Rsbc
Sunday Night
September 15th 2002
The Book of Isaiah
Isaiah 54:1-17
Intro: I must admit at first reading of this chapter I found myself wondering what is this writer talking about. Even now I am still wondering with some hesitation as to what is the full meaning of this passage.
This is true with most of the Bible if we admit it. We must prayerfully enter this passage to see just what the Lord is saying to us now. You can imagine how these people must have felt once this was given.
It appears that most commentaries agree with some degree that this passage is a continuation of chapter 53 and the glory that follows the death of Christ and his resurrection and exaltation.
I too am led to believe that it has a deeper meaning than just the restoration of the Judah from the Babylonia captivity.
I... “THE INSTRUCTIONS HE GIVES IN THE PROPHECY”..VS 1-3
1st. He calls upon them to sing, but not just to sing but break forth...vs 1
The great and wonderful news that he had just given them concerning their redeemer is enough to resound with jubilance the good news. It appears to me that the barren here speaks of the condition she finds herself in at present but the promise is real...
It most definitely appears that it is a prophecy of the gentiles coming into the churches of the LORD JESUS CHRIST.. Paul quotes this verse when he is speaking of the real Jerusalem”
Galatians 4:26‑27 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. 27 For it is written, Rejoice, [thou] barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
Luke 2:25-32
Page # 2
There was no Gentiles in the church until Cornelis and Peter was commanded by the LORD to preach to him and he and his household. After the transition from the old covenant to the new Paul wrote these words:
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
II... “PROMISES HE MAKES IN THE INSTRUCTIONS: VS 4-10
1st. Fear not: vs 4
These great words that come from the LORD have been a source of comfort for the people of GO Dover the years. It still remains so tonight. The words fear not are found 63 times in the Bible. They reflect the character of the LORD and his faithfulness to his promises..
To Abraham:
Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I [am] thy shield, [and] thy exceeding great reward.
To the Church
Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
2nd. Your past is gone:
It is very difficult for people including myself to let the past go, not to live in it, but I have told you before the LORD does not go backwards he never reverts backward. He has forgiven and never brings up...
We need not worry about the past with it’s failure, sins, past achievements, lack thereof but press forward as Paul said because GOD is the GOD of the present and the future..
Page # #
Philippians 3:13‑14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
3rd. The basis of the prophecy and promises: vs 5-6
Note what the LORD is called int his verses:
a. Husband
b. Redeemer
c. The God of all the earth
This is speaking of the immediate restoration of Israel to GOD from her captivity and assuring her on the basis of who he his and what he is capable of doing for her.
4th. He reminds her of some things.
A. He had forsaken her...
Deuteronomy 28:20 The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me.
You can rest assured tonight that if you forsake the LORD he will forsake you. No you want be lost but your life shall be miserable until you repent and come face to face with your sins and your backsliding.
B. He would bring her back with great mercies..vs 7-8
Isaiah 60:10 And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee.
I am thankful tonight to share with you the facts that Christ mercies and his everlasting Kindness is the key to any promise that the Father hath made to us. He stands read to forgive and bring back the wondering ones to the fold.
Page # 4
4th. The foundation that is unshakeable declared: vs 9-10
He uses the word of GOD that they were familiar with that is the one he made with Noah...he says to his people I will not always be wrathful with you. The reason with this is the covenant of peace...
This covenant is only on the terms of the Christ and nothing else...
Hebrews 8:6-13
There is no peace outside the LORD JESUS CHRIST... not for any Jew or gentile. There is no term in which GOD will except but that which is already been signed and sealed with the BLOOD of the LORD JESUS CHRIST...
Hebrews 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Keep in mind these facts...
First to have the gospel preached to them was Jews
First to be called by Christ were Jews.
First to be organized into the first church were Jews
First to spread the gospel were Jews
First to see Christ after the resurrection were Jews
First to reject him as who he was Jews
First to see GOD bring gentiles into his church was Jews
They are the firstfruits unto GOD...
James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Revelation 14:4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, [being] the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.