Title: Wait and Not Be Weary
Theme: Learn to tarry (wait) on the Lord and we will soar like eagles.
Text: Isaiah 40:27 - 31
Introduction
Isaiah is a prophet of the Old Testament to the nation of Judah. He covered four kings who reigned in Judah, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah. His most famous prophecy came in the time of Hezekiah as he prophesied the captivity of Judah the last remaining nation of God. This came on the heels of Hezekiah’s pleading for to live longer, given 15 more years, and exposing the land to the foreign kings. Hezekiah was judged for his lack of judgment.
So Isaiah is about the destruction of Judah. It must have been very discouraging. The good news comes in chapters 40 & 41 when Isaiah discusses the restoration and protection of God.
Isaiah has a similar format to the Bible. 66 chapters as the Bible has 66 books. 39 deal with judgement and 27 deal with grace.
Isaiah deals with Messianic Prophecies. Over 40 prophecies alone.
After sensing a discouragement in his hearers he goes into Isaiah 40:27
Isaiah 40:27 Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: "My way is hidden from the Lord, And my just claim is passed over by my God"?
I have been praying and seeking God, fasting to no result.
(28) Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.
“everlasting God”
“the LORD”
- Definition: Jehovah = the existing one
1. the proper name of the one true God
a. unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of 0136
- Origin: from H1961
- TWOT entry: 484a
- Part(s) of speech: Proper Name
- Strong's: From H1961; (the) self Existent or eternal;
Jehovah Jewish national name of God: - Jehovah the Lord
“the creator” – compared to the idols made of wood and hands
“of the ends of the earth” – knows all the earth
His Promise to us.
(29) He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.
“weak” – in strength
In sin –
Romans 5:19-21 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous. (20) Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, (21) so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(30) Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall,
There will be a time when I strength will wear out. There will be a time when we just cannot keep going.
(31) But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength;
“wait” – tarry
May mean to Pray
Day of Pentecost
Begins in Luke
Luke 24:49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high."
May mean to worship
John 12:1-8 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. (2) There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. (3) Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
(4) Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, (5) "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" (6) This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. (7) But Jesus said, "Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. (8) For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always."
Martha was working (serving)
Lasarus was witnessing (sharing)
Mary was worshiping (worship)
May mean to just move and wait on God.
Israel marched around the wall 13 times in silence until God said shout.
John 11 Lazarus had to wait. Maybe he stood on the outside waiting on the Jesus to call him back.
They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
“Mount up with wings like eagles”
In other words if we wait on God we will soar. Flying above our problems.
“run and not be weary” – cover more ground that we would have if we had rushed into it.
Don’t Be Weary When Doing Good
Galatians 6:7-10 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. (8) For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (9) And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (10) Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
“walk and not faint” – we can go along ways, we will not burn out.
Conclusion
Don’t sit and wait. Worship.
Paul and Silas in Prison
I wonder what it was like in the prison cell. Chained up hands and feet. Behind bars. Waiting on God. Maybe for a moment there was silence. Processing. Maybe wondering whether or not they were going to be the next martyrs. Then Silas shuffles and the chains rattle. Paul says do that again Silas. Silas rattles the chain. Maybe giving it a little rhythm. Finally, Paul joins in. Their chains became their purpose for praise. Their chains were now making the sound of praise.
