Isaiah 42:7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. We gladly survey the effectual operations of Jesus the Saviour, the true Victor Emmanuel, who comes to set men free from the bondage of their sins. I. CONSIDER WHO IT IS THAT SENDS JESUS CHRIST TO ACCOMPLISH THE LIBERATION OF THE SONS OF MEN, because much will depend upon the Liberator's credentials, the authority by which He is warranted, and the power by which He is hacked. We sing for joy of heart as we see that the Infinite God Himself commissioned the Lord Jesus to be the Deliverer of men; and He did this — 1. In His capacity as Creator (ver. 5). 2. He also describes Himself as the life-giver (ver. 5). 3. The faithful God. "I the Lord have called Thee in righteousness" (ver. 6) that is to say, the God who sends Christ the Saviour is not one who plays with words, and having given a promise to-day, retracts it to-morrow. 4. The everblessed sender of the Lord Jesus is omnipotent. "And will hold thine hand, and will keep Thee." By which is meant that God will give to the Mediator all His power. Christ is the power of God. II. THE SENT ONE HIMSELF. 1. Jesus is a chosen one. "Mine elect, in whom My soul delighteth" (ver. 1). 2. Jesus is anointed to this work. "I have put My Spirit upon Him." The Holy Spirit is the greatest of all actors in the world of mind. He it is who can illuminate, persuade, and control the spirits of men. 3. The Redeemer is spoken of as being gentle and lowly of heart, which should commend Him much to every lowly and contrite spirit (ver. 3). 4. The Christ who has come to save the sons of men is persevering to the last degree (ver. 4). III. THE WORK ITSELF. The Messiah's work of grace is divided into three parts. 1. To open the blind eyes. Man's understanding is perverted from the knowledge of God, from a true sense of sin, from a realisation of Divine justice, from a right estimate of salvation. The understanding, which is the eye of the soul, is darkened. But when the anointed Saviour comes, He removes the scales of our mental ophthalmia, and in the light of God we see light. 2. To bring out the prisoners from the prison. Habits of sin, like iron nets, surround the sinner, and he cannot escape their meshes. Faith in the Lord Jesus is the end of bondage and the dawn of freedom. 3. Bringing them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house. This we will refer to those who are truly emancipated, and yet by reason of despondency sit down in the dark dungeon. IV. WHAT IS THE DESIGN OF GOD IN ALL THIS? "I am the Lord: that is My name: and My glory will I not give to another" (ver. 8). ( C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. |
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