107
TH E K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S
March, 1940
APRIL 28, 1940 ISAIAH COMFORTS AN AFFLICTED PEOPLE I saiah 40
A Christian preparatory schoolofferingaccredited .four-year training for College entrance. Strong courses, Orthodox Christian teachers. Wholesome social, •athletic, and extracurricular activities. Academy stu dents enjoy the College atmosphere. Address the Dean, Box K 3.40
plished. Isaiah speaks, as is usual with the prophets, as though the thing were already performed. The prophet’s patriotism is unquestioned, and while he doubtless did not understand all he wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, nevertheless his own heart would have been cheered as he diligently studied the prophetic Word concerning his people (cf. 1 Pet. 1:10, 11; 2 Pet. 1 : 21 ). II. T he P reparation (3, 4) The ministry of John the Baptist is here in view (cf. Matt. 3:3). John was the last of the Old Testament prophets, heading up and representing all that went before him (cf. Lk. 16:16). As the last Old Testament prophet, he opened the door, as it were, for the preaching and teaching of the. Prophet of whom Moses wrote (cf. Deut. 18:18). Under divine inspiration these Old Testament prophets looked down through the years and wrote of “the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow” (1 Pet. 1:11). That is, they wrote of the first and second, advents of Christ as though there would be no intervening time between these events. They saw nothing of the period of the world’s history in which we now find ourselves; the church age was unknown to them. HI. T he R evelation (5-8) The revelation of glory (cf. v. 5) will be at the coming of Christ to earth to reign. This event is not synonymous with His coming for believers, the occa sion which is sometimes called the Rap ture (cf. 1 Thess. 4:16-18), but is con cerned with our, Lord’s subsequent ap pearance upon the earth. In this Isaiah passage, what is in view is not His com ing for but with His saints—not His coming as the Bridegroom but as the Judge, not His coming to take His church away from the earth but His ar rival to establish His kingdom upon the earth. It will be a universal revelation, be cause “all flesh shall see it together.” Only the few who were with Him on “ the holy mount” have ever had even a glimpse of that glorious sight (cf. Lk. 9:28-36). The assurance of the revelation lies in the words, “The mouth of the Lord hath spoken it” (v. 5). His immutable purpose is involved, and that must be fulfilled; His almighty power is in volved, and that shall accomplish all His holy will; His unchangeable promise is involved, and that cannot fail. Though the words are prophetic, the condition which they describe empha sizes also the imperative need for the new birth (cf. 1 Pet. 1:23-25). Man
Isaiah 40:1 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. 2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare Is ac complished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. 3 The voice of him that crieth In the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a high way for our God* 4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the c r o o k e d shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: .5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it to gether: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it* 6 The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh Is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field. 7 'The grass withereth, the flower fad- eth; because the spirit of the Lord blow- eth upon it: surely the people is grass. 8 The grass withereth, the flower fad- eth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. • 9 O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! 10 Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. 11 He shall feed his flock like a shep herd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. LESSON TEXT : Isa. 40:1-11. GOLDEN TEXT : «God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psa. 46:1). * DEVOTIONAL READING: 2 Cor. 1:3-7. Outline and Exposition • I. T he P roclamation (1, 2) C HAPTERS 1 to 39 of the Book of son today, is concerned in the main with the future restoration and glory of God’s earthly people. Hence “com fort” is the characteristic note, and the words, “saith your God,” express the certainty that such a time of comfort is to come. The cause of the comfort is that the time of Israel’s judgments is seen as being past, p u n i s h m e n t is for ever over, and restoration is accom-
Devotional Messages for LENT and EASTER THE SIX MIRACLES OF CALVARY by William R. Nicholson James M. Gray challenged "the world of Chris tian literature to produce in the same compass, anything on the redemption mysteries of the cru cifixion of Christ, comparable-in spiritual inter est and power." 80 pages, art stock covers, 20c. - THE GOSPEL IN THE CRUCIFIXION by George E. Guille This unfolding of the deep meanings in the many details of the crucifixion is one of the most extraordinary and valuable ever given. 32 pages, art stock covers, 15c. FACING CALVARY by William Evans Revealing the depth and comfort of Christ’s prayer in' the 17-th chapter of John. 91 pages, art stock covers, 40c. NOT HERE— BUT RISEN ! by Herbert Lockyer Shows the believer’s position ir. Christ, result ing in a sanctified walk. 16 pases, art stock covers, 10c. VISITING THE EMPTY GRAVE by Herbert Lockyer Comfort and encouragement^for the reader as he realizes that Christ was triumphant over death and the grave. 16 pages, art stock cover's, 10c. THE EMPTY TOMB Resurrection realities made plain by Maclaren, Moody, Spurgeon, and others. 128 pages, art stock covers. 20c. CALVARY’S CROSS Seasonal sermons by Moody, Ryle, Spurgeon. Talmage. and others, holding up. Christ as our Substitute. 128 pages, art stock covers, 20c. THE CROSS OF CHRIST by James H. Todd A study of the Atonement upon Calvary as the Crowning act in God’s plan of redemption. 128 page?, deluxe gift edition, art stock covers, 35c. Thè Bible Institute Colportage Ass’n 810 N. Wells St. Chicago, 111.
Isaiah are concerned largely with judgments. But the second part of the book which opens with our les
"Sunshine Line” Cards—Plaques Stationery—Books—Bibles ^
Earn Larger Income in 19^0 . Offer 'Newest 50c Scripture-Text 1 Everyday Greeting Card Boxes and ' Distinctive New Stationery Cabinet; Popular Rustic “ Art-Wood” Plaques, j The “ Sunshine Line” includes ’ many other attractive and appealing items for home, school, and church. Dignified and pleasant year-round . work. Represent us full or part 1 time. Earn extra money and do good by widening your influence. Write nearer office today for new j illustrated Sales Proposition. GOSPEL TRUMPET COMPANY Attention Dept. D-5 1Sacramento, Calif., or Anderson, Ind. J
BLACKBOARD LESSON
ï
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker