Reformed Wisdom

On Isaiah 10:15 --
"Though God compares men to stones, it does not follow that they resemble them in all respects." -- Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, vol. 1, 351.

"Time to Decide" Sermon: Isaiah 9:8-10:4

“Time to Decide”

[Isaiah 9:8-10:4]

July 29, 2018, Second Reformed Church

Last week, we turned to the future promise of the Savior – the hope of a Child Who would be given by God.  A Child Who is God Himself in human flesh, Who ushers in the kingdom of peace for all those who are right with God.

            After the message of being cast into utter darkness – of being spiritually blinded – God gives the hope through Isaiah that there is One Way of Salvation, through a Child.  And He remains our hope today – if we believe in Jesus and what He did on earth to make us right with God, we will be eternally saved and brought into the fullness of the kingdom at the end of the age.  We will be perfected and made holy – like Jesus.

            This morning, we return to the Word of God to Israel – while Israel is threatening Judah – before Judah’s alliance with Assyria.  And we see God justify His chorus against Israel:  “For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.”

First, Israel is arrogant.

One commentator (J. Alec Motyer, The Prophecy of Isaiah, 106) calls this section, “national disaster.”

            “The Lord has sent a word against Jacob, and it will fall on Israel; and all the people will know, Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria, who say in pride and in arrogance of heart: ‘The bricks have fallen, but we will build with dressed stones; the sycamores have been cut down, but we will put cedars in their place.’

            God warns Israel again and again to stop her sin – to repent and turn back to God.  God brings His Hand of discipline against Israel.  But rather than receive this discipline and respond to it rightly, Israel says to herself, “Oh, well, if God destroys the houses we have, we can always rebuild even better houses!”

            “Sure, we understand God has to vent now and then, but we’re humans.  God understands that.  We sin.  Once God cools off, we will be blessed and better off than we were before.”

            Israel as a nation has no understanding of the sinfulness of sin.  They do not understand how deeply, violently vile the smallest sin is against the Holy God – and all sin is ultimately against God.

            And what do we say?  “Other nations are worse than ours.  At least the Democrats are trying – I can’t say about the Republicans.  Or, the Republicans are trying to shore up the Judo-Christian heritage of this country, while the Democrats are leading us into atheism.  But God will never really bring His Hand down on us – God bless America – and even if He does – everything will be better afterward – we can rebuild bigger and better.”

            Israel doesn’t understand that God uses nations to punish nations – to show His Wrath and Fury for sin.

            “But the LORD raises the adversaries of Rezin against him, and stirs up his enemies. The Syrians on the east and the Philistines on the west devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.”

            God tells Israel that their neighbors are going to attack them – they are going to come like a creature with a giant, open mouth to devour them. 

God takes our sin as a nation seriously.  Who will God sent to be His Hand against us?

The answer to God’s discipline of us is not arrogance.  It is not to try to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps.  It is to repent and to beg for God’s mercy – that He would intercede in our lives and change us and make us all into the Image of His Son.  It is to go further than “God bless America” and to say, “America, there is only One Way to be saved and that is through the Person and Word of Jesus Christ.”

We can look forward in the history of Israel and see God’s threat fulfilled:

“In the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judah, Hoshea the son of Elah began to reign in Samaria over Israel, and he reigned nine years. And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, yet not as the kings of Israel who were before him. Against him came up Shalmaneser king of Assyria. And Hoshea became his vassal and paid him tribute. But the king of Assyria found treachery in Hoshea, for he had sent messengers to So, king of Egypt, and offered no tribute to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year. Therefore the king of Assyria shut him up and bound him in prison. Then the king of Assyria invaded all the land and came to Samaria, and for three years he besieged it.

“In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria, and he carried the Israelites away to Assyria and placed them in Halah, and on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes” (2 Kings 17:1-6, ESV).

            Second, Israel does not turn to God.

            Or, we can call this, “political disaster.”       

