The Dignity and Condescension of God
Anon. Isaiah 57:15-21 For thus said the high and lofty One that inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place… God is set before us — I. IN THE DIGNITY OF HIS CHARACTER. We have — 1. His rank as supreme. "The High and Lofty One." 2. His existence as eternal. "That inhabiteth eternity." 3. His nature as unsullied. "Whose name is Holy." And as His name is, so is He. II. HIS WONDERFUL CONDESCENSION. "With him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit," etc. 1. Permanence. He "dwells" in the high and holy place; it is His chosen, His special, His fixed abode. When it is, therefore, added, "with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit," the same idea is set forth. "If any man love Me," said the Saviour, "he will keep My words; and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 2. Attachment. We may have to do with those for whom we feel no regard; but we would not, if invited, take up our residence with such. When persons dwell together as a matter of free choice, it is evident that there is something to attract them to each other. 3. Communion. 4. Consolation. Where He comes, He comes to bless; and how valuable is the blessing which is here specified — "to revive the spirit of the humble," etc. This He does by the quickening and comforting influences of that Divine Spirit which is promised to all them that believe. III. HIS FATHERLY REBUKES AND CORRECTIONS. 1. Their measure. He whose name is Holy cannot but show His displeasure against sin, whether it be found in the openly rebellious or in His own people. But, in reference to the latter, there are gracious limits within which His righteous anger is restrained. "For I will not contend for ever," etc. (ver. 16). 2. Their cause. "For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth," etc. (ver. 17). It seems that a covetous spirit pervaded the people of that generation at large. Covetousness is an abominable thing in the sight of God. 3. Their final issue. For a time the chastisements were unavailing, but the people were brought at length to a state of penitence. It is therefore said, "I have seen his ways, and will heal him," etc. (ver. 18). IV. THE OFFERS OF HIS LOVE AND MERCY, "I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord," etc. (ver. 19). The expression "fruit of the lips" sometimes denotes praise, as when the apostle says, By Him, therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually; that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But while what is here announced might well excite our warmest gratitude, it is probable that the above phrase is used here in a more general signification. The fruit of the lips is what the lips produce, even words; and those which we have now to consider are pre-eminently gracious words. In reference to this proclamation we notice — 1. Its nature. There is a twofold view in which the word "peace" may be regarded. The first is that of good-will, which was the sense in which it was employed in ordinary salutations. But in its more restricted sense it means reconciliation. 2. Its objects. "Peace, peace, to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord." The Jews are described as "a people near unto Him." There are those among ourselves who may be regarded as farther from God and from righteousness than others. To the chief of sinners we are permitted to say, "I bring you good tidings of great joy." 3. Its efficiency. "And I will heal him." I will make the message effectual. V. HIS FEELINGS TOWARDS HIS INCORRIGIBLE ENEMIES (vers. 20, 21). (Anon.) Parallel Verses KJV: For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. WEB: For thus says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.