THE SURPRISING INCREASE OF THE CHURCH
Isaiah 60:8. Who are these that fly as a cloud? &c.
God is here represented as addressing His Church (Isaiah 60:1). In the text the Church breaks in upon the description in the language of wonder and surprise. In order to bring out the meaning of these words, let us notice,
I. THE MOVEMENT WHICH IS HERE STATED. It is a flight. The expression is intended to signify the coming of men from the distant regions of the earth to the Church of God, of which such glorious things are here said. As to the original condition of the persons who are here said to fly, they are described as having forsaken God—as having departed from God, as having wandered from God, and consequently as being in circumstances of distress and misery; as “aliens” from God—“enemies to God by wicked works.” The movement spoken of signifies that state into which these men are transformed, and in which they come to the enjoyment of the designs of mercy. It is the renunciation of all that is opposed to God and to salvation; it is their coming back to “the Shepherd and Bishop of souls.” Note further, that it is under the Gospel dispensation that this is to be exemplified. The Gospel contains a clear development of the Divine law; it reveals man’s transgression of that law; it points out man’s exposure to the wrath of God; and it contains in it all that is suited to bring men back to God: it proclaims the great atoning sacrifice, by faith in which the guilty are pardoned, the unholy purified, the endangered protected, and the lost redeemed.
It is implied also that Divine influence must be imparted to effect this. Nothing can be done without the Spirit. This statement should ever be seen in the foreground of our theology. Where the Spirit is not, there can be no accomplishment of the designs and purposes of eternal love. This change arises from the statements of Gospel truth as they are contained in the written Word. The Spirit uses His own words (Ephesians 6:17). It is the preaching of the Cross of Christ—the uplifting of the Saviour, that contributes to the salvation of sinners; the preaching of the Cross is therefore called “the power of God.” How important, then, that this Gospel should be spread both at home and abroad! how important to pray for the outpourings of Divine influence! But
II. WHAT IS INTENDED BY THE MANNER IN WHICH THIS MOVEMENT IS SAID TO BE MADE? Much interesting matter is furnished by these figures. We shall, perhaps, enter into the spirit of them in reference to the return of sinners to God, by considering them as implying—
1. Eagerness. The clouds are supposed to be driven by the wind to one point, and the doves hasten with speed to their home. This eagerness is a most important symptom of conversion. Take the following examples (Matthew 11:12; Luke 18:13; Luke 23:42; Acts 2:37; Acts 16:29-30). And is there not reason for this eagerness? Consider: the knowledge of guilt; the fear of danger; the prospect of security and the hope of privilege impels us to flee.
2. Number. The cloud is an emblem of number. The number of witnesses to the power of faith are described by the Apostle as “a great cloud of witnesses.” The other figure of doves refers also to a great number. This chapter refers to the great accessions which the Church in after ages should receive (Isaiah 60:4-7). The mercy of God was to go forward to the boundaries of the habitable globe (Isaiah 49:5-6; Isaiah 49:22-23). Christ re-stated this grand fact (Matthew 8:11; Matthew 24:14; Mark 16:15). Look at the history of the progress of the Gospel. In early times it extended itself rapidly. In one day three thousand converts were made; and the word of God “grew mightily, and prevailed” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). The temples of heathen superstition were deserted, the Gospel in all its truth and purity was established: and how many myriads have since been gathere! Predicted universal triumph.
3. Unity. The clouds are supposed to fly in one body, and to be driven to one part of the horizon; the doves fly together to attain one home. So it will be with all who have been conducted by the Spirit into the way of life everlasting. There may be a number of differences among the people of God; but they seek the same salvation; they are influenced by the same principles; they depend on the same atonement; they are clothed in the same righteousness; they partake of the same Spirit; they obey the same commandments; they hope in the same promises; they are heirs of the same inheritance. Observe how the diversity in unity is stated by Paul (1 Corinthians 12:4-13). Note the importance attached to unity (Ephesians 4:3-6; Colossians 3:11).
III. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN THE INQUIR WHICH THE CONTEMPLATION OF THIS MOVEMENT EXCITES? The words are expressive of the emotions—
1. Of surprise. The passage is very analogous to Isaiah 49:20-21. It could not but be surprising to witness the change from feebleness to strength, from solitariness to multitude, from lowliness to empire. Contemplating modern times, are we not ready to exclaim, “What hath God wrought!” Contemplate the future in the same spirit.
2. Of joy. Surprise is mingled with joy There is joy over the conversion of every sinner. And why? Because of the honour given by this means to the Church. Because of the immense accession to the peace and happiness of mankind. Because of the complete restoration of the honours of Jehovah Here is the prospect of the establishment of His kingdom “who is the Lord God Omnipotent.”—James Parsons: Pulpit, vol. viii. pp. 433–441.
Isaiah 60:9. I. God’s sons must be gathered. II. The means are at hand. Ships; silver and gold—all useful in God’s cause. III. The centre of power and attraction. The Holy One of Israel (see p. 550). IV. The agency by which this power is exerted. The Church—which He has glorified and will.
Isaiah 60:10. I. God has often just cause to be angry with His people. II. Smites them in His wrath. III. Has mercy on them. IV. Finally subdues their enemies and makes them minister to them.
Isaiah 60:11. The future of the Church. I. Open gates. Implying peace, constant accessions. II. Abundant resources. The forces of the Gentiles—their wealth, intellect, knowledge, every earthly good consecrated. III. Honour and dominion. The noblest will minister to her. The State will not rule the Church, but the Church sanctify and guide the State by the influence of its teaching.—J. Lyth, D.D.