Preacher S Complete Homiletical Commentary Genesis (Vol. 5) (Various Authors)

《Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary – Genesis (Vol. 5)》(Various Authors)

53 Chapter 53

Verse 1

THE PREVALENCE OF UNBELIEF

Isa . Who hath believed our report?

I. THE DESCRIPTION HERE GIVEN OF THE GOSPEL. It is a "report." A report is a statement made to us of facts existing, or of events that have occurred, at some distance of time or place, and which we ourselves have not witnessed. Reports we accept or reject according to the degree of credibility which attaches to those who bring them to us. The Gospel is a "report." As such it surpasses all others—

1. In the importance of the truths which it professes to communicate to us. Consider what they are: What God hath done to deliver us from the bondage and condemnation of sin; how we may approach Him with favour and acceptance; what He has prepared for His people in the world to come; how we may qualify ourselves to share in "the inheritance of the saints in light." What communications can be compared with these for importance?

2. In the evidence by which it is confirmed. No other report was ever so authenticated as this. It has in its favour the testimony of friends and enemies, Jews and Gentiles. The statements of its first preachers were confirmed by miracles (Mar ). The predictions contained in their writings have been fulfilled: e.g., the dispersion of the Jews; the wide extension of Christ's kingdom. We have the testimony of our own senses to the truth of this "report." The Gospel professes, where it is received and obeyed, not only to ensure the possession of an eternal inheritance in heaven, but even on earth to work a great and glorious change in the hearts and characters of men, and to deliver them from the practice and power of sin. As a matter of fact, is not this change produced by the preaching of the Gospel? Might we not say to some of our acquaintances what Paul said to the Corinthians (1Co 6:11)? Let us remember that every such instance of a moral change effected by the Gospel is a proof of its truth, a convincing evidence that it is indeed "the power of God unto salvation," and an additional reason for believing that the promises which it makes concerning the life to come are equally worthy of credit (H. E. I. 1144-1148). Yet this "report," so important and so completely authenticated, is extensively rejected.

II. THE QUESTION WHICH THE PROPHET ASKS IN REFERENCE TO IT. "Who hath believed our report?" There never has been an age in which this question might not have been asked. It may well be asked to-day. True, many nations are professedly Christian; true, the majority of our fellow-countrymen would consider it a grievous insult if we were to call them infidels. But to believe this report is not merely to assent to the truth of it. Belief in the truths it makes known to us implies such a reception of them into the heart as shall influence our conduct. The very nature of the report shows that such is the belief intended and required. They are not changes in which we have no concern, but changes in which consequences so momentous to ourselves depend, that it is impossible but that a hearty persuasion of their being true must lead us to act accordingly. If we do not so act, the inference is plain and just that we do not really believe the report. It is quite clear which of the Egyptians believed, and which of them rejected, the "report" Moses carried to them (Exo ). If a man were told that at a certain hour his house would be attacked, and his goods plundered; or that a certain part of a road along which he had to travel was infested by robbers, and he took no precautions to defend himself against the evil of which he was warned, would you not conclude that he gave no credit to the warning? Apply this test to the subject before us. Look round on society, and say whether it is not true that very few men really believe the "report" of the Gospel. Put on one side the openly irreligious, the self-righteous and the profane, the false and hypocritical professors of religion, all of whom, it is certain, do not "believe" the "report," and what are the numbers that remain? Are they not few? few in comparison with those you have set aside. Do not call this inference uncharitable, it is Scriptural (Mat 7:14). Instead of resisting a conclusion so clearly proved, make a practical use of it. Are there few that be saved? Then strive yourselves to enter in at the strait gate (Luk 13:24).—E. Cooper: Practical and Familiar Sermons, vol. vii. 68-84.

