Isaiah 32:20 Blessed are you that sow beside all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the donkey. Isaiah ever had an eye to the golden age. In view of the successful issue of the coming struggle, he intimates the wisdom of going on with seed sowing. They are blessed who are not hindered by fear. May we not learn the wisdom of hopefulness? The man who believes in Divine faithfulness has every reason to be an optimist. This subject is capable of application in various ways. The optimism of Isaiah, Christ, Paul, and John needs cultivation. 1. Those who give any thought to the social problems of the age are met by many difficulties and discouragements. So much want to be relieved, so many wrongs to be righted. Pessimism says, "Society is going to the dogs; let it go." Optimism says, "I'll save it if I can." Present social inequalities and woes should not make us hopeless. Jehovah was more mighty than Sennacherib. He is more mighty than all the forces arrayed against true liberty. Having faith in God we may sow the seeds of social reform. 2. In evangelistic and missionary work a spirit of optimism is essential. With Divine promises of power and blessing we may hopefully sow. Concerning foreign missions, Pessimism says, "It is a waste of life, money, energy"; but the man whose faith in God is strong, points to the golden age when all shall know the Lord. 3. Considering our own life and experience this same hopefulness is essential. Is life worth living? Yes, if for no other reason because in it we may sow for a golden harvest. (T. S. Williams, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass.WEB: Blessed are you who sow beside all waters, who send out the feet of the ox and the donkey. |
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