Isaiah 26:1-10 In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.… I. THE FIGURATIVE DESCRIPTION WHICH IS HERE GIVEN OF THE CHURCH. 1. It is a city; from which metaphor we obtain three ideas respecting it — (1) Its amplitude. It is not a family, or a village, or a hamlet, or a provincial town; but a city. It includes as its inhabitants, all the good both in heaven and in earth, who form "an exceeding great multitude." The dimensions of this city are such as comport with the largeness of the Father's designs, the transcendent value of the Saviour's merits, the variety and immensity of the Holy Spirit's influences. (2) Its order No city ever flourished long without rule. Christ is the King of this city, and He establishes His laws in the midst of it. (3) Its magnificence. We are not to look for the magnificence of the Church in outward splendour and glory, but in its sanctity — its holy principles and practices. 2. But this city has an important appellative; — it is "a strong city." And this will appear, if you consider — (1) The foundation on which it rests. "Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever."(2) The protection it enjoys. God Himself dwells in this city; and His presence is our stay and our defence. All His attributes and promises are connected with this safety. (3) The principles by which its unity is cemented. Unity is strength. And the unity subsisting between the members of this city is so strong as not to be dissolved by any earthly power. The principles by which the members of the Church of Christ are united are these two — truth and love. "We have a strong city."(4) The rude assaults it has sustained, uninjured. We hardly know the strength of anything till it is put to the test. The Church has been exposed to the opposition of earth and the fury of hell. II. ITS IMPREGNABLE SAFETY. How do I know that this city shall continue, and its interests be advanced, until its glory is consummated? Why, for this reason: "Salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks." 1. Hostility is implied. 2. The means of preservation and defence are amply provided. 3. It implies a glorious issue. All these means shall prove effectual III. HOW MAY WE HAVE A SATISFACTORY ASSURANCE THAT WE HAVE PERSONALLY AN INTEREST IN THIS CITY OF THE GREAT KING? You may have this — 1. If you have chosen Jesus Christ as the ground of your dependence for salvation. 2. If you are visibly incorporated with the inhabitants of this city. 3. If you are enabled to exemplify the distinguishing character of those who are citizens of Zion. 4. If you find that you have truly merged all your interests in the interests of the Church, and have identified your happiness with her successes. 5. If you find your thoughts and affections much engaged on that future State of which the Church on earth is but a type.Conclusion — 1. Let me call upon you to be thankful to God, who has afforded you such an asylum. 2. Let me invite you to enter this city. 3. Let us dismiss our fears, when we have once got within the walls of this city. 4. Endeavour to bring as many as you can to be inhabitants of that Zion, the privileges of which you enjoy. (J. C. Cronin.) Parallel Verses KJV: In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. |
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