THE FRIEND TURNED INTO AN ENEMY
Isaiah 63:10. But they rebelled, and grieved His Holy Spirit, &c.
How sad is the change described in these words. If it were the heathen, unprivileged and unenlightened, of whom this was spoken, it would not be so surprising, but that it should be said of Israel with all their advantages that “they rebelled,” &c., does seem surprising (Isaiah 63:8-9). Are we indignant at such ingratitude? May we not have cause to turn our indignation against ourselves? The history of Israel, the mercies of which are here recounted, is a mirror in which we may see ourselves. Our privileges are even greater than theirs, and correspondingly greater is the guilt of our rebellion.
I. The surprising change in God’s people in their bearing toward Him. Even they rebelled against Him, and grieved His Spirit. The Old Testament Church had a real though limited dispensation of the Spirit. Christ is now glorified, and He is given in more abundant measure (John 7:39). He is said to be grieved (Ephesians 4:30), resisted (Acts 7:51), quenched (1 Thessalonians 5:19). But how can a Divine person suffer grief? As the revealer of truth He is grieved by unbelief and ignorance; as the Spirit of holiness, by all impurity; as the Spirit of love, by selfishness and ingratitude. Look at some of the features of this rebellion. How are we to account for this surprising change, and what is involved in this shameful backsliding?
1. Distrust and alienation of heart. Open rebellion arises from secret disloyalty. In the case of Israel, we find them turning back in heart to Egypt, and murmuring against God, &c. How prone we are to revert to former sources of carnal gratification! Another fruitful source of defection in Israel was the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. Prevailing customs have a power to drag us down, to unhinge our reliance on God, and to instigate the spirit of rebellion. Against both these influences let us be on our guard. Beware of every insidious influence that would tamper with your loyalty and trust.
2. The influences of the Spirit are resisted. All who live under the Gospel are subjects in some measure of these influences. He awakens, &c. But these alarms do not always issue in conversion. Souls thus roused begin to resist the Spirit, &c. But even God’s people may sadly wound and grieve the Spirit by opposing His gracious work, and by the coldness and deadness of their hearts.
3. As Israel murmured against Moses, so in our rebellion we despise Christ our deliverer. It is the Spirit’s work to reveal Christ (John 16:13-14). He is glorified in the homage paid to Christ. Whatever, then, obscures the glory and sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice, or is proposed as a substitute for it, must grieve the Spirit.
4. Neglect of the means of grace. The Word of God is from the Holy Spirit, and is used by Him as an instrument in all His gracious operations on the hearts of men. To trifle with the word of revelation, to neglect or despise it is to dishonour its Author. We cannot respect the physician whose medicines we refuse to take.
II. The consequent change in God’s bearing toward His people. This does not imply any real change in God. The change is in His people who have revolted against Him. He is as much their loving Father now when He shows himself their enemy, as before when He showed himself their friend. If we take part with His enemies, and hold traitorous intercourse with them, how can He deal with us otherwise? Oh, the folly and ingratitude of those who having found God a Friend turn Him into an enemy. In mentioning the loving-kindnesses of the Lord (Isaiah 63:7), this is not the least of them, that in our foolish rebellions He is turned to be our enemy. How unwearied and patient is His love (Nehemiah 9:17). Be faithful to your vows. It is not for you to hold traitorous intercourse with the enemies of your Leader.
—William Guthrie, M.A.
Isaiah 63:10. I. The claims which arise from the work of the Holy Spirit. II. The sins which are possible against the Holy Spirit.—J Rawlinson.
Isaiah 63:11. I. A grateful retrospect. II. An affectionate inquiry. III. A delightful assurance.
Isaiah 63:12. I. God leads His people by instruments which He chooses and qualifies. II. Defends them with the arm of His power. III. Removes every difficulty that intercepts their course. IV. Glorifies His own name in their deliverance.
Isaiah 63:14. I. God’s people need rest. II. Rest is provided for them. III. God guides them to it by His own Spirit. IV. Thereby reveals and glorifies His name.
Isaiah 63:15-16. I. Our Father’s house. Heavenly. Holy. Glorious. II. Our Father’s character. Strong. Tender. Compassionate. III. Our Father’s faithfulness. Survives our ingratitude—vicissitude—time. IV. Our Father’s name. Father. Redeemer—from everlasting. V. Our Father’s claims. Honour. Obedience. Love.
Isaiah 63:15. I. God’s people in trouble. II. Their resource. III. Their plea. Past interpositions. Past mercies.—J. Lyth, D.D.