vii. 9. _If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be
established._
"Established" is what every man wishes to be--fixed in fact and in
feeling; established like a great oak which, because its roots take
fast hold of the soil, is able to grow broader and higher and more
luxuriant year by year. Such growth is impossible to a tree that is
frequently transplanted. Notwithstanding--nay, in perfect harmony
with the desire for progress that is in us all, we all desire to be
"established."
But no man can be "established" unless he believes. It is a universal
law: No faith, no firmness. There are two things essential to
"establishment," to blessedness and peace in life: First, that we
should find a good foundation, and then that we should rest upon it
calmly and immovably. These are the conditions of social, commercial,
political, and scientific blessedness and prosperity. In every realm
of human activity, if we would be strong in fact and in feeling, it
is essential that we should find something trustworthy, and then that
we should trust (H. E. I. 1882-1888).
We are only stating this general truth in its highest form, when we
say that if men do not believe in God as He has revealed Himself in
His Word, they cannot be "established." 1. God has revealed Himself
in His Word _as the righteous Ruler of nations,_ who will exalt the
nations that seek after righteousness, and bring swift vengeance upon
those who follow courses of evil. What will happen if a statesman,
like Ahaz, does not really believe this? He will become a mere
politician; he will do what seems to him "expedient." This will often
be iniquitous, and this at no distant period will inevitably lead to
disaster and ruin (P. D. 2544). 2. God has revealed Himself _as the
supporter and rewarder of individual men who are resolved always and
simply to do what is right._ Confidence in God as thus revealed to
them was the secret of the courage and endurance of the martyrs (Dan.
iii. 16-18), and of countless sacrifices for truth and righteousness
known only to God, but which He will never forget. But if a man does
not really believe this truth, how easily is he swept away by
temptation, whether it presents itself threateningly or seductively!
3. God has revealed Himself _as, for Christ's sake, pardoning
absolutely all who repent and believe._ Into the hearts of those who
accept this revelation there come peace and joy, but into their
hearts only. Want of faith in this revelation is the secret of all
painful efforts to merit the Divine mercy. 4. God reveals Himself _as
the Saviour of His people from sin,_ as their Sanctifier from all the
stains of iniquity. Want of faith in this revelation is the secret of
the trouble that fills and oppresses many devout souls. They will
never travel towards Zion with steadfast feet and rejoicing hearts
until they do indeed believe it (Jude 24, 25). 5. God reveals Himself
in Christ _as the Good Shepherd who is with His people always._ How
troubled, because of the possibilities of life and the mystery of
death, are those who do not with any vital faith accept this
revelation which He has been pleased to give us! But the twenty-third
Psalm is the song of those who do believe it (P. D. 1156-1160).
The practical application of all this is very simple, but supremely
important. First, let us inquire whether God is worthy of our trust;
and then, if the inquiry should lead us to an affirmative conclusion,
let us trust Him. This trust will transform our whole life. No
terrors shall have power to dismay us. The misery of Ahaz and his
people (ver. 2) we shall never know (H. E. I. 1911-1919); but ours
shall be the rejoicing confidence of the spiritual hero of whom Ahaz
was such an unworthy descendant (Ps. xxvii. 1-6; P. D. 1177).