Rise up!
Isaiah 8:9-10
Introduction
- Last time in Isa. 7, the key to this chapter was God telling us NOT to worry
- If you remember because of the threat of war they were ready to give up
- Because the enemy had come knocking, the people feared & doubted God
- The key for us is to be encouraged by Isaiah’s words to TRUST in Him
- In the beginning of Isaiah 8 we begin to see how God will use another Army to get His people’s attention; because they have continued to disobey
- Tonight, we pick up this with 2 verses in Isaiah chapter 8 for our focus
- Stand and read Isaiah 8:9-10 / Pray
Point 1 – RAISE UP! (v. 9)
- This is being written to the enemy, but I feel it speaks to us immediately
- Men of God … Women of God … Allow me to be straight to the point
- It’s not often you get the purpose of the message right at the beginning
- Here it is: Will you take the energy to RISE UP and stand against sin?
- This command, this is a call to action that means we have something to do
- RISE UP! This war cry is to all the churches today to take a stand
- Most have heard the story of Jericho (Book of Joshua) and how it fell
- When they had marched around 7 times they were to blow the trumpets
- Joshua 6:5 says, “When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in."
- What could have become of the people had they not obeyed?
- Of Joshua’s leadership had he not listened to God?
- Both have the same answer … they’d be on the outside looking in!
Analogy?
- This same battle cry that Joshua ordered and obeyed, is referred to here
Church, we are commanded to cry out to God, to call foul ball when it is
- Because of the cry from God … we are called to move
- We are to prepare for battle, to be ready “in season and out”
- What then church, should we be doing? How should we be acting?
- This is not a time to be self-righteous and look down your nose at others
- Time to stand tall, to gird your loins (expound), and WALK into battle
- Eph 6:14 (KJV), “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness …”
-- To gird your loins means to draw up your garments around your mid section to increase agility and mobility – this prevents the loose garments from becoming entangled around your legs and tripping you
-- It literally means to secure anything that would cause you stumble
- Being prepared means to get rid of baggage (sin) and stand up
- APP: But, where is the battle? 1 Peter 1:13-16 (KJV), “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
- Would you be shattered for God? Would you allow yourself to be broken?
- Isaiah is writing to the enemy here, but I feel that the true enemy is sin
- Would we take this kind of stand against sin and call it out to obey God?
- TRANS: Would we seek to stand against sin’s strategies and plans
Point 2 – God will prevail (v. 10)
- Job 5:12 also calls out to us in similar fashion, “He thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success.”
- No matter what the cause, not matter the enemy, God will be victorious
- Sometimes we wonder about God’s plan and how He works in our lives
- Funeral on Monday – God’s purpose is not known; but His glory is shown
- We do not understand why, we cannot reason it, but God will prevail
- The same is what we must focus on today; that God knows what we need
- Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
- We all have our desires and our wishes for how we think it should be
- No matter the cause or the circumstance, we want that driver’s seat
- We want that control because our flesh rages against God’s plan for us
- But, no matter the issue, we must surrender and realize that the battle is not ours nor can we ever really win the battle without God’s mercy and grace
- Isaiah is declaring against all that seems insurmountable; that God will win
- What boldness is this – what Glory is this being shown in the face of sin?
- I believe this is the fore-runner to another well known Bible verse
-- Romans 8:31, “What then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
- Truly, what shall we say if God is for us … WHO can be against us?
- Can we not take a stand of boldness? A stand of courage? Of assurance?
- Would we not be able to rise up and defend the faith against our enemies?
Conclusion
- Isa 7:4 gave us, “Say to him, be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart …”
- The Gospel is not a popularity concept because it goes against every “feel good religion and name it/claim it” propaganda that exists out there – BUT!
- Even in the face of tragedy we can stand tall and remain faithful
- Even in the face of huge obstacles we can proclaim the Gospel truth
- And even in the face of insurmountable odds we can be as bold as a lion
- “God is with us” … do you believe it? Then it’s time to respond
- Pray
