Homilist Isaiah 28:29 This also comes forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working. The context presents to us physical husbandry in two very different aspects. (1) As the effect of God's teaching. (2) As the emblem of God's teaching.God's counsel is wonderful in all His departments of action as Creator, Sovereign, and Redeemer. Our illustration shall be taken from the nature, formation, and propagation of the redemptive system. I. ITS NATURE IS WONDERFUL. What is it? One word, perhaps, will best describe it. Reconciliation. To see its wonderfulness think of four things. 1. That the reconciliation originates with the offended party. 2. The offended party, who seeks the reconciliation, is infinitely superior to the offender. 3. The offended party, who is infinitely superior, offers reconciliation to the lowest class of His foes. There are two great classes of enemies to God — fallen angels and fallen men; men are the inferior. Yet He passed by the angels and took hold upon the seed of Abraham. 4. The offended party, who is infinitely superior, offers reconciliation to the lowest classes of HIS foes at a most stupendous sacrifice. II. ITS FORMATION IS WONDERFUL. How is this system of reconciliation formed? There are two things as to the mode which show the wonderfulness of the arrangement. 1. Its gradualness. We, when we have a work to do, to which we attach importance, hurry at it, and are impatient for its accomplishment; but God, to ripen this scheme, took four thousand long years. 2. Its instruments. When we have a work to do, we select the best men we can get. God employed the agency of wicked men in the working out of His great reconciling plan. "Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God," etc. III. ITS PROPAGATION IS WONDERFUL. Three things show the wonderfulness of its propagation. 1. The character of the persons to whom its propagation was first entrusted. To whom did He commit the ministry of this wonderful scheme! To the magnates, or the literati of His age? No, to a few poor fishermen. 2. The class of persons to whom it was first offered. The greatest sinners on earth; the sinners at Jerusalem, who imbrued their hands in the blood of His only begotten Son. 3. The pressing of it on the attention of those who frequently reject it. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.WEB: This also comes forth from Yahweh of Armies, who is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in wisdom. |
    |