The office of a leader is to go before, to conduct, &c. As such Christ executes this office—
(1.) By the instructions of His Word.
(2.) By His perfect example (John 13:15; 1 Peter 2:21; Hebrews 12:2). He never says go, always come; because He has gone before us in hardship and suffering, &c.
“He leads us through no darker rooms
Than He went through before.”
(3.) By the light of His Spirit.
(4.) By the events of His providence. He has never led one astray, but millions to a glorious character and heaven. Is He your Leader? Can you say, “He leadeth me”? What an unspeakable blessing is a Divinely guided life (P. D. 1640).
3. FOR A COMMANDER (Zechariah 6:13; 1 Chronicles 16:15-16; Psalms 33:9; Psalms 110:2-3; Isaiah 2:3-4). As Commander—
(1.) He enlists for the conflict against foes.
(2.) He trains for service.
(3.) He gives orders.
(4.) He provides the weapons—not carnal.
(5.) He encourages by His presence.
(6.) He leads and goes forward to victory. Are you submitting to His rule, obeying His commands, fighting under His banner, &c. (2 Timothy 2:3-4)? Let not “other lords” have dominion over you—He only has the right. You have been called into His kingdom. But you cannot have Him as your Saviour unless you take Him as your Sovereign. “Where Jesus comes He comes to reign.” Trajan won the heart of his soldiers by tearing up his royal robe to bind a soldier’s wound. “The King Immortal” gave His life for you.! But if you refuse His righteous reign your danger and doom cannot be exaggerated.—A. Tucker.
I. THE GRAND BESTOWMENT.
Christ is the greatest gift God could bestow, or man receive. All that He is, has done, has obtained, is given. This is a gift—
1. We could not claim.
2. We did not deserve.
3. We did not ask.
4. We cannot adequately estimate. “God only knows the love of God.”
II. THE SPECIAL CHARACTERS UNDER WHICH CHRIST IS PRESENTED.
1. As a Witness to the people.
2. As a Leader, &c.
3. As a Commander, &c.
III. THE REGARD DUE TO HIM UNDER THESE CHARACTERS.
1. Is He a Gift? Receive Him with cheerfulness, gratitude, affection.
2. Is He a Witness? Believe and rest upon His faithful word.
3. Is He a Leader? Follow Him in every conflict. Rely upon His presence and wisdom in every emergency, &c.
4. Is He a Commander? Let your obedience to Him as a Sovereign attest your love to Him as God’s chief gift.—Samuel Thodey.
I. The representation afforded of the Mediatorial offices of the Saviour. Numerous and varied epithets are employed in sacred Scripture to describe Christ. They are not empty and unmeaning, as among men; but describe a corresponding variety and excellence in His Person and work. Examine the several terms used in the text, and mark their mutual relation and bearing on each other.
1. As a Witness.
2. As a Leader.
3. As a Commander.
II. The circumstances connected with His designation to these offices. They are remarkable, and claim our best attention.
1. He is Divinely appointed.
2. He is graciously bestowed.
3. He was given for the advantage of a countless number.
4. He was given in such a way as to demand our attention. “Behold!” Contemplate the fact with astonishment. Put yourself under the guidance and control of this great Leader. Confide in Him. “Follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth.”—George Smith, D.D.