Isaiah 38:12 My age is departed, and is removed from me as a shepherd's tent: I have cut off like a weaver my life… I. IT IS WORTH WHILE LOOKING AT THE WORK ITSELF. Now what is this? The formation of personal character. There are two great elements which might well correspond with the weaver's warp and woof. The first may represent the principles of scriptural trust in God; pardon, providence, hope, &c. These, like the weaver's warp, are strong and firmly fixed. The second are our own dally deeds. Each is a thread, woven into the character; both are necessary in cloth making: so are faith and works, in character weaving. Now observe about this work what it is. 1. The weaver's own. I do not mean that the materials, either before or after they are made up, belong to him, but the work itself. A thousand weavers may use the same wool in common, while the work of each will be the product of each individual workman. Now this is a solemn fact in character weaving. Every man is making, and must make, his own; nobody can make it for him, nor can God give it him. 2. It is a work of increasing progress. We have to choose, not whether the work shall go on, but only whether the work shall be good or bad. 3. It is a work of growing ease. It is difficult at first, but soon, and in proportion to the weaver's assiduity, he becomes dexterous, and may sing all day at his loom; ay, he shall have plenty to sing about too! So it is with character weaving. 4. It is a work of changeful feeling. We may be full of joy or grief, gaiety or gloom, only let the work go on. The finest cloth is often woven while we weep (Job 7:6). Poor Job! You little thought what was in your loom then! Every age admires that work of yours! Christian weaver, do not think too much of your frames and feelings. II. IT IS WORTH WHILE LOOKING AT THE MATERIALS. These are the doctrines of truth, all the agencies of the Spirit, and particularly all the events of life, all the calls to self-denial, duty, trust and righteousness which our lot furnishes. Observe of them — 1. They are like the weaver's wool, all supplied by the Master. And the Master gives that material which best suits the workman. 2. They are only materials after all. They are valuable for the cloth's sake, rather than for themselves. The man that works the worst material best, shall have the best pay and praise, and vice versa. Always remember that the part you play in life's drama is the choice of God, the manner of playing it alone is yours. These materials are abundant. The master never lacks them so that work should be short. Every workman has his hands full. III. IT IS WORTH WHILE LOOKING AT THE END. "I have cut off," &c. Observe — 1. The fabric lasts for ever. Cloth wears out, character does not. 2. The work is over at death. The loom must then stop for ever. No unpicking bad work, finished or unfinished, bad or good. The shuttle is still, and the shears cut off the cloth, and it is delivered up. 3. The Master inspects it. Here, reputation will be nothing; character, all. It will be held up to the sun, ἐιλικρίνεια. 4. The Master disposes of it according to its worth. In reviewing all this, think — (1) What a mercy it is we are spared and furnished for this work! (2) What a motive to begin the work early! (3) How soon shall we have nothing but our work left! Wealth, poverty, health, sickness, &c., all will be left behind! (W. Wheeler.) Parallel Verses KJV: Mine age is departed, and is removed from me as a shepherd's tent: I have cut off like a weaver my life: he will cut me off with pining sickness: from day even to night wilt thou make an end of me. |
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