‏ Isaiah 60

* The glories of the church of God, when the fulness of the

Gentiles shall come in. (1-8) and the Jews shall be converted

and gathered from their dispersions. (9-14) and the kingdoms of

this world shall become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his

Christ. (15-22)

1-8 As far as we have the knowledge of God in us, and the

favour of God towards us, our light is come. And if God's glory

is seen upon us to our honour, we ought, not only with our lips,

but in our lives, to return its praise. We meet with nothing in

the history of the Jews which can be deemed a fulfilment of the

prophecy in this chapter; we must conclude it relates

principally to future events. It predicts the purity and

enlargement of the church. The conversion of souls is here

described. They fly to Christ, to the church, to the word and

ordinances, as doves to their own home; thither they fly for

refuge and shelter, thither they fly for rest. What a pleasant

sight to see poor souls hastening to Christ! 9-14 God will be very gracious. We must begin with his promise,

thence all mercies take rise. Many shall be brought into the

church, even from far countries. Christ is always ready to

receive all who come to him; and the gate of mercy is always

open, night and day. All that are about the church shall be made

serviceable to it. But those who will not be subject to Christ's

golden sceptre, to his word and Spirit, who will not be kept in

by the laws and rules of his family, shall be broken in pieces

by his iron rod. The peculiar advantages of every nation, and of

every description of men, shall join to beautify the church of

Christ. We must suppose this to be accomplished in the beauties

of holiness, and the graces and comforts of the Spirit, with

which gospel ordinances are adorned and enriched. Blessed be his

name, the gates of Zion are ever open to returning sinners. 15-22 We must look for the full accomplishment in times and

things, exceeding those of the Old Testament church. The nations

and their kings shall lay themselves out for the good of the

church. Such a salvation, such a redemption, shall be wrought

out for thee, as discovers itself to be the work of the Lord.

Every thing shall be changed for the better. In thy land shall

no more be heard threats of those that do violence, nor

complaints of those that suffer violence. Thy walls shall be

means of safety, thy gates shall be written upon with praises to

God. In the close of this chapter are images and expressions

used in the description of the New Jerusalem, #Re 21:23; 22:5|.

Nothing can answer to this but some future glorious state of the

church on earth, or the state of the church triumphant in

heaven. Those that make God their only light, shall have him

their all-sufficient light. And the happiness shall know no

change or alloy. No people on earth are all righteous; but there

are no mixtures in heaven. They shall be wholly righteous. The

spirits of just men shall there be made perfect. The glory of

the church shall be to the honour of God. When it shall be

finished, it will appear a work of wonder. It may seem too

difficult to be brought about, but the God of almighty power has

undertaken it. It may seem to be delayed and put off; but the

Lord will hasten it in the time appointed by his wisdom, though

not in the time prescribed by our folly. Let this hope cheer us

under all difficulties, and stir us up to all diligence, that we

may have an abundant entrance into this everlasting kingdom of

our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.