REPUDIATING THE SOCIETY OF OTHERS
Isaiah 65:5. Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me, &c.
There are few things in which it becomes us to be more careful than in our judgment of others, and in action founded on that judgment. Some relations in which we stand to men involve judgment of them. We are not forbidden to judge (Matthew 7:1-5). Our text accuses those to whom it applies, of asserting their own moral superiority, and repudiating the society of others on that account. But we must discriminate.
I. THERE IS A SENSE IN WHICH IT IS JUSTIFIABLE.
We are not called upon to consider all men morally equal to ourselves, nor to associate with them as if they were. We are forbidden so to do (2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 2 Thessalonians 3:6). It may be perfectly true that you are holier than some who may be considered; and that fact may be involved in your very profession of Christianity. The fact of conversion involves moral superiority to the unconverted, &c. And if this wide distinction exists between saints and sinners, why should it not be professed? We need a visible organisation as a point around which the saints may gather. Such an organisation the Saviour’s wisdom and grace has provided in the fellowship of the Church. Those who join that fellowship emphatically declare their separation from the world. Not only so. In the multiform relations of individual life, and in relation to many practices and principles which obtain in the world, Christians must be prepared practically to say, “Stand by thyself,” &c. But
II. THERE IS A SENSE IN WHICH IT IS UNJUSTIFIABLE.
It is possible to say this in an improper and irreligious spirit. It may be said—
1. By the self-deceived. It may be quite contrary to the fact. The Jewish people said it. But they are solemnly charged in the verses before the text with practising some of the vilest abominations of heathenism (Isaiah 65:2; Isaiah 65:4). Nor is theirs a solitary case.
2. By the self-righteous. They are under a delusion as to the nature of holiness, &c. Nor has the self-righteous spirit been cast out of the world.
3. By the uncharitable. They are ever quick to discern the failings of others, while their eyes are closed to their own, &c. The Church of Christ should free itself from this uncharitableness and censoriousness.
Let us place ourselves habitually in the pure light of God’s holiness. Then we shall be so humbled by the consciousness of our own sinfulness as to be very tender and pitiful towards the imperfections of our brethren. And in any case, let us see that we possess and cultivate the holiness which is assumed by those who assert their own superiority.—J. Rawlinson.
I. A picture of self-righteous pride. Despises others. Glorifies self. Pretends to peculiar sanctity. II. Its offensiveness in the sight of God. It offends His purity. Arouses His indignation.
Isaiah 65:6-7. Man’s iniquities are—I. Multiplied. By personal acts. From generation to generation. II. Recorded. In God’s book—minutely, accurately. III. Will certainly be recompensed. Justly. By measure into every man’s bosom.—J. Lyth, D.D.