            “The people did not turn to him who struck them, nor inquire of the LORD of hosts. So the LORD cut off from Israel head and tail, palm branch and reed in one day—the elder and honored man is the head, and the prophet who teaches lies is the tail; for those who guide this people have been leading them astray, and those who are guided by them are swallowed up. Therefore the Lord does not rejoice over their young men, and has no compassion on their fatherless and widows; for everyone is godless and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly. For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.

            If I were to smack Trevor across the face, I would think that he would ask, “Why did you do that?”  He would address his distress and concern and confusion to me – or, perhaps, if he knew why I hit him, he would respond by saying something else.

            The Hand of God came down in discipline on Israel, and they did not inquire of God – they didn’t ask God what they had done wrong or how to make things right.

            So, God responds by taking away the elders and the prophets – He takes away all the people with wisdom and the Truth – the Word of God – the political leaders of Ancient Israel.  If they are unwilling to inquire of God, God will leave them unable to inquire of God.  And God will not have mercy on the widow or the orphan or the child.  Because everyone is godless and an evildoer and a fool.

            That sounds rather harsh – even if it is a generality, doesn’t it?

            We think of Abraham and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18, when God tells Abraham He is going to destroy the two cities because they are wicked.  And Abraham says, “Wait a minute, God, don’t be hasty – You don’t want to kill the righteous along with the wicked.  You really must think these things out, God, and take a survey.  After all, You wouldn’t kill everyone if there were fifty righteous, would You?  Forty-five?  Thirty?  Twenty?  Ten?”  But there weren’t even ten people in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah who turned to God for their righteousness.

            No, no one is exempt from punishment or discipline, because everyone has sinned.  And if we recognize that God is punishing us – or we believe we may have done something God disapproves of – we ought to turn to God – we ought to pray and ask Him to forgive us and change us – we ought to look to His Word – or ask our Christian friend or our pastor to help us find what we need to hear from God in His Word.  Denying the problem or ignoring it will not please God – it will not solve the problem.

            We are to fear the Lord – to be in awe of Him – to seek Him and be humble before Him.  Hear the Word of God:

            “The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate” (Proverbs 8:13, ESV).

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7, ESV).

“Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil” (Proverbs 3:7, ESV).

“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death” (Proverbs 14:27, ESV).

Of course, we have no need to fear as the unbelievers fear.

            “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, ESV).

            If we confess our sins – if we repent and strive to stop sinning, Jesus will forgive us – God will forgive us – and He will work in us to cleanse us from all unrighteousness – from all sin – the process of becoming holy – sanctification – will continue until we do not sin, but joyfully obey all that God says.

            Third, Israel increases her sin.

            Or, “social anarchy.”

            “For wickedness burns like a fire; it consumes briers and thorns; it kindles the thickets of the forest, and they roll upward in a column of smoke. Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts the land is scorched, and the people are like fuel for the fire; no one spares another. They slice meat on the right, but are still hungry, and they devour on the left, but are not satisfied; each devours the flesh of his own arm, Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim devours Manasseh; together they are against Judah. For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.”

            Israel arrogantly thinks that they can survive God’s Hand and not respond by changing – repenting – becoming faithful and obedient people.  Instead, they figure that the discipline is over and they can continue in their sin and even follow after worse sin – after all, if you’ve gone this far and been caught, why not go all the way?

            Social anarchy, as one commentator describes the continuance and increasing in sin, is doing whatever you want – not recognizing any authority or government above you – you are the sole government – the definer of right and wrong – you live for yourself – however you choose to want to be.

            God paints a horrifically comic portrait of Israel, who (symbolically) turns to cannibalism, eating their neighbors – slicing off pieces of meat and eating them until there is no more to eat, but they are so far gone, that, when they finish eating their neighbors, they begin to eat their own bodies.  Each person slices off the flesh of their neighbors to eat and then eats their own flesh.  This is insanity – God is saying that Israel has continued in sin to the point of insanity.

