Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary… I. THE RUNNING. There are different paces among the Lord's servants: Ahimaaz is swifter than Cushi, and John outruns Peter, but he who by faith has truly entered upon the road to heaven, though his march be slow and limping, shall nevertheless ultimately reach his journey's end. Scores of timid believers creep towards heaven as the snail crept into the ark. However, there is no reason why you should imitate these slowly moving pilgrims; if Mephibosheth be lame in both his feet, it is not desirable that you should imitate his limp. 1. Running is the pace of energy. Be it yours and mine to outstrip the energy of this world, and so to run in our Master's ways as to prove that the servants of Christ can render Him more loyal and devoted service than princes win from their favourites and flatterers. 2. Running is a pace which indicates fulness of alacrity. Mark often uses about our Lord the words "straightway" and "immediately." Mark's is the Gospel descriptive of Christ as a servant, and it is one of the attributes of a good servant that he is prompt at once to do his lord's bidding. 3. To run is to be diligent. 4. Running indicates thorough-going hearty zeal. II. I shall COMMEND THE RUNNING. 1. Running is most commendable, because it is a warming pace. 2. Running is a pace that clears the ground. 3. It is a cheering pace. 4. It is the winning pace. 5. It is a fitting pace for a believer. III. THE RUNNER'S GIRDLE. "They that wait upon the Lord shall run, and not be weary." What is it to "wait upon the Lord"? Singleness of eye in serving God, simplicity of dependence upon the Divine power, and constant expectation that the power will be given. IV. THE RUNNER'S STAFF. The runner's consolation lies in this promise, that "he shall not be weary." How is it that running Christians do not become weary? 1. Because they have daily strength given them for all their daily needs. 2. As the Christian advances he finds fresh matter to interest him. 3. Above all, there is one fact that keeps the Christian from weariness, namely, that he looks to the end, to the recompense of the reward. ( C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. |
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