November 26

They shall show forth my praise. - Isaiah 43:21.

THERE are two ways in which “this people” “show forth” God’s praise. The first is subjectively. Thus, we read, “All his works praise him.” How? By evincing his agency; by wearing impressions of his attributes, of his power, and his wisdom, and his goodness, employed in their production. And if we enter into the world of grace, we see how Christians passively show forth his praise,-how they display his praise as to his grace, in his kindness towards them that believe in Christ Jesus.

Some of them, therefore, were allowed to go such lengths as to render it impossible that they should ever return. Saul of Tarsus seemed beyond the possibility of being reclaimed: even those who were acquainted with their own hearts were afraid of him; and when he essayed to join them, they drew back as sheep from a wolf. Yet we hear him say, “I was a blasphemer and a persecutor, and injurious, yet I obtained mercy.” As if he had said, “Now let any despair if they can.” While this discovers the freeness of his grace, it equally shows its power. To take a sinner and turn the whole tide of his soul another way requires the mighty power of God. The worse the materials, the more is displayed the ability of the workman. Now, if we only think of his taking from the ruins of the fall such a people as this, and making them an “eternal excellency, the joy of many generations,” we shall at once see who deserves all this praise. Themselves? No; but the God of all grace.

Then they not only show forth his praise passively, but, secondly, actively. Not only by what they are, but by what they do. Men may subserve a purpose, without intending it, without ever meaning it,-by an overruling providence. Thus, we are told that the “wrath of men shall praise him.” But God’s people are his willing subjects: they hold themselves at his disposal, and ask, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” They consider all they have as belonging to him,-all their senses, faculties, and substance; and then, instead of improperly expending it, they adore the Giver, and dedicate it to him. They “honour the Lord with their substance”, and with the first-fruits of all their increase.” This is the result:-“They shall show forth my praise.”

Men may have nothing more than the desire of accomplishing some particular object; and how often are their purposes broken off and their plans frustrated! but it is otherwise with God. He says, “I will work, and who shall let it?” God speaks like himself. He is almighty, as well as infinitely wise. As in the first creation of the world he spake and it was done, so in the new he calls things that are not, and they appear. While others dishonour him, “this people,” says he, “shall show forth my praise.” They shall have the inclination, and they shall have the power, the opportunity, and the means of praising me. When? Principally hereafter, when their power shall be equal to their work, and their wishes too; when they shall praise him by still serving him, not simply by singing, as it is sometimes imagined, for it is written, “They shall serve him day and night in his temple.” But here, also, even now, he gets himself glorified!

Here we have an advantage which the glorified above have not; that is, we have the power of doing good and of exercising charity, of clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, and healing the sick, of extending and advancing the kingdom of God. “The living, the living, they shall praise thee.”