DIVINE CONSOLATION
Isaiah 66:13. As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you, &c.
I. THE CONSOLATION PROMISED.
1. Divine in its origin.
2. Rational in its nature—intelligent, consistent with reason, as well as according to faith.
3. Free in its bestowment.
4. Select in its subjects.
II. THE MANNER IN WHICH CONSOLATION IS AFFORDED. Not as a stranger, friend, &c. None comforts as a mother—
1. The affection of a mother is warm.
2. The care of a mother is indulgent.
3. The attention of a mother is prompt.
4. The condescension and self-denial of a mother is great.
5. The assiduity of a mother is unwearied. All this instructs us in the Lord’s tenderness and patience towards His children.
III. THE MEANS BY WHICH CONSOLATION IS ENJOYED. “In Jerusalem.” This teaches—
1. The importance of separation from an ensnaring world.
2. The propriety of regular attendance on religious worship.
3. The duty of church membership.
4. The worth of a right spirit in attending Christian ordinances.
But the language of comfort must not be addressed to all (Isaiah 48:22; Isaiah 57:12).—J. Kidd, Fifty-three Sermons, pp. 296–302.
Isaiah 66:13-14. Divine Comfort. I. The people of God often stand in urgent need of comfort (pp. 1–4, 406). II. The source of the most endearing and efficient comfort is God Himself (see other outline on this passage; also pp. 1–4, 407). III The Divine comfort is especially imparted in the sanctuary.
1. Appointed for His people to wait for and receive comfort.
2. The faithful discharge of sanctuary duties yield comfort.
3. The sanctuary is the place where God’s comforting presence is specially manifested. “The Holy Ghost the Comforter.” IV. The bestowment of Divine comfort inspires them with grateful and exultant joy (pp. 407). Conclusion.
1. Do you belong to the privileged community God Himself shall comfort? “Many sorrows shall be to the wicked.”
2. The duty and privilege of God’s people to seek Divine comfort amid all their trials.
3. Those who are Divinely comforted should seek to lead others to the same source of consolation (p. 407).—Alfred Tucker.