SPEEDY BLESSING
Isaiah 65:24. Before they call I will answer.
Divine generosity outruns human petitions. The promise here so graciously given is illustrated practically by many instances recorded in Scripture. And many devout Christians can attest a similar readiness.
I. The condition of speedy blessing. From the language of the text it is plain that the promise is limited to those who—
1. Are conscious of need; and
2. Recognise that such need can be supplied only from a Divine source.
II. The character, &c. The language used is very simple and very human. We are assured that when the petition and its spirit are acceptable, God will—
1. Hear. This is something more than a statement of the Divine Omniscience. He will hear as a king hears the suit of a favourite or the petition of a suppliant, i.e., with an attentive and favourable disposition.
2. Answer. This means not by words merely, but by acts. The assurance is given that God’s providence will supply a want, or His grace remit a sin, or His Spirit impart needed strength or guidance.
III. The explanation, &c. If a human benefactor were in question, there would be something paradoxical in this promise. But this disappears when it is remembered who He is who makes this wonderful promise.
1. The perfect acquaintance which the Divine Benefactor has with the wants of the suppliant.
2. The spontaneous and abounding benevolence of the Divine heart hastens to anticipate the wants, to outrun the requests of those who have petitions to present and blessings to implore.—The Homiletical Library, vol. ii. pp. 157, 158.
I. Man needs to call upon and speak to God. II. Man is encouraged to call upon and speak unto God.—Lay Preacher.
1. The characters described. II. Their happiness. A blessing upon their toil. Upon their children.
Isaiah 65:25. I. Some types of human nature. II. Their harmonious combination. Altered feelings, tastes, habits—all harmonised. III. The power by which this change is to be effected. IV. The happy issue. Peace, love, righteouness. V. The signal contrast. In the serpent and his seed.—J. Lyth, D.D.