THE CHURCH A CROWN OF GLORY
Isaiah 62:3. Thou shalt also be a crown of glory, &c.
A very interesting promise made to the Church of God. God will not rest until Zion is as perfect as His hand can make her. Notice three things:—
I. The Church of God is highly prized. She is dearer to Him than all created beings. What makes her precious in His sight? No finite being can tell. Why He prized her before He visited her, is known only to Himself. Infinite wisdom can do nothing without reason: He says that He loved her, and in this truth we rest. She has no worth in herself, and is rendered precious by free, unmerited, unchangeable love.
II. As she is so prized, she is eminently honoured. Having paid such a price for her (1 John 4:10), He will beautify her by all that infinite wisdom, love, and power can do.
III. As she is so precious and 30 highly honoured, she shall be safely preserved. Secure in His hands. Can any overcome Omnipotence? Then may they snatch the crown out of the hands of Jehovah (John 10:28-29). Attempts are indeed made to destroy her. Satan tries to do so,
1. By error.
2. By persecution.
3. By snares and temptations. But she is safe (Matthew 16:18. See pp. 357, 558; H.E.I., 1246–1251, 2449).—William Howels: Sermons, vol. i. pp. 235–241.
Isaiah 62:3. I. The estimate God puts upon His people. II. The honour He confers, upon them. III. The care He exercises over them (p. 341).
Isaiah 62:4. I. Zion’s reproach. II. Exaltation. III. The occasion of the change.
Isaiah 62:5. I. The joy of Israel at their return. II. The joy of God over them (Isaiah 65:19).
I. The rapid increase of Zion (see pp. 348, 546). II. The joy it occasions (see p. 546). On earth. In heaven.—J. Lyth, D.D.
Isaiah 62:6-7. The text is the Divine summons to prayer Tor the prosperity of the Church. It points out—
I. The persons by whom it should be presented.
1. The ministers of the Gospel.
2. The members of the Church. II. The blessings for which it should be presented. Pray—
1. That the Church may be built on sure foundations.
2. That it may be distinguished by spiritual characteristics.
3. That it may be extended. III. The manner in which it should be presented.
1. It must be sincere.
2. Believing.
3. Persevering. Qualify yourselves to be the Lord’s remembrancers, in the retirement of the closet, and in the assembly of the brethren.—J. Rawlinson.
Isaiah 62:6-7. I. There is always need of watchmen. II. God has never left the Church without watchmen. III. Christ’s call is to all the members of His Church. How are you responding to the call?—The Homiletical Library, vol. ii. p. 275.
Isaiah 62:8-9. God’s oath. I. The matter of it.
1. The protection.
2. The happiness of His people. II. The certainty and solemnity of it. He has sworn. Who is true. By His right hand—has power to effect it (see on Isaiah 1:2-3; Isaiah 59:1).—J. Lyth, D.D.
Isaiah 62:10-12. I. The preparation. II. The proclamation. III. The felicitous result.—Dr. Lyth.
Isaiah 62:10. The work of God’s people. I. Gates to enter. Of righteousness. II. A way to prepare (Isaiah 57:14). III. Stones of stumbling to be removed (Isaiah 57:14). IV. A standard to uplift (vol. i. p. 219).—J. Lyth, D.D.