Faithful in Every Age: Learning to Follow Jesus Through Praise and Trust - Isaiah 25:1 (NLT)
Introduction: The Song of a Disciple
There are moments in life when praise feels easy — when prayers are answered quickly, when doors open, when health is strong and hope is high. But discipleship is tested not in comfort, but in uncertainty.
Isaiah writes in a time of upheaval — political instability, looming judgement, and a world shaking under the weight of sin. Yet in the middle of that uncertainty, the prophet lifts his voice in worship.
Listen carefully to the words:
Isaiah 25:1 (NLT): "O LORD, I will honour and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them.”
This is not casual praise. This is covenant praise. This is the language of a disciple who has learned to trust God’s faithfulness across generations.
Today, we ask: What does it mean to follow Jesus when life feels uncertain?
Isaiah teaches us that true discipleship is rooted in praise, anchored in God’s sovereignty, and fulfilled in Christ.
I. The Disciple’s Declaration: “You Are My God”
Isaiah chapters 24–27 are often called the “Isaiah Apocalypse.” They speak of God’s final victory over evil and His ultimate restoration. Isaiah 25 begins not with fear but with worship.
The Hebrew phrase “Elohai atah” — “You are my God” — is deeply personal. This is covenant language, echoing Israel’s relationship with Yahweh.
Discipleship begins here: not merely acknowledging God’s existence, but declaring personal allegiance.
A disciple does not say, “There is a God.”
A disciple says, “You are my God.”
Psalm 63:1 (NLT): “O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you…”
David wrote this while in the wilderness of Judah — a dry, dangerous place. The Hebrew word “shachar” (“earnestly search”) carries the idea of seeking at dawn — intentional pursuit.
Discipleship is not accidental; it is intentional pursuit of God.
In a 21st-century world filled with distractions — endless screens, endless noise — discipleship demands deliberate devotion. We cannot drift into intimacy with Jesus; we must seek Him.
John Piper once said, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
That is the heartbeat of discipleship. When Jesus becomes our greatest joy, obedience ceases to be duty and becomes delight.
Jesus is The Anchor in the Storm. Imagine a ship caught in violent waters. The waves rise, winds scream, and visibility vanishes. The anchor is unseen beneath the surface, yet it holds firm.
Discipleship is living anchored to God’s character even when circumstances rage. Isaiah praises not because the storm is gone, but because God is faithful.
II. The Disciple’s Confidence: God’s Plans Are Faithful
“You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them.” (Isaiah 25:1)
The Hebrew word translated “planned” is “etsah”, meaning counsel, purpose, or divine strategy. God’s actions are never reactive; they are purposeful.
Isaiah reminds Israel that history is not random — it unfolds according to God’s redemptive plan.
Ephesians 1:11 (NLT): “Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.”
The Greek word “prothesis” means divine intention or setting forth beforehand. God’s plan is eternal, not improvised.
Modern culture tells us life is chance and chaos. Scripture tells us God is sovereign.
Discipleship means trusting God when we cannot trace His hand.
Tim Keller wrote, “God will only give you what you would have asked for if you knew everything He knows.”
Church, that truth humbles us. The disciple learns to rest in divine wisdom rather than human understanding.
Romans 8:28 (NLT): “And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Paul writes to believers facing suffering and persecution. The promise is not that everything is good, but that God works through everything for good.
Following Jesus in the 21st century means trusting Him through grief, financial uncertainty, relational strain, and cultural confusion.
A tapestry viewed from the back looks chaotic — loose threads, knots, confusion. But from the front, a masterpiece appears.
We live on the backside of eternity. God sees the finished design.
III. The Disciple’s Hope: Fulfilled in Jesus Christ
Isaiah’s praise ultimately points beyond his era — toward the Messiah.
Luke 24:27 (NLT): “Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”
Jesus Himself teaches that Isaiah’s vision finds fulfilment in Him.
Gospel Connection
God’s “wonderful things” culminate at the cross.
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (NLT): “Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.”
The plan Isaiah praised reaches its climax in Jesus Christ — crucified, buried, risen, reigning.
The word “euangelion” — Gospel — means good news. Not advice, not moral improvement, but divine rescue.
Charles Stanley said, “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.”
The cross proves God’s faithfulness. If He did not spare His own Son, He will not abandon His disciples now.
Gospel Presentation:
Friend, sin separates us from God. Humanity cannot save itself. Yet God’s eternal plan was love — Jesus came, lived sinlessly, died sacrificially, was buried, and rose victoriously.
He did not die merely to inspire us but to redeem us.
Discipleship begins not with effort but surrender.
Repent — turn from sin.
Believe — trust Christ alone.
Follow — live under His lordship.
IV. The Disciple’s Response: Praise, Trust, and Obedience
Luke 9:23 (NLT): "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”
The Greek word “akoloutheo” — follow — means to walk the same road as another.
Discipleship is daily alignment with Jesus.
Practical 21st-Century Application
Daily Worship: Begin each day declaring, “You are my God.”
Trust in Uncertainty: Refuse panic; choose prayer.
Obedient Living: Align finances, relationships, and priorities with Christ.
Public Witness: Live visibly for Jesus in workplaces and communities.
Max Lucado wrote, “God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.”
The disciple keeps walking because Jesus is both the path and the destination.
Call to Action:
Believers, are you praising God only when life goes well? Or have you learned Isaiah’s song — praising Him because He is faithful?
Today, choose to:
Renew your trust in God’s plan.
Surrender areas of resistance.
Follow Jesus daily with intentional obedience.
Invitation to Salvation
If you have never trusted Christ, hear this invitation:
Jesus died for you.
Jesus rose for you.
Jesus calls you now.
Turn from sin. Place your faith in Him as Saviour and Lord. The same God Isaiah praised is reaching for you today.
Conclusion and Benediction:
Church, discipleship is not about perfect circumstances — it is about faithful worship.
May we leave declaring: “O LORD, You are my God.”
May praise rise before answers come.
May trust grow before understanding arrives.
May our lives proclaim Christ in a confused generation.
Walk with Jesus this week — anchored, assured, and alive in hope.
Amen.
