Isaiah 59:1-9 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: I. THE FACT CONFESSED. 1. The people of whom I am specially thinking have been hearers of the Gospel, and diligent hearers too. 2. They have become men of prayer, after a fashion (Isaiah 58:2). 3. These people are greatly disappointed with themselves: not altogether so, for they know to a great extent where the blame lies, but yet they had hoped better things of themselves. II. THE IMPUTATION IMPLIED AND MET. Notice the first word of our text: "Behold! " This is like our nots bene; mark well, turn your eye this way. If you are not saved, it is not because God is unable to save you, nor is it because He is unwilling to hear your prayers. III. THE ACCUSATION PRESSED AND EXPLAINED. Your accusation may be turned against you. You thought that God's hand was shortened, that it could not save; but it is your hand that is shortened, for you have not laid hold upon Christ. The real reason why you have not found peace is sin. It may be — 1. Sin unconfessed. 2. Sin unforsaken. 3. Sin hankered after. 4. Sin of which you are unaware. 5. Some sin of omission. 6. An ugly temper. 7. An intellectual sin. 8. Gross or secret sin. ( C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: |
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