THE BLESSED SEED
Isaiah 61:9. All that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed.
I. There is a “seed” or race, “which the Lord hath blessed.” Elsewhere it is described as “the Israel of God” (Galatians 6:16). But it is neither co-extensive with nor confined to the descendants of Jacob (Romans 9:6-8; Galatians 4:28; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 3:6; Philippians 3:3).
1. This seed God hath blessed abundantly—with peace. Peace with God (Romans 5:1). Peace of conscience (Hebrews 10:2; Hebrews 10:22). Peace from the assaults of their enemies (Luke 1:74). Peace amid the cares of life (Philippians 4:6-7). Thus there is a glorious fulfilment of the promise (Psalms 29:11).
2. With purity (1 John 1:7-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23).
3. With strength (John 1:12; Colossians 1:11).
4. With hope (Romans 15:13; 1 Peter 1:3).
5. With joy (1 Peter 1:8; Romans 5:11).
6. With that which is the source and fountain of the peace, and hope, and joy—an assurance of His love (Romans 5:5; Romans 8:16). Are these blessings yours? Are you numbered among “the Israel of God”?
II. The blessings which God confers upon His people are chiefly in ward, but our text teaches us also, that there are outward signs by which those who belong to “the seed which the Lord hath blessed” may be infallibly known. “All that see them shall acknowledge,” &c. God has distinguished His ancient people by certain physical characteristics, which have survived through many generations, and have proved indestructible by all changes of climate and condition; so that wherever any of them are found we may say with confidence, these are the children of Abraham. They differ greatly from each other, and yet they preserve a family likeness by which they are unmistakably distinguished from all the rest of the human race. And there are certain marks by which all who belong to God’s spiritual Israel are as clearly marked off from their fellow-men. Such as—
1. Love for Christ. It is one undeniable and never-failing characteristic of the believer that he loves Jesus Christ in sincerity. His love for Christ will show itself in various ways—in an earnest endeavour to keep His commandments; in a cheerful submission to all His appointments; in self-sacrificing labour to extend His kingdom and promote His glory.
2. Unworldliness. The Christian is in the world, not of it.
3. Consistency. The conformity of his life to the principles he professes. Do these marks distinguish you? Let it be your daily prayer and endeavour that they may become more manifest in you.—James Harris, M.A.; Thursday Penny Pulpit, vol. vii. pp. 373–384.
Isaiah 61:10. I. The believer’s boast. II. Determination.—Dr. Lyth.