John Calvin Commentary Isaiah 49:4

"But I said, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nought and vanity; yet surely the justice [due] to me is with Jehovah, and my recompense with my God." — Isaiah 49:4 (ASV)

And I said, In vain have I toiled. The Prophet here brings forward a grievous complaint in the name of the Church, yet in such a manner that, as we have previously remarked, we must begin with the Head.

Christ therefore complains along with his members that it appears as if his labor were thrown away. For, he had previously pronounced a high and striking commendation on the power and efficacy of the word that proceeds from his mouth. Yet, it scarcely does any good, and the glory God demands from its ministration does not shine forth. Therefore, he introduces the Church as complaining that she spends her labor fruitlessly, because men do not repent at the preaching of heavenly doctrine.

It was highly necessary that the Prophet should add this. First, so that we may know that the fruit he mentioned is not always visible to the eyes of men; for otherwise, we might question the truth of the word and might entertain doubts whether that which is so obstinately rejected by many was the word of God.

Secondly, it was necessary so that we may advance with unshaken firmness and may commit our labor to the Lord, who will not permit it to be ultimately unproductive. The Prophet therefore intended to guard against a dangerous temptation, so that we may not, on account of the obstinacy of men, lose courage in the middle of our course.

And indeed, Christ begins with the complaint to affirm that nothing will hinder him from executing his office. The meaning of the words might be more clearly expressed in the following manner: “Though my labor is unprofitable, and though I have almost exhausted my strength without doing any good, yet it is enough that God approves of my obedience.” This is also the meaning of what he adds—

But my judgement is before Jehovah. Although we do not clearly see the fruit of our labors, we are urged to be content on this ground: that we serve God, to whom our obedience is acceptable. Christ exhorts and encourages godly teachers to strive earnestly until they rise victorious over this temptation. They should lay aside the malice of the world, advance cheerfully in discharging their duty, and not allow their hearts to languish through weariness.

If, therefore, the Lord is pleased to test our faith and patience to such an extent that it will seem as if we have wearied ourselves for no purpose, we should still rely on this testimony of our conscience. And if we do not enjoy this consolation, then we are not, at least, moved by pure affection and do not serve God, but rather the world and our own ambition. In such temptations, therefore, we should have recourse to this sentiment.

Yet it should be observed that here Christ and the Church accuse the whole world of ingratitude. For the Church complains to God in such a manner as to remonstrate with the world, because no good effect is produced on it by the doctrine of the Gospel, which in itself is efficacious and powerful. Yet the whole blame rests on the obstinacy and ingratitude of men, who reject the grace of God offered to them and of their own accord choose to perish.

Let those persons now go and accuse Christ who say that the Gospel yields little fruit, who defame the doctrine of the word with wicked slanders, who throw ridicule on our labors as vain and unprofitable, and who allege that, on the contrary, it excites men to sedition and leads them to sin with less control. Let them consider, I say, with whom they have to do, and what advantage they gain by their impudence, since men alone should bear the blame, who, as far as it is in their power, render the preaching of the Word unprofitable.

Godly ministers, who bitterly lament that men perish so miserably by their own fault, and who sometimes devour and waste themselves through grief when they experience such great perversity, should encourage their hearts with this consolation. They should not be so alarmed as to throw away the shield and spear, though sometimes they imagine that it would be better for them to do so.

Let them consider that they share with Christ in this cause. For Christ does not speak of himself alone, as we previously mentioned, but undertakes the cause of all who faithfully serve him and, as their advocate, brings forward an accusation in the name of all. Let them therefore rely on his protection and allow him to defend their cause.

Let them appeal, as Paul does, to the day of the Lord (1 Corinthians 4:4), and let them not heed the calumnies, reproaches, or slanders of their enemies. For their judgment is with the Lord, and although they are slandered a hundred times by the world, yet a faithful God will approve and vindicate the service they render to him.

On the other hand, let wicked men, despisers of the word, and hypocrites tremble. For when Christ accuses, there will be no room for defense; and when he condemns, there will be no one who can acquit. We must therefore beware lest the fruit that ought to proceed from the Gospel should be lost through our fault, for the Lord manifests his glory so that we may become disciples of Christ and may bring forth much fruit.