Lord of the Nations
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Transcript of Lord of the Nations
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LORD OF THE NATIONSIsaiah 24:1-13 & 25:1-8
(p. 651-652)
May 9, 2010
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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
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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
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2. GOD IS IN CONTROLLast 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
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2. GOD IS IN CONTROL CON’T
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
Contrasting cities…
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2. GOD IS IN CONTROL CON’T
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
Contrasting cities…
God is in control of the future!
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2. GOD IS IN CONTROL CON’T
The language of “destruction” – symbolic & literal Imagery showing the results of not trusting God24:5-6 – “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 covenantLiteral in that desolation, destruction, lack of joy are
natural consequences of sinful behaviour
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3. TRUST IN GOD ALONEThose 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.”
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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 usNot following your own plan
My own storyPrayer
My own prayer habit
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3. TRUST IN GOD ALONE - PRAYLord, 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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