1.
For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.
SPEAKERS FOR GOD
‘For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace.’
Isaiah 62:1
The prophet here endeavours to stir up God’s people to great vigour and activity.
I. Some reasons for this awakening voice of God.—(1) We are naturally inclined to be indifferent. (2) God works in His own method. (3) The mission we are called to is supremely great. (4) Every church should be an evangelisation society. (5) Difficulties will be great, conflicts severe and continuous. (6) The greatest power we can wield against error is to live Christ. (7) The Church is the living representative of Christ in the world. (8) Seek to be clothed in the beautiful garments of holiness, humility, love, godliness, etc.
II. The strength the Church needs for this.—(1) Holy faith. (2) Living communion with God. (3) Earnest consecration of Christian effort. (4) Indomitable perseverance. (5) Importunate prayer.
2.
And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.
3.
Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.
4.
Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzi-bah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.
5.
For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.
6.
I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,
7.
And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
8.
The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn to be meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured:
9.
But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the LORD; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness.
10.
Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.
11.
Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
12.
And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.