God’s Anger towards Israel
Isaiah 9:8-12
Introduction
- On Sunday, we discussed the coming prophecy of a Child being born to us
- If you remember, we examined that we were given a great light to look at
- We saw that truly there is NO more slavery for those who are in Christ
- And lastly because this Child was born, we have been given a Counselor
- In Him, there is an outline for living that sometimes is lost in translation
-- We will be given a mediator, because we cannot earn God’s forgiveness
-- As the Prince of Peace, he reconciles us to God; we could never finish it
-- He is the Giver of peace in the heart and conscience; and when his kingdom is fully established, men shall war with God no more.
- Tonight, let’s continue and set up what I think will be a revealing message for this coming Sunday, as we celebrate our Nation’s birth and history
-- Challenge you to be here on Sunday; we have work to do for God’s Kingdom
- Stand / Read Isaiah 9:8-12
- Pray
Point 1 – The people’s response (v8-11)
- Important to note is the contrast in the revelation of a Savior and the response
-- God has just revealed the promise of a deliverer; are the people happy about it?
-- Is there mass celebration in the streets and rejoicing because of this news?
Set-up:
- God sent word through Jacob – He gives the people fair warning continuously
- Consider for a moment God’s warning to us (Prophets, Disciples, and Apostles)
- We have a clear indication of God’s intent to get His Glory; because He’s God
-- Yet still, the disobedience and frustration continues amongst His people
- He sent notice what he would do, that they might meet him; reconciliation
- But still, they would not take the hint; didn’t turn from their ways
- APP: And so God’s Word would not fall and take root in Israel
- Compare to today – is God’s Word falling on our nation or falling aside?
- Do we see repentance and remorse for the lives we are living?
- Examine Jesus’ teaching of repentance and the importance he places on it
-- Luke 13:1-5, “Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
- God’s judgment fell upon these people as a storm, as a raging war against them
- It is because of the disobedience of these people that God casts judgment
- Now, let’s examine just how infested they are with sin and with their own pride
- Even in their sin, they (we) feel that we are a match for God & can have our way
- v10 talks about bricks falling down, but there is more than meets the eye here
-- The people proclaim that the bricks have fallen down, but we’ll rebuild them
-- The fig trees are taken out (providing food and shade), so we’ll just plant cedar
- The pride seeping out of these verses is immense and we have to see this to grasp the impact of God’s response
-- Prov 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
- APP: When the Lord speaks to us, our response has to be to move; and obey always respond to change our own course (most important app)
- So, we see word being sent through Jacob, to Isaiah, and yet nothing changes
- Have they not seen God’s power? Have they not seen God’s strength?
- Were these same people not the one brought from captivity by God’s mercy?
- In these few verses prayerfully we can be challenged to respond accordingly
- Else, we shall see the final verse for tonight levied upon us well
- (It’s not all bad news; but the warnings here are pretty tough to miss)
- We must never forget where we have come from, and that we have been rescued
- TRANS: God has a response for this people; and we should take heed of it
Point 2 – God’s Hand is Upraised (v12)
- This is a hard Word to hear and even harder to preach … but …
- God’s wrath is not quenched nor put out; nor is He delaying in justice
-- Ref the example of a parent preparing to discipline
- God is not impressed with our efforts nor pride; but rather seeking followership
- However, note the contrast:
-- Revelation of a Child; our disobedience; God’s preparation to judge
-- And still there is a sign of mercy and grace that is not deserved
- APP: Imagine the difference if God had just simply turned His back on us
- God continues to have reason to discipline (read verse 17 and verse 21)
- Israel has been defiled and ravaged throughout history
- Yet God is prepared to discipline His children
- Nations will turn away from God, and He is prepared to discipline
Conclusion
- Do you want to know the definition of mercy? Clemency; Compassion
-- Grace: Is unmerited, undeserved, forgiveness from God for what we’ve done
- In Chapter 9 we see Isaiah giving us every reason for God’s displeasure
- And still God shows His mercy and does not avenge their disobedience
- We know that one day the mercy of God will end; but do we want to risk seeing that day on this side of eternity – that’s the real question
- This is the true challenge of a believer; to live each day walking with Him
- To know that we serve a God who will bring judgment; and who seeks us
- Because He loves us willingly; despite all our imperfections
- Pray
