Isaiah 49:23-25 - Homilies By W. Clarkson

The fear which may be fearless, etc.

We have two conditions indicated in these two texts which present us with a perfect contrast. We have—

I. THE FEAR WHICH MAY BE FEARLESS . "They shall not be ashamed that wait for me," or "that hope in me." Reverent trust in the living God, in the Divine Friend of man, has nothing to fear. It may be seriously threatened, but it is secure. Sickness may come, adversity may assail, friends may forsake, bereavement may afflict, death may cast its shadows; but a confiding trust in the love and the faithfulness of God will never be put to shame. It will retain its calmness under all; it will triumph over all.

II. THE HOPE WHICH MUST BE HOPELESS . "I will contend with him that contendeth with thee." He who fights against the people, the truth, the cause of God, is fighting against the Almighty One himself. However promising outward appearances may be, he is foredoomed to utter and disastrous failure: his hope is hopeless.—C.