Isaiah foresaw that his message concerning the Messiah would be received with unbelief, and our Lord and His apostles had sad experience of the correctness of the prophet's anticipation (1Co ; 2Co 6:8, &c.) Want of faith in, and obedience to, the heavenly message was not the sin only of those to whom it was first sent. The nature of man is still the same. Still he is naturally inclined to unbelief, to refuse the good and to choose the evil, and to turn away from the truth when it is presented to him. Therefore the ministers of the Gospel still have to complain of the grievous neglect it meets with.

I. THE NATURE AND SUBSTANCE OF THAT REPORT WHICH THE SERVANTS OF JESUS CHRIST MAKE KNOWN TO YOU.

It is the same which the inspired prophet proclaimed—glad tidings of salvation in and through a suffering Redeemer. It sets before us, not temporal, but everlasting things; it deals with our eternal interests, and the way to heaven! It is "a report so marvellous, that it fills heaven and earth with wonder; so true, that we may as well doubt our own existence as entertain a doubt respecting it; so interesting, that all the things of time and sense are, in comparison with it, but as the dust of the balance; and so joyous, that it is a certain and inexhaustible source of happiness to all who receive it" (Simeon). It might be expected, then, that it would meet with universal attention. But when we look around and observe what manner of people the bulk of mankind are, we cannot but feel impressed with the sad truth that the religion of the crucified Saviour is of all objects the least attended to.

II. WHY IS IT THAT SO MANY WILL NOT BELIEVE OUR REPORT?

1. Some believe not because they are too much exalted in the pride of human reason; think too highly of themselves, are too full of worldly wisdom to submit to be taught of God. The humbling doctrines of the Cross are against "the vanity of their minds," they will not receive them.

2. The love of this world causes many to disregard our report. The doctrine of the Cross is diametrically against all worldly desires. It admits of no divided hearts (Luk ; 2Co 5:14-15; Gal 6:14). But "the children of this world" are devoted to it. Their whole heart is set upon it, and all their hopes, pleasures, and pains spring from it. Therefore, when the servant of God delivers his report to them, he is dismissed with the words, "Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee."

3. Another great cause of the disbelief of our report is the prevailing power of sin. The doctrine of a crucified Redeemer is a "doctrine which is according to godliness" (Tit ; Gal 5:24). This is one main reason why we cannot prevail upon men to listen to the message from God which we deliver. The consciousness of guilt induces many to wish it were not as we testify. And when men wish earnestly, they soon bring themselves to believe. They persuade themselves, therefore, that heaven and hell are but names, and that the Gospel is no more than an empty sound (Joh 3:19).

Thus, from one cause or another, the Saviour is still "despised and rejected of men."

CONCLUSION.—Can any one imagine for a moment that God will suffer the greatest of His blessings to be thus lightly esteemed? To such men the servants of God are commissioned to lift up the awful voice of warning, and to proclaim the punishment of disobedience (Heb ; 1Pe 4:17; Hos 12:2; Isa 66:14-15; Jer 13:16-17; H. E. I. 2438).—Jonathan Walton, B.D.: Sermons, vol. ii. 410-427.

1. Let us reflect on the great guilt of unbelievers in a Gospel land, and the awful condemnation to which they stand exposed.

2. If there are many who hear the report of the Gospel, and yet believe it not, each one should be solicitous for himself. We believe that the doom of those around us who neglect the Gospel will be awful, and we flatter ourselves that we shall escape it. But what is the ground of our hope?—Some of you do not even pretend to an evidence of your present title to salvation, but you hope to obtain it by a future compliance with its conditions. But had not many who have perished in their sins, as strong resolutions of future repentance as you have? What will your intentions do for you?

3. We learn that the unsuccessfulness of the Gospel is not always to be imputed to the want of fidelity or ability in the preachers of it. It must often be ascribed to some other cause. The prophets of old, the apostles, yea, our Saviour complained, "Who hath believed our report?" Zeal and diligence in ministers are most important; but if you are unsaved, the probability is, that the fault lies, not in the ministers to whom you have listened, but in you.—Joseph Lathrop, D.D.: Eighty Sermons, pp. 243-247.

