xxxiii. 16. _He shall dwell on high: his place of defence
shall be the munitions of rocks; bread shall be given him,
his water shall be sure._
This is part of the answer to the question proposed in ver. 14. The
overthrow of Asshur has been predicted; but the judgment of Asshur is
a lesson for Israel as well as for the heathens. For the sinners in
Jerusalem, there is no abiding in the presence of the Almighty. They
must repent. "God is a consuming fire." His furnace was in Jerusalem.
Therefore they inquire, "Who among us can dwell with everlasting
burnings?"
The prophet answers their question in ver. 15. It is the description
of a God-fearing man from the Old Testament point of view. Because of
the predominating religion of his heart, he avoids the sins of his
times. A Christian, in like manner, renounces sin, and, so far as the
world's principles and practices are sinful, sets himself against the
world. Instead of being afraid of the Divine anger, as sinners and
hypocrites are, he dwells in blessed security, with God for his
Friend (ver. 16). Three things distinguish him from the unbelieving
world: elevation, provision, and security.
I. ELEVATION. "He shall dwell on high." Leaving out of view the
temporal advantages that sometimes accrue from true religion as being
only incidental, let us look at the elevation it secures with regard
to--1. _Thought._ Christianity directs the mind to the most elevated
themes, fosters the habit of thought upon them, and through them
refines and elevates the mind itself. When a man is converted he
generally becomes interested in topics beyond the requirements of
daily life. Mind is awakened. Mental activity is required. In any
number of uneducated men, some Christians and some not, the Christian
section will probably be the more intelligent and thoughtful. If an
educated man is converted, the influence is equally marked. His
previous attainments remain, and his mind receives a new impetus from
the world of spiritual thought now discovered. He thinks of God,
Christ, redemption, holy influences on men from on high, the
invisible, heaven, eternity. The mind cannot fail to be uplifted by
contact with such themes as these. 2. _Character._ Doubtless much
excellence exists among men apart for personal religion. The civil,
social, and commercial virtues are often exemplified by men who make
no pretension to religion. Even in these respects the best man
without it would be better with it. But we must rise higher. Men
never rise above their ideal. The ideal of a man without religion
does not rise above his obligations to man; but the ideal of a man in
Christ is to be like Christ. It comprehends all dispositions,
sympathies, duties that either look Godward or manward. It is not yet
realised; but the entertaining and striving towards it will lift him
to a loftier moral attitude than if his ideal were lower; when all
allowance has been made for human imperfection, it remains true that
the Christian is, "the highest style of man." 3. _Relationship._
Believers are closely connected with Christ, their Saviour, their
Head, their Elder Brother. They are "united to Him," "in Him." Terms
are employed that give the idea, not, indeed, of personal identity,
but of such close relationship that whatever concerns Him concerns
them, and whatever glorification He attains they are to share.
Through Him they are "the children of God," and heirs of the
celestial inheritance. Is it possible for relationship to be loftier?
4. _Companionship._ The man is known by his chosen associates. The
young man that keeps low company makes it plain that his tastes are
low. Fine natures can only enjoy congenial society. When a man
becomes a Christian, he seeks the society of Christians. And not only
are his human companionships superior to those he previously courted,
he enjoys a Divine companionship which is the supremest dignity. "Our
fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ." Is it
not dwelling "on high" to have free access at all times to the King
of kings? 5. _Influence._ God has made us kings of men. The time is
coming when the principles we hold shall, by our means, pervade the
mass of humanity. Already, in a thousand quiet ways, in families, in
schools, in churches, in populations, the influence of individual
Christian men is felt to be good and gracious as far as it extends.
Christian fathers and mothers will live in the recollection of their
children and their children's children when the memory of the wicked
shall rot (H. E. I. 1089-1095). 6. _Destiny._ He is to be crowned and
enthroned in the abiding glory. "He shall dwell on high" (H. E. I.
1073-1076, 1106, 1112-1119).
II. PROVISION. "Bread shall be given him, his water shall be sure."
His wants shall be supplied in his elevation. All necessary temporal
supplies and spiritual provision. Christ the bread of life.
III. SECURITY. "His place of defence shall be the munitions of
rocks." There is an enemy who would gladly attack and overcome him;
but he has retired to a place of perfect safety. Inaccessible to the
adversary. Will endeavour to dislodge you by various means; such as:
1. _Temptation,_ which assumes many forms. Grows out of everything.
Keep before you the lofty ideal; constant effort, watchfulness,
government of thought and desires, Divine aid. 2. _Trouble._ It
becomes temptation. It tries faith. Cry to God. 3. _Death._ It is the
last enemy. Christ, our defence, will triumph.
What a privilege to be a Christian! For what would you exchange it?
Not the world's sins, pleasures, possessions.--_J. Rawlinson._