Isaiah 66:10

Rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her

A dirge for the down-grade, and a song for faith

A mourner is always an interesting person.

The highest style of mourner is one whose griefs are neither selfish nor grovelling. He who bears spiritual sorrow on account of others is of a nobler order than the man who laments his personal woes. The most excellent style of mourner is the mourner in Zion, the mourner for Zion, the mourner with Zion.

I. WHO ARE THOSE THAT MOURN WITH JERUSALEM? Those that love the Church of God, and desire her prosperity; and when they do not see that prosperity, are depressed in spirit.

1. nothing can make the heart of the people of God more heavy than to think that the Gospel glory of the Church is declining.

2. Another cause of mourning is when we see the holiness of the visible Church beclouded.

3. Moreover, we see her sacred ardour is cooling.

4. There is grave cause of mourning in Zion because the services of God’s house are neglected.

5. Another very grave cause for mourning to all true Christians is the multitude of sinners that remain unsaved.

II. WE MAY YET REJOICE WITH JERUSALEM.

1. When we remember that God has not changed, either in nature or in love to His people, or in the purpose of His grace.

2. We may expect the Lord to appear. “He shall appear to your joy, etc. (Isaiah 66:5.)

3. When the Lord shall put on strength, then shall His Church be aroused.

4. Then shall the Church have many converts.

5. Then shall she nourish them well.

6. At such times there is an abundant degree of peace and joy in all believing hearts (Isaiah 66:12).

7. God will raise up men fitted to do His work (Isaiah 66:21).

III. WHY SHOULD WE PERSONALLY BE OF THE NUMBER THAT’ MOURN WITH THE CHURCH, AND THAT REJOICE WITH HER?

1. There is our own sin and ruin to mourn over.

2. We might wisely become mourners when we think of our own want of zeal.

3. May we not add to this our own failures in the matter of holiness?

4. We have all a great concern in this matter, and we ought, therefore, to join with the Church in all her griefs. If the ministry of our pastors be not successful, we shall lose by its want of power. If the Gospel is not preached our souls will not be fed. Suppose the Gospel is not preached with saving power, then we shall have our children unconverted, and they will not be our joy and crown. There cannot be a deficiency in the pulpit without its bringing mischief to our households. We are members of one body, and if any part of the body suffers, every other part of the body will have to suffer too. (C. H. Spurgeon.)