"God has determined to protect and guard His church…He
describes Himself as armed with terrible power for the defence of his people…but
[also] in proportion to the weakness of any one sheep He shows His carefulness
in watching, His gentleness in handling, and His patience in leading it…
"God has no need of outward and natural means for aiding His
church, but has at His command secret and wonderful methods, by which He can
relieve their necessities, contrary to all hope and outward appearance. When no means of relief are seen, we quickly
fall into despair, and scarcely venture to entertain any hope, but so far as
outward aids are presented to our eyes.
Deprived of these, we cannot rest on the Lord. But the Prophet states that at that time
especially they ought to trust, because at that time the Lord has more abundant
opportunities of displaying His power, when men perceive no ways or methods,
and everything appears to be utterly desperate.
Contrary, then, to the hope and belief of all men, the Lord will assist
His people, that we may not suffer ourselves to be driven hither and thither by
doubt and hesitation."
John Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah 40
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