EARTHLY DARKNESS AND HEAVENLY LIGHT
Isaiah 60:20. Thy sun shall no more go down, neither shall thy moon, &c.
No one who is capable of appreciating the higher forms of poetry can refuse to pay a tribute of admiration to this magnificent chapter. It is a rapturous ode congratulating Zion on her restoration to heavenly favour, &c. Much of the chapter can only be interpreted spiritually. The text can never be true of this world. The parallelism of this verse.
I. ON EARTH OUR MOON WITHDRAWS ITSELF.
1. There is great propriety in the figure which makes the light of the moon an emblem of earthly joy. The sun’s light is in a sense his own, not so the moon. As the light of the sun is essential, so are the joys which come direct from God; as the light of the moon is borrowed and reflected, so is the joy that springs from earthly things. The things of earth have no inherent power of giving happiness.
2. There is equal propriety in saying of the “days of our mourning” that the moon withdraws itself. Our troubles come in two ways—
(1.) By the removal of our pleasant things.
(2.) Our pleasant things are left, but the joy of them is gone.
3. Our days of mourning, like the moon’s withdrawing itself, are often sources of the greatest profit. Nothing helps reflection like trouble and sorrow. The loss of earthly joy makes heavenly hopes more bright.
II. ON EARTH OUR SUN GOES DOWN.
1. We may compare the light of the sun to the joy which the soul receives from communion with God. The light of the sun is light from the highest source of light; and the joy of Divine communion is joy from the highest source of joy.
2. On earth the sun of the soul may go down—our heavenly prospect become clouded.
III. FOR THE SINCERE CHRISTIAN, THE OBSCURATIONS THAT OCCASIONALLY TAKE PLACE ON EARTH ARE ONLY TEMPORARY.
1. The causes that lead to the obscuring of our spiritual joys will be removed—clouds, shadow, night, &c. What must it be to be there?
2. And with this highest and purely spiritual glory shall be associated in the sublimest perfection all elements of the happiness that is secondary and subordinate. Ended shall be the hours of earthly anxiety, &c. Upon all the glory there shall be a defence, the defence of immortality. To which of the two worlds are you tending, &c.?—Frederick Greeves, D.D.
Isaiah 60:20. It is the purpose of God to grant larger manifestations of His grace and more copious outpourings of His Spirit in order to fulfil these delightful prophecies, and bring on even on earth golden days, &c. But the text manifestly points to heaven, as there only can it be completely and for ever verified (Revelation 21:23). In this description of heaven we observe two things—
I. THE TOTAL ABSENCE OF ALL THE EVILS WE DEPLORE ON EARTH. Our text tells us what this life is, and what the life to come shall be, and plainly contrasts one state with the other. Now, joy and sorrow are blended; light and darkness are intermixed, &c. We are scarcely aware how necessary these vicissitudes and variations are. We forget that night is as necessary as the day. Morning never breaks so beautifully as after a tempestuous night, &c. These changes are the marks and indications of an imperfect dispensation of things, and they often present serious obstructions to our happiness and repose. We have a sun, but that sun goes down; we have a moon, but that moon withdraws itself; we have light, but that light is clouded and incomplete; we have days upon days, but they are often days of mourning, &c. Heaven, therefore, is beautifully described as exhibiting the total absence of all the evils we deplore, &c. He infirmity of body, &c. They are for ever gone, and if remembered at all, shall be remembered only as a ground of triumph that they are no more, &c.
II. THE PERPETUAL ENJOYMENT OF ALL THE GOOD WE DESIRE. God Himself shall constitute the immediate felicity of His children.
1. Knowledge without obscurity.
2. Holiness without sin.
3. Communion without weariness.
4. Happiness without alloy.
III. THE INFLUENCE THIS PROSPECT SHOULD EXERT.
1. Secure a title to it, and a meetness for it.
2. Guard against the temptations and sins that often embitter the changes of this life.
3. Aim to take as many with you as you Song of Song of Solomon 4. Remember you may be much nearer to it than you expect. What is your hope, &c.?—Samuel Thodey.
Isaiah 60:20. Never was a picture of national happiness described in more glowing colours than in this verse. It can only be completed in heaven. I. A MELANCHOLY SKETCH OF THE LIFE THAT NOW IS. And is it not a faithful sketch? Let us inquire into—
1. Some of the sources of human calamity. Some suffer from the afflictions—
(1.) Of the mind.
(2.) Body.
(3.) Worldly disappointments.
(4.) Family afflictions.
(5.) Bereavement. Thus days of mourning are allotted to all. The cup goes round.
2. Some of the reasons why these are permitted under the government of a wise, righteous, gracious God. To imbitter sin, to discipline and mature the character, to wean from the world, and conform to Christ.
3. Some of the consolations which the Gospel furnishes under them. Our sorrows are attended by many consolations. We are supported by many promises, &c. II. A DELIGHTFUL ANTICIPATION OP THE LIFE TO COME. In a future life our pains and sorrows cease. When our sorrow ceases positive happiness begins.
1. The presence of God. In this life God blesses us mediately—by channels of mercy, &c.; but in heaven immediately—He Himself will be the source of our bliss.
2. The absence of all sources of disquiet. Sin, sorrow, &c.
3. The communication of happiness suited to our nature.
4. Perpetuity gives the final charm.—S. Thodey.
Isaiah 60:21. I. The promise. Includes the ultimate prevalence of righteousness. The consequent increase of human enjoyment. II. The security of it. God will accomplish it, for the revelation of His own glory.
Isaiah 60:22. The growth of God’s kingdom. I. The small proportion which the Church hears to the world. II. The promised enlargement. In numbers and influence. III. The certain and speedy accomplishment of this promise. God will bring it to pass. Will hasten it—in His time.—J. Lyth, D.D.