            And this is where we end up as we continue to follow after sin and disregard God’s Law and discipline.

            Paul tells us this is the way of all humanity after the Fall – in general:  “And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done” (Romans 1:28, ESV).

            This is very much the way of an addict – whatever one might be addicted to.  If you are a recovering addict or know anyone who is – the thing someone becomes addicted to seems wonderful – pleasant – at first, but as time goes by, it takes over and puts the addict in chains – what was once a pleasure is now something that he has to do or have – and even as he sees his body and mind collapsing under the whip of the cruel master that his addiction has become, there is nothing he can do – and eventually madness and, even, death, follow.

            Still God says to those who continue after sin unrepentantly, “And if in spite of this you will not listen to me, then I will discipline you again sevenfold for your sins, and I will break the pride of your power, and I will make your heavens like iron and your earth like bronze. And your strength shall be spent in vain, for your land shall not yield its increase, and the trees of the land shall not yield their fruit” (Leviticus 26:18-20, ESV).

            Of course, we know we can be freed – the only people who are truly eternally freed of their addictions – on that final day – are those who believe in Jesus savingly.  We still sin, but we are no longer slaves to sin – we are no longer imprisoned – in bondage, and we strive towards holiness.

            Understand, I am not saying that breaking an addiction is as simple as just believing.  Breaking an addiction and keeping sober is a lifetime battle.  But freedom from slavery to sin is found in receiving Jesus as God and Savior.

            Charles Wesley wrote the hymn “And Can It Be?” just days after his conversion, and he expresses this freedom in the stanza:

“Long my imprisoned spirit lay,

“Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;

“Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray

“I woke; the dungeon flamed with light;

            “My chains fell off, my heart was free,

            “I rose, went forth, and followed thee.”

            “Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:34-36, ESV).

            Fourth, Israel has nowhere to run.

            Or, “moral perversion.”

            “Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression, to turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their right, that widows may be their spoil, and that they may make the fatherless their prey! What will you do on the day of punishment,      in the ruin that will come from afar? To whom will you flee for help, and where will you leave your wealth? Nothing remains but to crouch among the prisoners or fall among the slain. For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.”

            As Israel continues in arrogance and sin, refusing to turn and repent to God, morality is perverted – justice is perverted – the weak are used and abused.  The society becomes one ruled by those with wealth and power, not by the judicial system and truth.  This is an outgrowth of a society that embraces anarchy.

            As we see in the book of Judges:  “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25, ESV).

            Laws are passed to benefit the rich and powerful to the detriment of the weak and poor.

            The rights of the widow and the orphan and the poor are taken away.

            Judges become corrupt and look forward to punishing those who have no way to fight back.

            If you want what someone else has and you have the ability to take it from them, well, that’s just alright, isn’t it?

            Yet God describes Himself like this, “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation” (Psalm 68:5, ESV).

            When people – a society – continue down this path, lust and idolatry take over and love of neighbor is totally discarded.

            In addition, God asks Israel three questions:

            “What will you do on the day of judgment?”

            “Where will you run when I come to pass sentence?”

            In addition, “Where will you leave your wealth to?”

            When Jesus comes on that final day, there will be nowhere to run.  The books will be opened, and Jesus will judge the living and the dead.  And, you and I will be faced with a debt to pay – how will we pay that debt?  And think about your wealth – when you die – all your stuff – where will it go?  Is that the best place for it to go to show yourself a good steward – to show love to God and neighbor?

            Daniel Amos, in their song, “Hound of Heaven,” sings:

            “He got lost among the stars

            “Hollywood flash, cash, mansions and cars

            “Deep-sea divers, Lear-jet flyers

            “Will this thing go to the moon? Oh yeah

“          “Give me elbow room

            “And for heaven's sake, take this aching away

           

            [Chorus]

            “You can't run

            “You can't hide from the Hound of Heaven

            “You're free to choose

            “Can you refuse the Seeker of Souls?

