Isaías 2

Horae Homileticae de Charles Simeon

Isaías 2:5

5 Venha, ó descendência de Jacó, andemos na luz do Senhor!

DISCOURSE: 861
EXHORTATION TO A HOLY WALK

Isaías 2:5. O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord.

MANY prophecies there are which are not yet accomplished, especially among those which are to be fulfilled “in the last days.” The last days were understood even by the Jews themselves as relating to the days of the Messiah; and they comprehend all the time from his first advent in the flesh to the period when his kingdom shall be fully established upon earth. Hence the prophecies relating to that period must have different degrees of accomplishment; being partly fulfilled in the first triumphs of the Gospel, but having a further and more entire accomplishment when all the kingdoms of the world shall become the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Thus it is that we are to understand the prophecy contained in the preceding context. “The mountain of the Lord’s House,” that is, the Gospel Church, was established on the top of the mountains in the apostolic age, when it triumphed over heathen idolatry and Jewish superstition; and myriads of converts encouraged one another to serve and glorify their God: but we have not yet seen the time when “swords have been beaten into ploughshares, and spears into pruning-hooks, and nations have ceased to learn and practise the art of war.” That time however will come: and we should long, and labour to the utmost of our power, to hasten it forward. We should even now anticipate it; yea, we will anticipate it: “O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord!”

Let us walk in the light,

I. Of his truth—

His truth now shines in its meridian splendour—
[“The darkness is indeed past; and the true light now shineth [Note: 1 João 2:8.].” “The day-star has arisen [Note: 2 Pedro 1:19.]:” “the day-spring from on high hath visited us [Note: Lucas 1:78.].” “the Sun of Righteousness [Note: Malaquias 4:2.]” shineth forth in his brightness: and the way of salvation through a crucified Redeemer is now so plain, that “no wayfaring man, though a fool, can err therein [Note: Isaías 35:8.]” — — — “On the face of Moses there was a veil, that they who received the law should not see its full import: but if the Gospel be hid, it is from those only whom the god of this world hath blinded;” since “we may all with open (that is, unveiled) face behold as in a mirror the glory of the Lord [Note: 2 Coríntios 3:13.]” — — —]

Let us then walk in it—
[Having the light, we should “believe in the light, that we may be the children of light [Note: João 12:35.].” We should embrace with all thankfulness the way of salvation revealed in the Gospel. We should “come to Christ,” as the appointed Saviour of a ruined world [Note: Mateus 11:28.]: we should “look to him,” as dying upon the cross for us [Note: Isaías 45:22.]: we should “build upon him, as our only foundation [Note: 1 Coríntios 3:11.];” and “cleave unto him with full purpose of heart [Note: Atos 11:23.];” and “determine to know none but him [Note: 1 Coríntios 2:2.],” and to “glory in nothing but the cross of Christ [Note: Gálatas 6:14.]” — — — “Arise then, and be enlightened, for the light is come; and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you [Note: Isaías 60:1. The marginal reading.].”]

Whilst confiding in God as reconciled to us by the blood of the cross, we should endeavour to walk in the light,

II.

Of his countenance—

This is the privilege of a true believer—
[So it is declared to be, by one who experienced it richly in his own soul [Note: Salmos 89:15.]. God presents himself to us in the Gospel under the endearing relations of a Father and a Friend, to whom we may carry every want, every trial, every difficulty; and from whom we may expect a supply according to our need. He will be not only “our God,” but “a God unto us [Note: 1 Crônicas 17:24.],” putting forth all his wisdom, all his love, and all his power, to make us truly blessed. He will engage in this work “with his whole heart and with his whole soul [Note: Jeremias 32:41];” so that it must be utterly our own fault if we be not as holy, and as happy, as our hearts can wish — — —]

Let us then enjoy our privilege—
[Let us “walk with God,” as Enoch did; and “glory in him as the God of our salvation.” See what holy joy David found in communion with him [Note: Salmos 63:1 and Salmos 145:1 and Salmos 150.] — — — and shall we who live under a so much nobler dispensation experience less? Shall not we, who have so much clearer views of Christ, “rejoice in him with joy unspeakable and glorified?” O let us “delight ourselves in God”, and have even now, “in the secret of his presence” and the consolations of his Spirit, an earnest and a foretaste of our heavenly inheritance [Note: Salmos 31:20; Efésios 1:13.] — — —]

But we shall in vain hope to enjoy his presence, if we walk not also in the light,

III.

