Isaiah 62:12

THE SEEKING LOVE OF GOD

Isaiah 62:12. Thou shalt be called, Sought out.

Without violence we may use these words of every member of the Church of God. All His children may take for their name and distinction the words “Sought out.”I. THE NATURAL CONDITION IMPLIED IN THIS TITLE.

1. The Church of God was originally lost. 2. So lost that we did not seek the Lord. 3. Nor should we have ever willed to return to Him. 4. We did not desire Him to seek us. 5. Our being sought out, considering our condition, was one of the greatest wonders ever known or heard of.

II. SURPASSING GRACE REVEALED. That they were sought out at all.

2. The persons sought out. 3. That we were sought OUT. The word “out” conveys a mass of meaning. We were mingled with the mire, &c.

4. That we were sought out Divinely—by God Himself. 5. Effectually.

III. THE DISTINGUISHING TITLE JUSTIFIED. How were we sought out?

1. In the eternal purpose and work of Christ. 2. By gracious words of mercy. 3. By afflictions. 4. By mysterious visitations. 5. By the Holy Spirit.

IV. THE SPECIAL DUTY INCUMBENT UPON THOSE WHO WEAR THIS TITLE. Seeking others out. The preaching of the Gospel is not the only means. Let us hunt for souls by—

1. Visitation. Take the Gospel to the people. 2. Your prayers.—C. H. Spurgeon: Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, Nos. 525, 526.