            “Hobo's sleeping alone, he's in a dirty boxcar

            “He dreams of sailing to tropical islands one sweet day

            “Now the thrill awakes him, there is no sunshine

            “This old train ain't really going there, oh no

            “Now does anybody care?

            “And for heaven's sake, take this aching away

            [Chorus]

            “You can't run

            “You can't hide from the Hound of Heaven

            “You're free to choose

            “Can you refuse the Seeker of Souls?

            [https://genius.com/Daniel-amos-hound-of-heaven-lyrics]

            No one can run from our God and Savior and Judge.  But now, we have time to decide – we have time to tell those who have not received Jesus that there is One Way to be right with God.  Tell them that being arrogant in response to God is foolishness; not turning to God is a death sentence, spiraling down into the depths of sin until that day when Jesus comes to judge the world.  Tell them to flee to Jesus Who Alone can save them from the Wrath of God.

            Only Jesus can save you from the Wrath of God.

            Now is the time to decide.

            “For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.”

            Let us pray:

            Almighty God and Father, forgive us for being arrogant children.  Forgive us for turning our face against You – thinking we can get away with sin because we have received Your Son as Savior.  Oh, Lord, send the Holy Spirit to tear deep into us that we would be offended and outraged by our sin, and flee to You, our Loving Father.  Soften our hearts and help us to go forth to tell others that Your Son has paid the debt for the sins of everyone who ever believes – they don’t have to suffer the Wrath of God.  Help us to love our neighbor.  Cause us to bear fruit one hundred fold.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Thursday Night Study

Last night we considered John and James asking Jesus to let them sit at His right and left in glory and the pleas for mercy of Bartimaeus.  We considered that Jesus asked both of them the same question, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  And we considered who we are most like and what we really want Jesus to do for us.  what do you want Jesus to do for you?  Plan to join us next Thursday at 7 PM.

"A Child Is Given" Sermon: Isaiah 9:1-7

“A Child Is Given”

[Isaiah 9:1-7]

July 22, 2018, Second Reformed Church

            “But”

            We return to our look at the book of Isaiah this morning.  We will remember in chapter eight, God told King Ahaz and the Southern Kingdom of Judah that since they did not trust God to keep His promise to stop the Northern Kingdom of Israel from conquering Judah, but made an alliance with the Assyrians, the Assyrians would turn against Judah and conquer them as well.

            God told Judah to turn to the teaching – to the testimony – to believe the Word of God and hold fast to it, but they denied and disregarded it and held the Word of God and His promises in contempt, so God promised to throw Judah into thick darkness.  They would have no spiritual sight. 

            But God is faithful, even when we are faithless.

            But God keeps His promises, even when we don’t.

            But God has sufficient power that not even death is to be feared because God can raise the dead.

            With God, in Christ, there is always hope.  God promises to save a remnant and God will always save a remnant.  God will always save the people He chose and gave to His Son to save.

            And so we see, God will save His people.

“But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.”

God disciplined Israel and Judah for their sin and allowed the Assyrians to conquer them, and the people were thrown into spiritual darkness as a result of their sin.  But God tells them that though in the former time Zebulun and Naphtali were disciplined – the northern most tribes of Israel who stand in for all twelve tribes that God sent into exile – in the latter time – and we will remember that the latter time is the period from Jesus’ first coming through His second – we are living in the latter time right now – God will make the way glorious to the west of the sea of Galilee, to the west of the Jordan, in the land of Galilee – Galilee of the nations.

And we can look back with twenty-twenty hindsight and say, “Ah, yes.  Jesus grew up in Galilee.  Jesus’ first miracle was in Galilee.  Jesus had much of His ministry in Galilee.”  God – through Isaiah – is saying that the Way out of the thick darkness will come – and He will come out of Galilee.  Galilee of the nations.

