THE OBJECTS OF THE DIVINE FAVOUR
Isaiah 66:1-2. Thus saith the LORD, the heaven is My throne, &c.
In opposition to their formality, &c., a great truth is here asserted; viz.: That the special object of Jehovah’s gracious regard is the contrite and lowly spirit, who, with reverence and godly fear, offereth to Him sincere spiritual worship. This truth is unfolded in a threefold aspect—I. BY WAY OF REPROOF.
1. The pernicious notion that merely ritual and external service is acceptable to God is denounced and condemned. The reproof of the text is equally applicable to all that is unspiritual in religion at the present day—all heartless formality and Pharisaic ritualism.
2. Self-righteous pride is here rebuked and condemned. The Jews prided themselves in their splendid temple and their gorgeous ritualism. II. BY WAY OF INSTRUCTION. I. The text implies that the God of nature is likewise the God of grace and salvation. There are some who profess to worship the God of nature, but who ignore and deny the God of redemption in Christ. They are one and the same.
2. The human soul, in its sinful and degraded state, is an object of greater interest and value in the sight of God than all the material universe.
3. God’s gracious and approving regard is connected with a specific state of mind on the part of man. III. BY WAY OF CONSOLATION. Consolation to a man of a poor and contrite spirit.
1. God looks upon the contrite spirit—
(1) To heal its anguish.
(2) To enrich and exalt him.
(3) To comfort and protect him.
(4) In approbation of their worship. Pomp and pageantry he spurns, &c.
(5) To dwell with him for ever. Let the ungodly remember that God looketh upon them also, but not with pleasure and approbation.—E. Roberts: The Penny Pulpit, New Series, No. 787.
I. MAN’S LOOK (Micah 7:7). Man needs help. Where is he to look?
1. Personal. Whatever it may cost, whoever else will not, I will.
2. Reliance—“unto.” In weakness, confusion, difficulty.
3. Object—“the Lord.” He is able, willing, has promised to help.
II. GOD’S LOOK.
1. God has promised to look, i.e., after. “I will.” His look is one of power, and it means help and protection.
2. Object—poor, needy. “Him that hath no helper” applies both to temporal and spiritual concerns of God’s people.
3. Contrite, repentant (Isaiah 57:15).
4. One who has reverence for God’s Word. Tries to keep it; fears to break it. Let us look to God, and God will look to us.—John R. Taft, M.A.: The Study and Homiletic Monthly, 1879, p. 163.
I. The character of those who are the peculiar objects of the Divine regard. II. God’s regard to such characters. To turn away the face is expressive of disgust, disdain, &c.; to look is to approve, to care, to bless. The text expresses Divine approval, care, blessing. Conclusion:
1. How different the characters whom God esteems to those the world delights in!
2. What admirable condescension in God (Psalms 8:3-5).
3. What encouragement to, the penitent (1 John 1).
4. What a source of terror to hypocrites, pharisees, &c.—R. Watson: Sermons and Outlines), pp. 285–288.
I. God’s grandeur. II. Self-sufficiency. III. All-sufficiency. IV. Condescension.
Isaiah 66:3. Formal worship. I. Its features. II. Offensiveness to God. III. Utter worthlessness (pp. 625–627).
Isaiah 66:4. I. The offence. Impenitence—aggravated transgressions, wilful contempt. II. The punishment. Delusion, fear, ruin.—J. Lyth, D.D. (See outlines on Isaiah 57:15.)