Sermon: Living in a Nation under Judgment

Living in a Nation under Judgment

Isaiah 45-46

November 6, 2016

Pastor Tony Felich

        

Isaiah 46

[1] Bel bows down; Nebo stoops; their idols are on beasts and livestock; these things you carry are borne as burdens on weary beasts. [2] They stoop; they bow down together; they cannot save the burden, but themselves go into captivity. [3] “Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; [4] even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. [5] “To whom will you liken me and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be alike? [6] Those who lavish gold from the purse, and weigh out silver in the scales, hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; then they fall down and worship! [7] They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it, they set it in its place, and it stands there; it cannot move from its place. If one cries to it, it does not answer or save him from his trouble. [8] “Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, [9] remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, [10] declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ [11] calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it. [12] “Listen to me, you stubborn of heart, you who are far from righteousness: [13] I bring near my righteousness; it is not far off, and my salvation will not delay; I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel my glory.”            

Times of national duress can serve to purify and strengthen God’s people.  

• Idolatrous nations come under judgment eventually. (46:1-2, 47)  

• Such times give opportunity for God’s people to honestly evaluate their trust and obedience. (46:3-13)  

• God will sustain and save His people. (46:4,12-13)