LORD OF THE NATIONSIsaiah 24:1-13 & 25:1-8

(p. 651-652)

May 9, 2010

1. AGE OF ANXIETY Self-sufficiency, primacy of the individual “Century of the Self” (documentary about Freud and the

rise of individualism) Martin Luther (1521): “It is neither safe nor right to go

against conscience.” Mistrust of social structures (family, government,

business, religion, etc.) Extreme self-sufficiency & self-reliance But we are sinful and know we can’t do it alone Fundamental insecurity w/self & world Anxiety

1. AGE OF ANXIETY CON’T

Isaiah’s time: anxiety about the future involved neighbouring nations (national/political anxiety)

Isaiah spoke into a different context, but message is still relevant: God is in control of the universe Trust in God alone

2. GOD IS IN CONTROLLast week’s text (Isa

13-23): fate of specific nations

(judgment) no reason to put trust

in them

This week’s text (Isa 24-27): More general - fate of

all who do not trust in the Lord (judgment)

God has control over everything

Showed using contrast

2. GOD IS IN CONTROL CON’T

City of man / earth Metaphor for human-

made glory, self-sufficiency, pride

City of God (future) Imagery for ‘heaven’/

eschatological future / eternity

God himself is at the centre

All things exist because He sustains them

Contrasting cities…

2. GOD IS IN CONTROL CON’T

City of man / earth• 24:1 – “the Lord is going to

lay waste to the earth”• 25:2 – “you have made the

city a heap of rubble, the fortified town a ruin”

• 26:8-9 – “he humbles those who dwell on high”

Human glory, pride, self-sufficiency destroyed

City of God (future) 26:1b – “we have a strong

city; God makes salvation its walls”

Safe, secure place of salvation 26:2 – “the righteous nation

may enter” For those who trust in God

alone

Contrasting cities…

God is in control of the future!

2. GOD IS IN CONTROL CON’T

The language of “destruction” – symbolic & literal Imagery showing the results of not trusting God24:5-6 – “they have disobeyed the laws, violated the

statutes, broken everlasting covenant. Therefore a curse consumes the earth…” Ancient covenants always came with blessings & curses;

common language in the context of a broken covenantLiteral in that desolation, destruction, lack of joy are

natural consequences of sinful behaviour

3. TRUST IN GOD ALONEThose who trust in God alone will… Sing praises to the Lord (25:1) Belong in a safe, secure city (25:3) Find refuge in God (25:4) Enjoy great feasts! (25:6) Be saved from death & granted eternal life (25:7-8)

“he will destroy… the sheet [death] that covers all nations” All nations are invited in!

Have peace of mind & freedom from the anxiety of our age 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are

steadfast, because they trust in you.”

3. TRUST IN GOD ALONE CON’T

How can we trust in God alone?Lots of things – too many to list, but none with a

guarantee!Trust that God is at work in usNot following your own plan

My own storyPrayer

My own prayer habit

3. TRUST IN GOD ALONE - PRAYLord, You have always givenBread for the coming day,and though I am poor,Today I believe.

Lord, You have always givenstrength for the coming dayAnd though I am weak,Today I believe.

Lord, You have always givenPeace for the coming day,and though I am of anxious heart,Today I believe.

Lord, You have always keptMe safe in trials,And now, tried as I am,Today I believe.

Lord, You have always markedThe road for the coming dayAnd though it may be hidden,Today I believe.

Lord, You have always lightenedThis darkness of mine,And though the night is here,Today I believe.

Lord, You have always spokenWhen time was ripe,And though You be silent now,Today I believe.