Of his commandments—

These are given by him “as a light to our feet and a lantern to our paths”—
[Without them we should not “know how to walk and to please God;” but by them we are fully informed in all things that are needful for us to do [Note: Provérbios 6:23.]. They do not indeed descend to every particular circumstance in which we can be placed; but they afford principles which are universally applicable, and which are quite sufficient for our direction when duly applied. The duty of “doing to others as we would be done unto,” is so comprehensive as to embrace every part of our social duty, whilst it is so simple that it may be comprehended and applied by every one who desires to please God.]

Let us then make these the one rule of our conduct—
[Let us not attempt to reduce them to the standard of the world, but endeavour rather to raise our conduct to the standard of God’s revealed will. Let us treasure up in our minds the most exalted precepts, and “hide God’s word in our hearts, that we may not sin against him;” for “then shall we not be ashamed, when we have respect unto all God’s commandments” — — —]

In addressing “the house of Jacob,” we must speak to,
1.

Those who are nominally so—

[It is but too true, that “all are not Israel, who are of Israel:” and those who are only of the house of Jacob by name and profession, may know it by their walk and conversation. Consider, I pray you, in what light you have walked: Is it not manifest, that the generality who call themselves Christians are influenced only by the things of time and sense; and that their principles and pursuits are altogether earthly? Know then, ye lovers of this present evil world, that, if God’s word may be depended on, you are deluding yourselves to your eternal ruin [Note: Isaías 50:11.]. You “sow the wind, and you shall reap the whirlwind [Note: Oséias 8:7.].” When will you begin to see, that “one thing,” and one thing only, “is needful?” When will you learn to say, “Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire in comparison of thee?” That you should seek present, as well as eternal, happiness, we grant: but you should seek it where David did; “Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us; and that will put more gladness in my heart than any increase of corn, wine, and oil can ever do [Note: Salmos 4:6.].”]

2. Those who are really so—

[You have found that God in Christ is “a fountain of life; and in his light you have seen light [Note: Salmos 36:9.].” You therefore are “children of the light and of the day.” But if you are so highly distinguished in your character, think how distinguished you should also be in our conduct [Note: Efésios 5:8; 1 Tessalonicenses 5:5.]. The eyes of all are upon you: they will look particularly to see whether religion is such a source of happiness as you profess. O shew them that “you need neither the sun to lighten you by day, nor the moon by night, since the Lord has been a light unto you, and your God your glory [Note: Isaías 60:19.].” Shew them that even in the greatest troubles you have a fountain of consolation to go unto; and that “when you walk in darkness, the Lord is a light unto you [Note: Jó 29:3.Miquéias 7:8.].” And, as it is eminently characteristic of Gospel times to encourage one another in the ways of God, see that you do so, “speaking one with another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts unto the Lord.” Then, from enjoying God in his courts below, you shall be taken to serve him in his temple above, where your largest desires shall be satisfied, and your utmost capacities be filled [Note: Apocalipse 21:22.Salmos 16:11.]

Introdução

CONTENTS TO VOL. VII.

