NEW YEAR’S EVE 2019 – Isaiah 30:8-17
“TWO WAYS TO GO”
Introduction: Grace be to you and peace, from God our Father, and from our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Our text is the Old Testament Lesson just read, from Isaiah 30. We begin with prayer.
Dear fellow disciples of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ:
- Our text clearly details two ways in which human beings can live and behave, and also in how they relate to God. First, God details how the children of Israel had been disobedient. Second, He relates how through His Word He provides a different way of “being” and “behaving.” It is the way of repentance and faith in God.
- Things have not changed one iota to this very day, the last day of 2019. Nor is it all that likely that 2020 will be much different! So as human beings, and especially as children of God, we should be acutely aware of these “TWO WAYS TO GO.” This, so that we avoid the evil and disfunctional way, and heed the precious invitation from God to salvation and strength.
- As we are all aware:
I. There Is The Way Of The World
A. It Is The Way Of Those Who Reject God’s Word
Text: “They are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the Lord.”
B. It Is The Way Of Those Who Seek To Pervert Even God’s Prophets
Text: “They say to the seers, ‘Do not see,’ and to the prophets, ‘Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions, leave the way, turn aside from the path.’”
C. It Is Full Blown Rejection Of God
Text: “Let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel.”
D. It Is The Way Of Perversion And Violence
Text: “Because you despise this Word and trust in oppression and perverseness and rely on them.”
E. It Is The Way Of Insisting Upon Self-Reliance
Text: “You were unwilling, and you said, ‘No we will flee upon horses’; therefore you shall flee away.’”
Statement: The end result of all of this is dismal. The record of such blasphemous rebellion against God is permanent. The end result is collapse and destruction, fleeing to no avail, being caught and destroyed, and ultimately living in terror of your enemies. This is what befalls all who reject the Lord, His Word, His prophets, and His salvation.
Application: Now we might think that within the church things would be quite different – and for the most part they are. However, these words were written to God’s people of old – who did fall away! And there are some within the church even today who want to dictate to the prophets what they are to preach and teach, including things that are in opposition to God’s Word, that pervert God’s morality, and that titillate rather than calling us to repentance and full reliance upon God’s gracious mercy. So we must beware, lest even within the church we end up being lured into rebellion!
Transition: There is another way, described in our text, one which we are also familiar with!
II. There Is The Way Of God’s Love, Which Believers Walk In
A. It Is The Way Of Repentance And Faith
Text: “Thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved.’”
B. It Is Also The Way Of Quietness And Trust In God
Text: “In quietness and trust shall be your strength.”
Statement: Jesus said, “Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” [Matt. 11:28] Jesus said, “He that believes the Son has everlasting life.” [John 3:36] Jesus said, “You believe in God; believe also in Me . . . I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am, there you may be also.” [John 14:1,3] In fact Jesus says: “Lo I am with you always even to the end of the age.” [Matt. 18:20] He tells us: “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.’” [Matt. 6:31-34] Statement: Jesus said, “Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” [Matt. 11:28] Jesus said, “He that believes the Son has everlasting life.” [John 3:36] Jesus said, “You believe in God; believe also in Me . . . I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am, there you may be also.” [John 14:1,3] In fact Jesus says: “Lo I am with you always even to the end of the
Application: So you see what God promises, and what He wills for each of us! He invites us to walk in His Way, in Jesus, Who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” [John 14:6] In repenting of our sins, and resting in His gracious love and salvation, we shall have rest and salvation, and God will be our strength! We will be freed from the delusion of self-reliance, and all of the pressure we put on ourselves. And we will also be free to reorient ourselves and commit ourselves to the ways of God, to His Word and Instruction!
Conclusion: Yes, we will have to swim against the current of this fallen world. We will have to reject their invitations to rebel against God, their encouragement to engage in oppression and perverseness. But we will also avoid their tragic end – thanks be to God.
So let us continue in His Way in 2020, and continue in the abundance of His blessings – salvation, protection, safety, peace, rest, and joy! God grant it to each of us, Amen.
Votum: And the peace of God, which surpasses all human understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds in the true faith, which is in Christ Jesus, even unto life everlasting, Amen.