Trinity 12 August 27, 2023
Isaiah 29:17-24
God’s Will SHALL Be Done
V.20 For the ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease, and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off…
Dear friends in Christ, this text from Isaiah serves to give hope to Christians in difficult times–facing difficult circumstances–particularly, times of distress in this world that make it challenging to be a Christian and live the Christian life. For herein Isaiah prophesies that there will be a Day when the pain, the trials, the sufferings, the ridicule, and the mockery endured by Christians will be reversed–done away with–forever! That God’s will SHALL be done–even when it seems as though there is currently little hope of that ever happening.
Indeed, the faithful few of God’s people living in Judea were surrounded by unbelievers–among their own fellow Jews! People who mocked them for holding fast to God’s Word–for proclaiming it as truth–for believing that God was real and true to His Word. They also faced the harassment of unbelievers from other nations–Samaria to the north, not to mention Syria and Assyria and Egypt. God reacted strongly against this kind of faithlessness, as we see in v.16 just before our text, “You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say to its maker, ‘He did not make me’; or the thing formed say of him who formed it, ‘He has no understanding’?”
Indeed, we often feel like we live in an upside down world, don’t we? People run heedlessly from the Word and counsel of God–even supposed Christians!--claiming that God and His Word has no real place in our modern society in which we know so much better than the Lord God. In our sinfulness and rebellion against Him, we are often wont to pretend that we are the makers of our own destiny–that He did not make us–and so has no control over us or any say in how we live our lives. When we examine His Word, we are at times quick to think, “God has no understanding on this matter”–I know better. I see more clearly. I understand what is right and true and good better than the Lord.
And when we DO look to God and His Word–when we DO proclaim it faithfully–what tends to happen, beloved? We often get trampled upon–mocked–persecuted–scoffed at–ignored, even though we are in the right.
Yet the Lord says through Isaiah that the Day is coming when all of that will change. The Day of God’s visitation in Jesus Christ changes everything. For He has come to undo the wisdom of the wise, break the strength of the strong–humble all those who reject Him and His Word. For earthly wisdom and strength avail a person nothing before God, as St. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:25, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
But for all those who receive Jesus and His Word by faith–believe in Him by God’s grace–shall be exalted! A great reversal shall come to pass. The seemingly impossible will occur–by God’s great power and might. As Isaiah foretold, “In that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see. The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.”
Just think about that, beloved! The deaf shall hear? The blind shall see? The meek shall receive joy? And the poor shall exult in God? Why? How? Because of Jesus. Because of Jesus and His triumphant Word and work. For in Christ all things change. He brings light and life to all who believe on His name. For His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
We see this very inbreaking of God made flesh in Jesus’ public ministry. He who made the blind to see, the lame to walk, the deaf to hear, and the mute to speak and sing! Jesus, the living Word of God, came with power and great might to undo the works of sin and the devil–to forever break the power of death and its hold over humanity. Jesus came to take all of our sin–all of our shame–all of our humiliation and degradation–and crucify it on Calvary’s cross in His own humble flesh. Suffering and dying for it all in our place.
This great love of God made manifest for us in Christ Jesus–that which is proclaimed in His Holy Word–is the power of God to open our ears to the joy of His Gospel salvation–to open our eyes to the truth and light of His Word–to bring our hearts steadfastness and contentment in all that He has done for us.
Yet, you know beloved, you know that there are many who stubbornly reject Jesus and His Word. There are those who believe that they are so smart and wise and strong that they can do what they want–believe what they want–and bully others to fall in line with their twisted and evil thinking. They scoff at Christians who believe in a simple six day creation account. They grow indignant with us when we object to medical experimentation, procedures, and therapies that would leave children sterilized and scarred for life! Indeed, they use all the means at their disposal, be it through cancel culture in social media, or with new laws to restrict free speech and parental rights, to force people into compliance with this devastating and twisted way of viewing the world. All the while calling Christians backwards and ignorant as we strive to hold on to common sense and obvious natural law.
Christians are often made to feel ashamed for our “outdated” and “old fashioned” notions and beliefs regarding all sorts of important issues: be it marriage, life, death, the human body, history, or anything else. But, beloved, this shall all come to an end when Christ returns. “For the ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease, and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off, who by a word make a man out to be an offender, and lay a snare for him who reproves in the gate, and with an empty plea turn aside him who is in the right.”
When Christ returns in glory to judge the living and the dead, all these trials we currently endure shall come to an end. A rather abrupt and sudden end. Those ruthless persecutors of God’s people and deniers of His Word shall come to nothing. Those who would scoff shall cease–indeed the evil will be cut off completely as they are cast into hell. Those who have slandered Christians and lied to make us appear to be offenders of the law of the land–those who have tried to entrap Christian bakers, florists, photographers, etc. and force them to break God’s Law and violate their conscience–those who try to ensnare those seeking to defend the truth–and who would deny simple truth according to natural law and plain reason–all those will come to nothing. They will be undone and judged–found wanting in God’s sight–having rejected Jesus as Lord and Saviour, along with His Word of truth.