Discourse

Text

Subject

Isaiah

856. Isaías 1:2.

God’s Complaint against his People

857. Isaías 1:4.

The Sinfulness of the Nation

858. Isaías 1:10.

Service which alone is pleasing to God

859. Isaías 1:18.

Crimson Sins made White

860. Isaías 1:25.

God purifying his People

861. Isaías 2:5.

Exhortation to a Holy Walk

862. Isaías 3:10.

Final State of Man

863. Isaías 4:5.

God the Protector of his Church

864. Isaías 5:3.

God’s Appeal to Man’s Decision

865. Isaías 5:20.

Sinfulness of confounding Good and Evil

866. Isaías 6:5.

Isaiah’s Vision of Christ

867. Isaías 6:8.

A Missionary Spirit described

868. Isaías 8:12.

God the only proper Object of Fear

869. Isaías 8:18.

Believers are for Signs and Wonders

870. Isaías 8:19.

Seeking after God

871. Isaías 9:2.

Blessings imparted by the Gospel

872. Isaías 9:6.

Christ’s Incarnation and Character

873. Isaías 9:13.

Impenitence under Divine Chastisements

874. Isaías 10:12.

Abasement of the Assyrian Monarch

875. Isaías 11:2.

Christ’s Qualifications for his Office

876. Isaías 11:6.

Change to be wrought in the latter Day

877. Isaías 11:9.

The Millennium

878. Isaías 11:10.

Christ a Standard for the Gentiles

879. Isaías 12:1.

The Believer’s Song

880. Isaías 12:3.

The Wells of Salvation

881. Isaías 12:3.

The Believer’s Song

882. Isaías 14:2.

The Christian Warfare

883. Isaías 14:27.

Immutability of God’s Counsels

884. Isaías 14:32.

God’s Church and People secure

885. Isaías 19:20.

Christ a great Saviour

886. Isaías 19:24.

The Conversion of Jews and Gentiles

887. Isaías 21:11.

Profane Scoffers instructed

888. Isaías 22:12.

Unconcern amidst Calls to Repentance

889. Isaías 22:24.

Eliakim a Type of Christ

890. Isaías 24:23.

The Reign of Christ glorious

891. Isaías 25:4.

Christ a suitable and all-sufficient Help

892. Isaías 25:6.

The Gospel a Source of richest Blessings

893. Isaías 25:9.

Christ’s Advent a Ground of Joy

894. Isaías 26:3.

Trust in God recommended

895. Isaías 26:13.

Humiliation with Zeal

896. Isaías 26:20.

The only Refuge of Sinners


CONTENTS TO VOL. VIII

Discourse

Text

Subject

Isaiah

897. Isaías 27:3.

God’s Care for his Church

898. Isaías 27:6.

The future Prosperity of Israel

899. Isaías 27:12.

Conversion of the Jews gradual

900. Isaías 28:5.

The Felicity of God’s People

901. Isaías 29:17.

The Millennial Period fast approaching

902. Isaías 29:18.

The Gospel a Source of Blessings to Mankind

903. Isaías 30:7.

Confidence in God recommended

904. Isaías 30:26.

Benefits arising from God’s Return to the Soul

905. Isaías 31:4.

God the Protector of his People

906. Isaías 32:2.

Security and Comfort in Christ

907. Isaías 32:16.

The Work of Righteousness is Peace

908. Isaías 33:6.

The Use and Excellency of True Wisdom

909. Isaías 33:16.

Protection promised to the Godly

910. Isaías 33:20.

The Church’s Security

911. Isaías 33:23.

Encouragement to the Weak

912. Isaías 35:1.

Glorious Prospects of the Gospel Church

913. Isaías 35:3.

Encouragement to the Weak

914. Isaías 35:5.

Streams in the Desert

915. Isaías 35:8.

The Way to Zion

916. Isaías 38:14.

Help for us in God

917. Isaías 38:17.

Forgiveness known and enjoyed

918. Isaías 38:19.

Praising God for his Mercies

919. Isaías 38:20.

Hezekiah’s Thanksgiving for his Recovery

920. Isaías 40:1.

The Scope and Tendency of the Gospel

921. Isaías 40:6.

The Immutability of the Gospel

922. Isaías 40:9.

The Messiah’s Advent

923. Isaías 40:11.

Christ’s Care for his Sheep

924. Isaías 40:27.

The Desponding encouraged

925. Isaías 41:10.

The weak Believer comforted

926. Isaías 41:14.

The Worm Jacob threshing the Mountains

927. Isaías 41:17.

Consolation for the Desponding

928. Isaías 42:5.

Christ’s Commission

929. Isaías 42:16.

God’s Dealings with his People opened

930. Isaías 43:1.

God’s Care for his People

931. Isaías 43:4.

The Blessedness of the True Christian

932. Isaías 43:12.

The Saints are Witnesses for God

933. Isaías 43:20.

God’s Kindness to his People

934. Isaías 43:22.

The Greatness of God’s Mercy

935. Isaías 44:1.

The Out-Pouring of the Spirit promised

936. Isaías 44:20.

The Folly of spiritual Idolatry

937. Isaías 44:22.

The Work of Redemption a Motive to Conversion

938. Isaías 44:23.

Redemption a Ground of Joy

939. Isaías 45:8.

The Efficacy of the Gospel

940. Isaías 45:9.

Striving with our Maker

941. Isaías 45:17.

The Extent and Certainty of Israel’s Salvation

