Isaiah 8:18 - Homilies By R. Tuck

Man every way God's instrument.

"Behold, I and the children whom Jehovah hath given me are for signs and for omens in Israel from Jehovah Sabaoth, who dwelleth on Mount Zion" (Cheyne's translation). The thought here is very simple and very familiar, and no more than the statement of divisions, for the ordering of thought, can be necessary. Take St. Paul's figure of the "living sacrifice," as including body, soul, spirit, and relationships, all consecrated to God's service, and illustrate—

I. How a man's body may be consecrated to God.

II. How a man's health may be consecrated to God.

III. How a man's gifts may be consecrated to God.

IV. How a man's possessions may be consecrated to God.

V. How a man's personal friendships may be consecrated to God.

VI. How a man's family life may be consecrated to God.

VII. How a man's social influences may be consecrated to God.—R.T.