The Christian's conquest.
"He shall not fail nor be discouraged" We study this next in relation to ourselves, The words suggest difficulties that task strength and patience, He, our blessed Lord, has a work, not only of Divine impulse, but Divine patience. The second verse describes the quiet work of Christ; the third describes the solicitous heart of Christ; the fourth describes the spirit which sustains him.
I. THIS PROPHECY SUGGESTS A DIFFICULT PATH OF PROGRESS. Why say this?
1. There will be much that looks like failure judged by appearances.
2. There will be much that would exhaust human resources.
The strongest man would say, "I feel that, if left to myself, I could not continue."
II. THE PROPHECY STATES THE SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST. "He shall not fail."
1. Preparative processes are related to permanent work.
2. Preliminary hindrances are nothing to the eye that sees the end.
3. Discouragements are overmastered by the infinite power of love.
III. THE PROPHECY TEACHES US THAT THERE WILL BE AN ENTHRONEMENT OF THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTIANITY. Judgment.
1. Christian judgment concerning sin. A right estimate of its heinousness and its influences.
2. Christian judgment concerning salvation. What we mean by the power of Christ, not only to pardon, but to redeem life from evil.
IV. THE PROPHECY IS SUGGESTIVE OF WARNING TO US.
1. How soon our energies get enfeebled!
2. How soon our hearts get discouraged!
3. How soon we lose the spirit of Christ!
V. THE PROPHECY CLOSES WITH THE WAITING OF THE ISLES. Yes; they wait.
1. Unconsciously seeking.
2. Can find no other Saviour.
3. Ultimately to be won to Christ.—W.M.S.