942. Isaías 45:21.

Jehovah a just God and a Saviour

943. Isaías 45:22.

Looking to Christ

944. Isaías 45:23.

Exaltation of Christ

945. Isaías 46:3.

God’s Care for his People

946. Isaías 46:12.

Christ the Salvation of Israel

947. Isaías 48:16.

Offices of the Holy Trinity in the Work of Redemption

948. Isaías 48:17.

God’s tender Concern for his People

949. Isaías 49:6.

Christ the Light and Salvation of the Gentiles

950. Isaías 49:7.

Christ’s future Reign

951. Isaías 49:8.

The Greatness of Christ’s Salvation

952. Isaías 49:14.

God will not forget his People

953. Isaías 49:18.

Promised Increase of the Church

954. Isaías 49:24.

Desponding Fears removed

955. Isaías 50:5.

Messiah’s Sufferings and Support

956. Isaías 50:10.

A Word Season

957. Isaías 51:1.

Consolation for the Afflicted

958. Isaías 51:7.

A Dissuasive from the Fear of Man

959. Isaías 52:9.

The Church pleading with God

960. Isaías 52:1.

Despondency reproved

961. Isaías 52:7.

The Nature of the Gospel

962. Isaías 52:8.

The Saint’s Vision of Christ

963. Isaías 52:13.

Christ rewarded for his Services

964. Isaías 52:14.

The Depth of our Saviour’s Humiliation

965. Isaías 52:15.

The Means and Evidence of Conversion

966. Isaías 53:1.

Men’s Neglect of the Gospel

967. Isaías 53:2.

The Characters and Treatment of the Messiah

968. Isaías 53:4.

The True Cause of our Lord’s Suferings

969. Isaías 53:6.

Means of Man’s Restoration to God

970. Isaías 53:7.

Christ’s Behaviour under his Sufferings

971. Isaías 53:8.

Our Lord’s Trial and Execution

972. Isaías 53:9.

The Father’s Conduct towards the innocent Jesus explained and vindicated

973. Isaías 53:10.

Christ’s Death a Condition of our Salvation

974. Isaías 53:11.

Christ’s Satisfaction in his People

975. Isaías 53:11.

Means of our Justification before God

976. Isaías 53:12.

Fruits of Christ’s Death and Intercession

977. Isaías 54:5.

Our Maker our Husband

978. Isaías 54:6.

God’s Faithfulness to his Covenant

979. Isaías 54:13.

Peace the Fruit of Divine Teaching

980. Isaías 54:17.

The Saints’ Heritage

981. Isaías 55:1.

The Blessings of the Gospel

982. Isaías 55:4.

Christ a Witness and Commander

983. Isaías 55:6.

Of seeking the Lord in time

984. Isaías 55:7.

Encouragement to turn to God

985. Isaías 55:8.

God’s Ways above ours

Isaías 55:10.

Resemblance of the Gospel to Rain and Snow

987. Isaías 55:12.

The Change wrought by the Gospel

988. Isaías 56:4.

Acceptance for all sincere Worshippers

989. Isaías 57:15.

The Majesty and Holiness of Gad

990. Isaías 57:17.

God’s Mercy to obstinate Sinners

991. Isaías 57:20.

No Peace to the Wicked

992. Isaías 58:1.

The Ministerial Office

993. Isaías 58:5.

The Services which God requires

994. Isaías 58:13.

Observance of the Sabbath enjoined

995. Isaías 59:8.

No Peace in the Way of Sin

996. Isaías 59:15.

The Righteous a Prey to the Wicked

997. Isaías 59:19.

The Means of spiritual Victory

998. Isaías 59:20.

The Perpetuity of Christ’s Kingdom

999. Isaías 60:1.

Our Duty arising from the Advent of Christ

1000. Isaías 60:8.

Millennial Piety described

1001. Isaías 60:13.

Excellency of the Church of Christ

1002. Isaías 60:15; Isaías 60:10.

Future Prosperity of the Jewish Church

1003. Isaías 60:19.

The Church’s Prosperity

1004. Isaías 61:1.

Christ’s Commission

1005. Isaías 61:9.

Blessedness of the Lord’s People

1006. Isaías 61:10.

The Believer clad with the Garments of Salvation

1007. Isaías 61:11.

The Conversion of the World promised

1008. Isaías 62:3.

The Church a Royal Diadem

1009. Isaías 62:5.

God’s Delight in his People

1010. Isaías 62:6.

Duty of interceding for the Church

1011. Isaías 62:10.

Restoration of the Jews

1012. Isaías 63:1.

Messiah’s Triumphs

1013. Isaías 63:7.

The Loving-kindness of the Lord

1014. Isaías 63:8; Isaías 63:10.

Vexing the Holy Spirit

1015. Isaías 63:9.

The Love of God towards his People

1016. Isaías 63:11.

God contemplated

1017. Isaías 63:15.

Pleading with God

1018. Isaías 64:6.

Imperfection of our best Services

1019. Isaías 64:7.

The Consequences of neglecting Prayer

1020. Isaías 65:12.

Danger of disregarding God

1021. Isaías 65:17.

The new Heavens and the new Earth

1022. Isaías 65:24.

The Efficacy of Prayer

1023. Isaías 66:2.

The Poor and Contrite the Objecte of God’s Favour

1024. Isaías 66:10.

God delights to comfort his People

1025. Isaías 66:18.

The Jews to convert the Gentiles