Isaiah 55:13

Isaiah 55:13. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree,

The thorn is everywhere today, pricking our feet and maiming our hands: but "instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree." Where is the thorn then ? I see it upon the bleeding brows of Christ; he has taken it away, and worn it as a crown.

Isaiah 55:13. And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

It shall make men know what he is like, what gracious power he has, what goodness dwells in him: "it shall be to Jehovah for a name," - "An everlasting sign." That sign is exhibited, today, in the eyes of men. An evil and adulterous generation called for a sign, and this is the sign that God has given, - his converting grace in his Church. Instead of miracles, we have the work of the Holy Ghost in the hearts of sinners; and if any will not believe when this sign is sent to them, neither would they believe though one rose from the dead. It stands as "an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."