And this is a curious expression that is only used this once in the Scripture – “Galilee of the nations.”  It is simple enough – Galilee was a mixture of Jews and Gentiles.  Just as Abraham was told that his Seed would bless all the nations, so we see that fulfilled, here, as we are told that the Savior – the glorious deliverance from the thick darkness of sin and spiritual death – comes to every type of person in existence – not merely the Jews.

As we read in the Gospel of Matthew:  “Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ‘The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned’ From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’” (Matthew 4:12-17, ESV).

Isaiah continues, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.”

As Paul confirms – the Light is Jesus and His salvation:  “But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you’” (Ephesians 5:13-14, ESV).

And John writes, “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” (I John 1:5-7, ESV).

God promised to send the Savior, and He and His work are the light of salvation that brings a person – any type of person – out of thick darkness into the light – going from spiritual death to spiritual life.

And this salvation brings about great joy: 

“You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil.”

Israel – the Northern and Southern Kingdoms – the vast majority of the people, went into captivity or were killed.  Yet, when their discipline was done, representatives of all the people returned to the land.  Out of these few people – out of this remnant – plus the Gentiles – as would be seen in the latter days – God saves His people.

The people of God multiply as people out of every nation, tongue, and tribe, believe that Jesus is God the Only Savior.  And the joy of receiving salvation is like the joy they felt when the harvest came in – as we feel when a job is well done – as when they divided the spoils of a conquest – as we feel when we get our paycheck or our stock value increases.

As Jesus says, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matthew 13:44, ESV).

Salvation in Jesus Alone is more joyous and of greater value than anything and everything else.

            God will save His people throughout time and space through our One Savior, Jesus Christ.

            Second, God will save His people without our help.

“For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.”

In chapter seven of the book of Judges, we read that Gideon gathers an army of 32,000 to fight against the Midianites, and God tells him that he has too many soldiers.  So Gideon tells them that anyone who is afraid can go home, and he is left with 22,000 soldiers.  And God tells him he still has too many.  God tells Gideon to tell the soldiers to drink, and he is to take those men who lap water from the river like a dog to be the army, and so, Gideon is left with 300 soldiers.  And God tells him that now the people will know that God delivered them from the Midianites, not their own power.  So Gideon takes the 300 to the camp of the Midianites and each one blows a trumpet.  The Midianites are so startled and disoriented that they kill each other, and a few flee.  Midian is conquered, and all the glory belongs to the Lord.

Therefore, the people of Israel and Judah, waiting for the Assyrians to conquer them, were to understand that God would save them – God and God Alone.  God will save God’s people by Himself and for Himself – they did not contribute to their salvation – and neither do we.

No matter what we have endured in the past or what we endure now – no matter what consequences of our sin follow us – God has freed us in Christ Jesus

Augustus Toplady got it right:  “nothing in my hands I bring, only to Thy cross I cling.”

We can offer nothing to our salvation – no works, no merit – it is entirely the work of God.

After God saves us, then we are to be obedient and faithful, striving after holiness in every area of life – but that is the fruit of our salvation – not the cause of it.

Third, God will establish peace.

            “For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire.”

            Israel had known war and captivity for large segments of her existence.  But God says the day will come when the military boot and the blood-stained clothes will be thrown into the fire as fuel, nevermore to be used.

            When Jesus returns, He will bring peace in His Kingdom and all of the Israel of God – the Church – all those who ever truly believe in Jesus as Savior – will be brought into that Kingdom of peace.

God says, “They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9, ESV).

            Finally, God will do these things through the gift of a Child.

            “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;”

            Salvation will come to God’s people by way of the birth of a Child.  As God has already spoken through the prophet, Immanuel, God with us – God in the flesh, God born a human.  And this Child, is the Gift of God to His people.

            God will not merely bring the remnant back from captivity, but He will give His people His Son for their salvation – for our salvation.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, ESV).

