Notice:
I. The occurrence in the Church's history of successive periods of energy and of languor. The uninterrupted growth would be best; but if that has not been, then the ending of winter by spring, and the supplying of the dry branches, and the resumption of the arrested growth is the next best and the only alternative to rotting away. We ought to desire such a merciful interruption of the sad continuity of our languor and decay. The surest sign of its coming would be a widespread desire and expectation of its coming, joined with a penitent consciousness of our heavy and sinful slumber. And another sign of its approach is the extremity of the need. "If winter come, can spring be far behind?"
II. The twofold explanation of these variations. (1) It is true that God's arm slumbers, and is not clothed with power. There are, as a fact, apparent variations in the energy with which He works in the Church and in the world. And they are real variations, not merely apparent. The might with which God works in the world through His Church varies according to the Church's receptiveness and faithfulness. (2) If God's arm seems to slumber, and really does so, it is because Zion sleeps. The law has ever been, "According to your faith be it unto you." God gives as much as we will, as much as we can hold, as much as we use, and far more than we deserve.
III. The beginning of all awaking is the Church's earnest cry to God. Look at the passionate earnestness of Israel's cry, thrice repeated, as from one in mortal need, and see to it that our drowsy prayers be like it. Look at the grand confidence with which it founds itself on the past, recounting the mighty deeds of ancient days; and looking back, not for despair, but for joyful confidence on the generations of old; and let our faint-hearted faith be quickened by the example to expect great things of God.
IV. The answering call from God to Zion. Our truest prayers are but the echo of God's promises. God's best answers are the echoes of our prayers. (1) The chief means of quickened life and strength is deepened communion with Christ. (2) This summons calls us to the faithful use of the power which, on condition of that communion, we have.
A. Maclaren, The Secret of Power,p. 58.
References: Isaiah 51:9. A. Rowland, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xxviii., p. 264.Isaiah 51:9; Isaiah 51:10. G. H. Wilkinson, Penny Pulpit,No. 1038 (see also Old Testament Outlines,p. 214). Isaiah 51:11. Clergyman's Magazine,vol. xvi., p. 15; Preacher's Monthly,vol. v., p. 25.
I. Consider God's command to His people, "Awake, awake." (1) Certain objects of vision are important to the Church of God, and that these may be kept in view, God saith, "Awake, awake." The objects which I would name are ever-existent and ever-present spiritual objects God, our one Father; the Son of God, our only Saviour; and the Comforter, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son. (2) Certain sources of supply and fountains of pleasure and means of help are important to the Church of God, and that these may be possessed and enjoyed and used, God saith, "Awake, awake." (3) There is good and godly work to be done by Zion; therefore God saith, "Awake, awake." There are two objects in the sphere of our present thought, towards which the Church of God requires to be faithful, and therefore wakeful. (a) Her own endowments, and (b) her opportunities. (4) There are battles which Zion is called to fight, and victories to be won which Zion alone can win; therefore God bids Zion awake.
II. Having interpreted the voice, let us note some of its features and characteristics. (1) The voice that would awaken us is divine. (2) The voice that would awaken us is powerful and full of majesty a voice, therefore, that stirs and that strengthens, while it stirs him who listens to it. (3) The voice that would awaken us has in it a tone of reproach. The cry, "Awake, awake," corrects and rebukes, while it stimulates and exhorts. (4) This voice is a gracious voice. It is the voice of Him who has called His people to be His people, and who will not cast off His people; it is a voice that woos and wins, while it stimulates and arouses. (5) The voice that cries "Awake, awake," is the voice of Zion's God. He who calls Zion His own, and possesses her as a bridegroom his bride, calls, "Awake, awake."
S. Martin, Rain upon the Mown Grass,p. 85.
I. The word "strength" represents those properties and qualities which are developed in endurance and in action, also a very high degree of active force and enduring power. The strength of any community is primarily in the individuals who constitute it; so that the strength of the Church of God is not entirely, but first of all, in the separate members of that body. (1) The strength of Zion is the strength of human nature. (2) The strength of Zion is also the power of every religious principle. (3) There is strength in all life, and Zion lives with the rich and full and eternal life of God within her. (4) The strength of Zion is the power of certain agencies and influences. The Church has power in her testimony to truth, in her intercession before God, and in her character as the leaven of society and the salt of the nations.
II. God saith, "Put on thy strength, O Zion." If a man puts outhis strength, he puts onstrength; he appears clothed with strength, as with a garment. The text assumes that Zion's strength is not put out. The terms in which she is addressed prove this. "Awake, awake, O Zion." In sleep all the members of the body put on weakness. Now God is not satisfied with this, and He cries, "Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion."
III. Notice some reasons why God should thus speak to His Church. (1) God bids Zion put on her strength for self-manifestation. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Strong winds make themselves heard. Strong sunshine makes itself felt. Strong life shows itself, whether in the animal or vegetable kingdom. And the Church, to be heard and seen and felt and known, must be strong. (2) God bids Zion put on her strength that He may be glorified. A redeemed man is a new creation and a Divine workmanship. On the principle involved in the words, "This people have I formed for Myself; they shall show forth My praise," Zion is required to put on her strength. (3) God requires Zion to put out her strength for the sake of her own well-being. If the powers of the Church be inactive, they will decline. Unmanifested religious life, whether in the person or the community, soon subsides. (4) Zion is required to put on her strength in order to meet the claims of a sinful and suffering world. Zion's mission demands Zion's strength. (5) God directs Zion to put on her strength, because strength has been given her to put on. Whatever God makes us be, He would have us appear to be. Whatever God endows us with, He would have us use and employ. (6) Is not this putting on of strength as essential to Zion's peace and joy as to her outward prosperity? The Church of the living God can only have rest and be joyful as she does put on strength. Sleep is not always sweet. There is a kind of sleep that is most uneasy, and the misery of idleness and inactivity is proverbial.
S. Martin, Rain upon the Mown Grass,p. 98.
Men can rouse themselves to action. There is more power in man than he may be aware of, and he should inquire what objects and pursuits are worthy of his enthusiastic devotion.
I. No object which bears upon this world only is worthy of the supreme energy of man.
II. Spiritual objects are alone worthy of the supreme energy of man. (1) They are akin to his own nature. (2) They touch every point of his being. (3) They prepare him for the solemnity and service of the future.
III. The fact that spiritual objects alone are worthy of the supreme energy of man should impel to decisive action. (1) "Put on thy strength" for the time is short. (2) "Put on thy strength" for the enemy is on the alert. (3) "Put on thy strength" for the Master is worthy.
Parker, City Temple,vol. ii., p. 67 (see also Pulpit Notes,p. 81).
References: Isaiah 52:1. J. C. Harrison, Penny Pulpit,No. 526; A. F. Barfield, Christian World Pulpit,vol. iv., p. 319; W. Burrows, Ibid.,vol. xi., p. 172; Preacher's Monthly,vol. vii., p. 33, vol. x., p. 181.