Looking to Christ
S. Davies, M. A. Isaiah 45:22 Look to me, and be you saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. Faith is one of the principal subjects of sacred Scripture, and is expressed in various forms: sometimes in plain terms, but more frequently in metaphors borrowed from earthly things, and particularly from the actions of the body. I. EXPLAIN THE DUTY HERE EXPRESSED BY THE METAPHOR OF LOOKING. Observe in general, that a man's looks often discover his condition and the frame of his mind. Hence we can understand a look of surprise and consternation, of sorrow and compassion, a look of joy, the look of a perishing supplicant, or of a needy, expecting dependant. If an agonising patient casts an eager look upon his physician, we understand it to be a silent petition for relief. Hence "looking to Christ implies those suitable dispositions and exercises of heart towards Him, which are expressed by the earnest and significant looks of persons in a distressed condition towards their deliverer." 1. Looking to Christ implies a particular notice and distinct knowledge of Him. 2. An importunate eagerness for relief from Him (Psalm 25:15). 3. A wishful expectation of deliverance from Him (Psalm 69:3). It may be illustrated by the history of the lame beggar (Acts 3:4, 5). 4. A humble dependence upon Him for salvation (2 Chronicles 20:12). 5. A universal cheerful submission to His authority (Psalm 123:1, 2). 6. A hearty approbation of Him as a Saviour, and supreme affection to Him. Love is often expressed by looks. 7. Joy and gratitude for His delivering goodness. II. URGE YOU TO LOOK TO HIM BY SEVERAL WEIGHTY CONSIDERATIONS. This is the great duty of saints and sinners, and consequently of every one in all ages and places, even to "the ends of the earth." 1. It is salvation we are called upon to pursue. 2. It may be obtained upon the easiest terms, without any personal merit, viz., by a "look." 3. It is Immanuel, the incarnate God, who commands and invites us to look. 4. He is the glorious and affecting Object to which we are to look. 5. Our looking shall not be in vain, for He is God, who engages to save those who look to Him. 6. It is vain to look elsewhere for salvation, and needless to fear His grace should be controlled by another; for He is God, so there is none else. 7. We, in particular, are invited, being especially meant by "the ends of the earth." (S. Davies, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. WEB: "Look to me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.