I. The Gospel is a message or report to man, upon matters of supreme importance.

1. The character and claims of God.

2. The character and the condition of mankind.

3. The method of salvation by the intervention of a Mediator.

II. The Gospel is communicated to man for the express purpose of being believed.

1. The Gospel is worthy of faith, on account of the evidence by which it is confirmed.

2. Faith in the report of the Gospel is the only medium by which it can be rendered available to our safety and final happiness.

3. Faith in the Gospel results from the operation of Divine power upon the soul.

III. It frequently becomes a matter of solemn inquiry as to the number of those by whom the Gospel has been embraced.

1. Observe the implication which this inquiry involves—that there are but few persons comparatively to whom the testimony of the Gospel is presented, who cordially and truly embrace it. This implication was plainly truthful and correct, in connection with the prophet himself, in his own age. The same implication was correct, in regard to the ministry of the Lord Jesus, the apostles and preachers in the past and present age.

2. This being the nature of the implication, you must also observe the results which from that implication must be produced.

(1.) Compassion must be produced.

(2.) Exertion. Remember the obligation of faithful, and intense, and incessant exhortation lies also upon all and upon each of you; and if you lose your opportunity and sacrifice your influence in the world, when opportunity might be employed and influence might be exerted in the Church, and for Christ, and for souls, take heed how you answer for the deficiency, when blood shall be required at your hands.

(3.) Prayer. The influence of the Divine Spirit, to which we have adverted, is to be sought and is to be obtained by prayer.

CONCLUSION.—If, amid these scenes of privilege, you die in your sins, and thus enter into a retributive eternity, you will know by your own history what it is to be a lost soul.—The Preacher's Treasury: pp. 109-110.

I. The "report" here spoken of.

1. Its general contents.

2. Its great importance.

II. How we are required to believe it.

1. Practically, with our hearts.

2. Seasonably, without delay.

3. Perseveringly, without declension.

III. The effects of this belief.

1. It delivers from the burden of guilt, and the dominion of sin.

2. It blesses instantly.

3. It keeps constantly. It rewards eternally.—Four Hundred Sketches, vol. ii. p. 89.

WHY SO FEW BELIEVE THE GOSPEL

Isa . Who hath believed our report?

Generally the most powerful preaching of the Gospel has been with little fruit. So that Isaiah had this sad complaint, "Who hath believed our report?" Our Lord Jesus Christ had it also (Joh ). When it was so with sweet Isaiah in the Old Testament, and with our blessed Lord in the New, who spoke with such power and authority, you may see there is reason for us to inquire, Why it is that so few believe? i.e., believe to the salvation of the soul. It is with those causes only which are most common and operative that I would now deal frankly, "speaking the truth in love."

I. LACK OF APPRECIATION AND CONSIDERATION OF THE GOSPEL.

1. You do not think yourselves in danger. You confess that you are sinners, but in your hearts you do not think so. In your own opinion, you are good friends with God already. You do not believe that you are the slaves of Satan, and that you are on your way to hell. You are like the Scribes and Pharisees who were well satisfied with themselves, and thought they had no need of a physician, and therefore never sought Christ's help. His offer of help they angrily rejected (Joh ), and you resent any plain speaking concerning your real state.

2. Hence, also, you neither appreciate nor consider the glad tidings that are brought to you. You are not awake to the fact that the Gospel is the very thing you need to hear. You do not hear or read it as a merchant on the verge of ruin reads a cheque which a wealthy friend has sent to save him from bankruptcy. Thinking of yourselves as you do, you give no heed to it. Your sad lack in this matter is shown in three ways.

(1.) By the way in which you come to hear the Gospel. How few hunger and thirst for it, and come desiring to learn from it how you are to prepare to meet with God! You come, not to profit by it, but for some defective and worthless reason (Joh ).

(2.) By the way you behave when you are here. Many of you are inattentive; your thoughts are running after your trade, &c.; and some of you even sleep! Were you in any other meeting about ordinary business, how different your outward and inward conduct would be!