Isaiah 49:14-16 But Zion said, The LORD has forsaken me, and my Lord has forgotten me.… I. THERE ARE MANY THINGS THAT OFTEN CONDUCE TO SUSPICIONS ON THE PART OF THE CHILDREN OF GOD CONCERNING THE LORD'S GOODNESS. 1. Times of deep affliction; of dark and mysterious providences; days in which there is no light. 2. These are seasons oftentimes, in which, through our frailty, imperfection, sin, and sinfulness, the weakness of our faith and the strength of unbelief, the believer may be led to form some suspicions concerning the goodness of God. 3. Besides this, there may be periods of deep spiritual temptation. 4. Some laxity in the walk will oftentimes briny strength to a man's suspicions here. 5. He may be in a state of spiritual captivity. II. THE GREAT SECURITY THAT IS HERE PLACED BEFORE US. "Can a woman forget her sucking child," &c. There cannot be a figure more tender, more comprehensive. It is the figure of a helpless babe: there is the tenderness of the tie; there is the helplessness of the child; and there is the very posture of the child; and they are all full of great and important truth; and yet according to those last words — "they may forget; yet will I not forget thee" — this is not enough. As though the Lord would say, If My love were not more than this, it would not be enough to secure thee. III. GOD DOES GIVE PROOF THAT THIS TENDER LOVE DOES NOT FORGET. "They may forget; yet will I not forget thee." He does not forget their persons. "Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands." They are borne upon the heart of the great High Priest. He forgets not the work of grace that is in them. He forgetteth not the trials of His saints. He forgetteth not the returns of His people He forgetteth not the walk of His saints. He forgetteth them not in death. (J. H. Evans, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me.WEB: But Zion said, "Yahweh has forsaken me, and the Lord has forgotten me." |
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