Isaiah 50:4

Isaiah 50:4

Weariness comes to man through various channels and from many sources. We have many doors in our nature, and at every one of these weariness may enter.

I. There is to begin at the lowest door of all the physical one, the weariness which comes to us from bodily toil, or from toil which, whether bodily or not, tells upon the body by wasting for the time its energies. What is the word in season for such cases as these? Surely the word in season to many is, Release your strain, moderate your speed, economise your health. What shall it profit you if you gain the whole world and lose your life?

II. Some men are weary with pleasure; I would say a word in season to them. There is no decree of God more stern or more inflexible than that which has determined that misery shall be the constant companion of the man that seeks pleasure. There is no creature either in heaven or earth who shall ever find the real fruit of happiness growing upon any tree but that of loyal obedience to the authority of God.

III. Some men are weary with well-doing which seems to come to so poor an end. The word in season for such men is this: Think that God still holds on to His Divine purpose, and that were He to grow weary in well-doing, He would plunge the world into desolation in a moment. And be sure of this, that nothing good is ever lost.

IV. There are those who are weary of the strife with sin what is the word in season to them? This, that Christ has already vanquished your most powerful foe, and will make you more than conqueror.

V. There is one word more in season for those who are weary in sin, but not yet weary of it. "Come now, and let us reason together: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

E. Mellor, In the Footsteps of Heroes;p. 92.

References: Isaiah 50:4. E. Johnson, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xv., p. 264; W. Baxendale, Ibid.,vol. xxix., p. 347; Preacher's Monthly,vol. vii., 79. 1. 5, 6. T. B. Dover, A Lent Manual,p. 124.Isaiah 50:6. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. xxv., No. 1486; J. Keble, Sermons for Holy Week,p. 325.