Isaiah 24:15 Why glorify you the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea. I. WHO ARE EXPECTED TO GLORIFY THE LORD. 1. "to glorify" is exemplified in 1 Chronicles 29:10-18-1. Then the wicked cannot do that (Job 20:5). 2. But the Church triumphant does (Revelation 7:11, 19). 3. And the Church militant ought to have this one aim. Let us take as an example, St. Paul (Philippians 3:10-14). II. WHAT THE FIRES ARE IN WHICH WE GLORIFY GOD. 1. Determined self-humiliation, etc.; duties unpleasant, but religious. 2. Personal troubles are often perplexing. Faith is given, not to annihilate these, but to endure them. 3. Others' trials. 4. Our bodily afflictions. 5. Amongst the hottest "fires" are fiery darts. Paul was thus tried. 6. Enmity against our beloved Church. Foes within and without. 7. Fear of death. III. BUT ONE IS EVER PRESENT IN THE FIRES. 1. In them once, alone. 2. Leads others safely through. IV. THE FIRES ARE BURNING BY GOD'S PERMISSION. Like powerful remedies of surgeon or physician. 1. To manifest His chosen. 2. To purify. 3. To strengthen. Opposition invigorates. (W. W. Tyler.) Parallel Verses KJV: Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea. |
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