THE CONVERSION OF THE GENTILES
(Missionary Sermon.)
Isaiah 65:1. I am sought of them that asked not for Me, &c.
It was God’s design from the beginning to call the Gentile nation into His Church, and, in due time, to admit them to all the blessings and privileges of the Gospel. The Jews, indeed, were His peculiar people; but this distinction in their favour was made only for a particular purpose, and for a limited season. They were chosen especially for this end, that they might preserve in the world the knowledge of the true God, and then prepare the way for the coming of the promised Redeemer, who, when He should come, was to be “a light to lighten the Gentiles,” &c. It is to this great event that our text refers, as we are taught by St. Paul, who cites it as an expressive prophecy of the conversion of the Gentiles (Romans 10:20). The passage sets before us—
I. The wretched state of the Gentiles before their conversion to Christianity. Many of the Gentile nations were neither savages, nor sunk in want and ignorance, nor destitute of the necessaries, conveniences, or even elegant comforts of life. In all these respects they came very little, if at all, behind ourselves; they were rich and powerful, and produced many eminent men, whose talents and exploits have commanded the admiration of mankind. Yet they were wretched; they knew not God. “Darkness covered the earth,” &c. They made no inquiry after Him, &c. Surrounded by the wonderful works of God, they yet asked not who was the maker of them. They bowed down to idols, &c. (Romans 1:21-32).
II. The surprising and glorious change which was then wrought in them. They sought and found God. Their idols they cast away. Their vices they abandoned. A moral transformation took place in them, even more wonderful than those physical ones, which the prophet depicts (Isaiah 35:1-7; Isaiah 55:13).
III. The simple but powerful means by which this great work was accomplished. The Lord, by His Word, revealed His grace and glory to them, &c.
CONCLUSION.—
1. We are deeply concerned in these facts, and ought to regard them with feelings of most lively gratitude. Such was once the state of this country, such, at this moment, would have been our state if God had not sent His light and truth among us.
2. The condition of the heathen nations is as lamentable today as it was of old. The character of the most degraded of them admits of as complete and glorious a transformation. We have witnessed these moral miracles in our own day. The means by which this glorious transformation may be effected has been intrusted to us (2 Corinthians 5:18; Matthew 28:19-20). Shall we be unfaithful to so great a trust? Gratitude to God, and compassion for our fellow-men, should make us diligent in its discharge.—E. Cooper.
God justifies His dispensation towards the Jews because of their manifold apostacies from Him, and then shows that He had conferred His favour upon the Gentiles, who had made no application to Him.
I. Why we must behold Him.
1. Because our whole interests are bound up in His favour. Consider who it is that asks you to behold Him as a God reconciled in Christ. Think of the contrast between the parties. He calls a world of rebels to His footstool, &c.
2. Because He delights to raise up trophies of His grace when and where we might least expect it (see former outline).
3. Because, though He is sometimes found of those who seek Him not, He is always found of those who seek Him.
II. Where shall we behold Him? Everywhere; the kingdom of nature; the volume of His Word; the economy of providence; the terrors of Sinai, but specially in the cross of Calvary.
III. When, &c. Now. Always.—S. Thodey. (See p. 233–240.)
Isaiah 65:2-7. The rejection of Israel. I. Preceded by special privileges. II. Occasioned by sin. Ingratitude. Idolatry. Hypocrisy. III. Clearly predicted. As a warning. IV. Judicially sealed.—Dr. Lyth.
Isaiah 65:2. The conduct of Israel excites our astonishment, but it finds its parallel among ourselves. Observe—I. God’s conduct toward men.
1. Gracious. Rebels against His laws, &c., having every element of iniquity (Isaiah 65:2-4).
2. Earnest. Outstretched hands—attitude of entreaty—willing to receive to favour.
3. Forbearing—without intermission. Day of life often protracted. II. Man’s conduct toward God.
1. Ungrateful.
2. Insulting.
3. Obstinate.
4. Criminal. Such a rejection of mercy must secure punishment (Proverbs 1:24; Psalms 107:11).—A. Tucker.