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Lord of the Nations

Lord of the Nations. Isaiah 24:1-13 & 25:1-8 (p. 651-652). May 9, 2010. 1. Age of Anxiety. Self-sufficiency, primacy of the individual “Century of the Self” (documentary about Freud and the rise of individualism)

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Lord of the Nations

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  1. Lord of the Nations Isaiah 24:1-13 & 25:1-8 (p. 651-652) May 9, 2010

  2. 1. Age of Anxiety • Self-sufficiency, primacy of the individual • “Century of the Self” (documentary about Freud and the rise of individualism) • Martin Luther (1521): “It is neither safe nor right to go against conscience.” • Mistrust of social structures (family, government, business, religion, etc.) • Extreme self-sufficiency & self-reliance • But we are sinful and know we can’t do it alone  Fundamental insecurity w/self & world  Anxiety

  3. 1. Age of Anxiety con’t • Isaiah’s time: anxiety about the future involved neighbouring nations (national/political anxiety) • Isaiah spoke into a different context, but message is still relevant: • God is in control of the universe • Trust in God alone

  4. 2. God is in Control • Last week’s text (Isa 13-23): • fate of specific nations (judgment) • no reason to put trust in them • This week’s text (Isa 24-27): • More general - fate of all who do not trust in the Lord (judgment) • God has control over everything • Showed using contrast

  5. 2. God is in Control con’t Contrasting cities… • City of man / earth • Metaphor for human-made glory, self-sufficiency, pride • City of God (future) • Imagery for ‘heaven’/ eschatological future / eternity • God himself is at the centre • All things exist because He sustains them

  6. 2. God is in Control con’t Contrasting cities… • City of man / earth • 24:1 – “the Lord is going to lay waste to the earth” • 25:2 – “you have made the city a heap of rubble, the fortified town a ruin” • 26:8-9 – “he humbles those who dwell on high” Human glory, pride, self-sufficiency destroyed • City of God (future) • 26:1b – “we have a strong city; God makes salvation its walls” •  Safe, secure place of salvation • 26:2 – “the righteous nation may enter” •  For those who trust in God alone God is in control of the future!

  7. 2. God is in Control con’t The language of “destruction” – symbolic & literal • Imagery showing the results of not trusting God • 24:5-6 – “they have disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes, broken everlasting covenant. Therefore a curse consumes the earth…” • Ancient covenants always came with blessings & curses; common language in the context of a broken covenant • Literal in that desolation, destruction, lack of joy are natural consequences of sinful behaviour

  8. 3. Trust in God Alone Those who trust in God alone will… • Sing praises to the Lord (25:1) • Belong in a safe, secure city (25:3) • Find refuge in God (25:4) • Enjoy great feasts! (25:6) • Be saved from death & granted eternal life (25:7-8) • “he will destroy… the sheet [death] that covers all nations” • All nations are invited in! • Have peace of mind & freedom from the anxiety of our age • 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

  9. 3. Trust in God Alone con’t How can we trust in God alone? • Lots of things – too many to list, but none with a guarantee! • Trust that God is at work in us • Not following your own plan • My own story • Prayer • My own prayer habit

  10. 3. Trust in God Alone - Pray Lord, You have always givenBread for the coming day,and though I am poor,Today I believe.Lord, You have always givenstrength for the coming dayAnd though I am weak,Today I believe.Lord, You have always givenPeace for the coming day,and though I am of anxious heart,Today I believe.Lord, You have always keptMe safe in trials,And now, tried as I am,Today I believe. Lord, You have always markedThe road for the coming dayAnd though it may be hidden,Today I believe.Lord, You have always lightenedThis darkness of mine,And though the night is here,Today I believe.Lord, You have always spokenWhen time was ripe,And though You be silent now,Today I believe.

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