Isaiah 55:3 Incline your ear, and come to me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you… I. THE MESSAGE IMPLIED. When we are commanded to "hear," it is supposed that something is spoken: there is a voice which, in one way or other, addresses us. This is none else than the voice of Jehovah, the God of truth, the God of love, the God of all patience and consolation. He speaks to us in His good Word. II. THE REGARD WHICH THIS MESSAGE DEMANDS. "Hear." There can be no impropriety in understanding this literally; and, in this view, it condemns such as do not hear the Gospel when it is brought to them, and they have the opportunity of hearing it. It also reproves such as only occasionally hear the Gospel But more is meant by hearing, in the text, than your presence in the place where the Gospel is preached. 1. Hear with attention. Thus the expression is varied, both in this and the preceding verse: "Hearken diligently unto Me; incline your ear," as persons peculiarly and closely attentive. Some marks of inattention, under the sound of the Gospel, are obvious enough. But we cannot always judge of attention by outward appearances. Then, will you hear with attention, when you arc deeply convinced of the truth of what you hear; when you feel its vast importance; when you are thoroughly satisfied that the word of the Gospel is indeed the Word of God. 2. Hear with affection. It is a great thing to love the Gospel. When the Gospel is heard affectionately, there is an earnest concern to enjoy its invaluable blessings: prejudice falls before it; there is a growing conformity to it. 3. Hear with believing application. 4. Hear with obedient compliance. This, indeed, is nearly allied to what has last been mentioned, yet it includes something farther. Thus it is said, "Incline your ear, and come unto Me" not only believe that these blessings of salvation are adapted to your state, and ready for your reception, but apply to Him who has them to bestow. He is "the Author of eternal salvation;" to whom? "to all them that obey Him.' 5. Hear with humble prayer. III. THE ADVANTAGE PROMISED. "Your soul shall live." Several things are here observable. 1. It is a personal advantage. Many advantages are relative and distant. Persons may attend to various means with a view to the good of others. But this advantage is personally your own. 2. It is a spiritual advantage. Your "soul." To benefit the body is something; to preserve its life, to maintain and to improve its health, are objects of real moment; but they sink into nothing compared with what relates to the soul. 3. It is a great advantage. "Your soul shall live." We all have some idea what life is, and we know how highly it is valued. This advantage must be of peculiar magnitude, as the soul is unspeakably more excellent than the body, and as eternity is of infinitely higher moment than the fleeting shadow of time. The life of the soul! What does it denote? What does it include? The commencement of the life of the soul is in regeneration. 4. It is a sure advantage. Application: 1. The message of the Gospel is brought to you. 2. What is the regard which you are giving to this message? 3. What is your experience of this advantage? (T. Kidd.) Parallel Verses KJV: Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. |
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