Isaiah 43:10 - Homilies By W. Clarkson

The witness of God's servants.

"Ye are my witnesses." God summoned his people Israel to bear witness to him; he challenged them to come forward and testify that

I. THOSE WHO ARE TO BEAR IT . We know who they are to whom God says," Ye are," etc. They are those who have themselves returned unto him in true penitence and faith. All others are unsuited by their character and their spirit (see Psalms 50:16 ; Psalms 51:12 , Psalms 51:13 ; Romans 2:21 ; Isaiah 52:11 ). Only they who are in sympathy with God and are living in accordance with his holy will are qualified to bear witness to his truth.

II. THE SUBSTANCE OF THEIR MESSAGE . The first and greatest thing which men need to know is the nature and character of God. For it is the relation which they maintain towards him that determines their own character and destiny. Apart from him they are separated from the source of all true blessedness, of all real life. In him and with him they are safe, wise, rich, for evermore. We have, therefore, to testify of him:

III. THE EXPERIENCE WHICH JUSTIFIES THEIR EVIDENCE . They have experienced that which amply warrants them in commending the gospel of the grace of God.

1 . A profound sense of true deliverance. Their own consciousness makes it clear and positive that they have been rescued from the tyranny, the depravity, and the burden of sin, and led into the liberty, the purity, and the joy of sonship.

2 . Peace and hope in regard to the future. God has revealed to them a home of rest and love—a future state where the highest and noblest aspirations of redeemed humanity will find fulfilment. In sure prospect of this they are in a position to speak freely in the presence of those who live without God and die without hope.—C.