Sermon: Get Ready To Sing Again! Series

Sermon: Get Ready To Sing Again!

Scripture: Isaiah 12:1-6 “In that day you will sing: “I will praise you, O Lord! You were angry with me, but not anymore. Now you comfort me. See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! In that wonderful day you will sing: “Thank the Lord! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is! Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world. Let all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy! For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.”

Introduction: The hymn writer says, “Come, we that love the Lord, and let our joys be known. Join in a song with sweet accord, and thus surround the throne.” After a season of silence, with harps hanging in the weeping willows, Isaiah speaks of a time when Israel will sing again! Their present trials will end. As we face pandemics, hurricanes, violence, war and economic challenges, it is good to know that this too will pass.

This is the second song recorded in the book of Isaiah. The first song was, When God sings the blues! God asked the question what more could I have done for my beloved? Now, Isaiah encourages Israel by sharing what lies ahead. Isaiah chooses words from Moses’ sister Miriam after Israel came safely through the Red Sea. Miriam sang a praise song to God and about God and His great deliverance. Isaiah pens a new song of praise for salvation of Israel! When Isaiah sees a glimpse of God’s salvation plan, Israel’s complete deliverance and restoration, this is a fitting song. When God blesses anyone with deliverance and fruitfulness, praise is a suitable response. The song may be hard to hear in this generation, especially during this season of ingratitude. Today, criticism is more common than a compliment. It seems easier for people to complain than it is for them to express gratitude. God is worthy to praised and praise is always in order.

Isaiah suggests that praise will be the proper response for the goodness of God shown to His people. They will praise God for returning them to their homeland after a long captivity in Babylon. They will praise God for salvation, for He has forgiven their sin and given them peace and joy. Every sinner should praise when salvation comes. Every backslidden believer should praise God for restoration and renewal after being reclaimed by God. Every mature saint ought praise God for keeping them secure. Praise is the right thing to do for all who experienced the grace of God in any measure. Isaiah says, In that day, the whole company of God’s redeemed people will celebrate God with songs of praise.

The promises of God are sure; the blessings of God are rich; and the benefits of God are enjoyable because of what God has provided for by sending His Son and Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ to pay our debt. We really have something to shout about! Through Jesus Christ, the root of Jesse, the seed of David, and the Messiah of God, God’s anger is turned away, for He is our peace. Those who are forgiven by God are reconciled to God and highly favored by God. We all should join in the singing. For because of His mercy, we are not consumed. We deserved death, but He gave us life. We have something to sing about!

After Israel was released from Egyptian bondage, and walk through the Red sea on dry ground, Miriam could not contain her praise. With her tambourine in hand, she led the congregation in song. After David had subdued all his enemies, and sat on the throne of Israel, Ps 116:12-14, “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.” David sang a song of praise, gave special offerings to God, and testified in the presence of God’s people. How should we response to the Goodness of Lord? How should we praise the Lord?

1. With singing songs of thanksgiving: “In that day you will sing: “I will praise you, O Lord! You were angry with me, but not anymore. Now you comfort me. See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid.”

As giving thanks for former mercy in song of praise has a way of paving the way for new mercies. They sang praise to God because they God’s anger was justified. Since His anger has been turned aside, they graciously accept with thankful acknowledgments all the mercies they have received. More than that, God has comforted them and saved them, as they sensed his goodness, they praise God's name and give unto him the glory and honor due to his name as our powerful and bountiful benefactor.