Isaiah 54:10 - Homilies By W.m. Statham

Perennial kindness.

"My kindness shall not depart from thee." Much kindness does. It is fervid, but fickle, and is too often conditioned by mood and temper and circumstance. Moreover, it may depart through lack of power and opportunity.

I. THE SAVIOR 'S KINDNESS IS TRUE KINDNESS . He knows what kindness is. We too often mistake favour and indulgence for kindness. God is often kindest when he is most severe.

II. THE SAVIOUR 'S KINDNESS IS MANIFESTED KINDNESS . It costs him something. Much kindness evaporates in sentiment and speech. It does not impinge on the ease and the comfort of our friends. Jesus Christ said, "Lo, I come to do thy will, O God!" and, "although he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor." His kindness was tested:

1 . By the treatment he received.

2 . By the nature that suffered. So deep in feeling; so infinite in its capacity for enduring sorrow.

3 . By the sacrifice he offered.

4 . By the permanence of his work, as "Head over all things to the Church." Then let the faint-hearted rest on the promise, "It shall not depart."—W.M.S.