            “and the government shall be upon his shoulder,”

            Jesus explains what this means as He says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18b, ESV).

            Jesus is absolutely sovereign over everything in all of Creation.  There is no government that has authority over Him.  There is no government or authority that can do anything that He does not allow or command.

            Jesus is sovereign over North Korea.  Jesus is sovereign over Russia.  Jesus is sovereign over the United States.  No one and no government can thwart what He has ordained to happen.

            “and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor,”

            This Child Whom God gives us – Jesus – is the absolute holder of all wisdom and His ability to comfort His people – to bring peace to us, to be there for us no matter what we are going through – is unparalleled.  No one can be there for you and me – or give us the right words in the way that Jesus can.

            James writes, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5, ESV).

            Jesus is the “Mighty God,” – the name is “El Gibbor” – notice the same root as “Immanu-el.”  The root “El” always means the One God of Israel.  Jesus is the One and Only – the True – God, and He is Mighty to save – He is almighty to accomplish everything He has decided to do.

            Are you without strength and don’t know what to do?  Pray that our Almighty God will intercede in you and for you.  Jesus is the Good Shepherd Who gave His life for His sheep and now sits at the right hand of power.

            He is the “Everlasting Father,” – and let’s not get confused – God the Son is not God the Father – that is not what is being said here.

            What this means is that Jesus is the same God as God the Father, and, Jesus is the Head of the Church, as Paul writes, “and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God” (Colossians 2:19, ESV).  Our growth in Christ is found in our holding fast to Him – believing and obeying Him – striving for holiness – recognizing His paternal authority.

            He is the “Prince of Peace” – and this title means more than He is the Prince over the lack of war.

            Paul writes, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7, ESV).

            “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15, ESV).

            What is this peace?

            Again Paul writes, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1, ESV).

            The peace that the Prince of Peace brings us – gifts us – is reconciliation with God.  We are made right with God through Jesus and His work. 

            And “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end,             on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.”

            Through living a perfect life under the Law of God and paying the debt for all of the sin of everyone who will ever believe and physically rising from the dead, Jesus secured victory over sin and death and Hell.  Since Jesus – in His Divine nature – is eternally absolutely sovereign, there is nothing to add to His government..  But in the reclaiming and restoring of the Creation from the effects of sin, and the reconciliation of God’s people, there is a change in quality.  The is a progressive change back to the holy kingdom – back to the future

            Daniel says of this Child, “And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him” (Daniel 7:27, ESV).

            And we read, “And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:30-33, ESV).

            How will this all happen?

            “The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.”

            From before the foundations of the world, God in Trinity set His desire to accomplish the salvation of His people through the Incarnation of God the Son.  And so it occurred at the beginning of the latter days.  Who can stop the Hand of God?

            These are words of hope and cheer and joy for Israel and Judah – even as they are being conquered and brought into captivity by the Assyrians:  God is faithful and will save a remnant.  God will save them Himself, for Himself, through the Savior He sends, Who is God in the flesh.  This Savior will reconcile all the people God has chosen with God.  He will be the Sovereign ruler of all of Creation and establish eternal spiritual peace between God and His people.

            These are words of hope and cheer and joy for us in these last days:  God is still faithful.  God has saved us through His Son – the Child He gave to us – that we would be made right with God – eternally forgiven, righteous, holy.  And God the Father  hears our prayers and answers them, and God the Son – Immanuel – has given us the indwelling of God the Holy Spirit, so we would be led in the things of God and grow in faith and obedience.

            What do we have to worry about?

The Psalmist writes:

“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, ‘Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.’

            “He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, ‘As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.’

            “I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, ‘You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron        and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

            “Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled.

            “Blessed are all who take refuge in him” (Psalm 2:1-12, ESV).

            Let us pray:

            Almighty God, we thank You for giving us Your Son.  We thank You that we always have hope in Jesus, that Your promises are forever true, and that a Child was given that we would have peace with God.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.