So, beloved, keep fighting the good fight. Do not give up hope nor give in to despair. Despite the seeming triumph of evil in our world and society–despite the apparent weakness of the church and her members–yet Christ remains Lord of all. He has already won! His victory came at the cross whereby He undid the powers of death and hell–all for you and for me. You have been united with Him in Baptism–and you are strengthened in His Holy Supper–having your sins completely forgiven and looking to Jesus for all good and peace.
You need no longer be ashamed or grow pale with fear. For you are the work of God’s hands–you are His children who sanctify His name–giving Him praise and honour and glory for all that He has done in Christ Jesus. Continue to pray for the misguided and erring of this world–that the truth of God and His Word would reach into every heart in every place. That they may repent of their sin and look in faith to Jesus Christ. May those who have gone astray in spirit come to understanding–and those who murmur accept instruction.
You know of whom I speak. Your own dear loved ones who perhaps were raised in the faith and have since strayed. It is heartbreaking and demoralizing to know they have forsaken Christ and His Word. Yet all is not lost. Remember that the Lord Jesus loves them more than you do. Remember that His Word is powerful. Though they have strayed, they may yet repent and return through the hearing of His Word. They may accept instruction from the Lord. For, as Paul writes in Romans 10:17, “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ.”
So, dear friends, do not give up. Earnestly pray for your loved ones. Uphold them before the Lord, trusting in His mercy. Share with them the Word of God that alone has the power to change hearts and minds. Bring them before this holy altar and leave them at the feet of Jesus–and trust Him to work through His Word as He has promised.
Remember that God’s will was done on the cross. It seemed crazy at first. It seemed God’s plan of salvation had failed when Jesus breathed His last. But through His death and resurrection, God worked salvation for all people. And the Light of His Word goes out to all so that some may hear and believe. “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Isaiah 29:17-24
God’s Will SHALL Be Done
V.20 For the ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease, and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off…
Dear friends in Christ, this text from Isaiah serves to give hope to Christians in difficult times–facing difficult circumstances–particularly, times of distress in this world that make it challenging to be a Christian and live the Christian life. For herein Isaiah prophesies that there will be a Day when the pain, the trials, the sufferings, the ridicule, and the mockery endured by Christians will be reversed–done away with–forever! That God’s will SHALL be done–even when it seems as though there is currently little hope of that ever happening.
Indeed, the faithful few of God’s people living in Judea were surrounded by unbelievers–among their own fellow Jews! People who mocked them for holding fast to God’s Word–for proclaiming it as truth–for believing that God was real and true to His Word. They also faced the harassment of unbelievers from other nations–Samaria to the north, not to mention Syria and Assyria and Egypt. God reacted strongly against this kind of faithlessness, as we see in v.16 just before our text, “You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say to its maker, ‘He did not make me’; or the thing formed say of him who formed it, ‘He has no understanding’?”
Indeed, we often feel like we live in an upside down world, don’t we? People run heedlessly from the Word and counsel of God–even supposed Christians!--claiming that God and His Word has no real place in our modern society in which we know so much better than the Lord God. In our sinfulness and rebellion against Him, we are often wont to pretend that we are the makers of our own destiny–that He did not make us–and so has no control over us or any say in how we live our lives. When we examine His Word, we are at times quick to think, “God has no understanding on this matter”–I know better. I see more clearly. I understand what is right and true and good better than the Lord.
And when we DO look to God and His Word–when we DO proclaim it faithfully–what tends to happen, beloved? We often get trampled upon–mocked–persecuted–scoffed at–ignored, even though we are in the right.
Yet the Lord says through Isaiah that the Day is coming when all of that will change. The Day of God’s visitation in Jesus Christ changes everything. For He has come to undo the wisdom of the wise, break the strength of the strong–humble all those who reject Him and His Word. For earthly wisdom and strength avail a person nothing before God, as St. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:25, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
But for all those who receive Jesus and His Word by faith–believe in Him by God’s grace–shall be exalted! A great reversal shall come to pass. The seemingly impossible will occur–by God’s great power and might. As Isaiah foretold, “In that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see. The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.”
Just think about that, beloved! The deaf shall hear? The blind shall see? The meek shall receive joy? And the poor shall exult in God? Why? How? Because of Jesus. Because of Jesus and His triumphant Word and work. For in Christ all things change. He brings light and life to all who believe on His name. For His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
We see this very inbreaking of God made flesh in Jesus’ public ministry. He who made the blind to see, the lame to walk, the deaf to hear, and the mute to speak and sing! Jesus, the living Word of God, came with power and great might to undo the works of sin and the devil–to forever break the power of death and its hold over humanity. Jesus came to take all of our sin–all of our shame–all of our humiliation and degradation–and crucify it on Calvary’s cross in His own humble flesh. Suffering and dying for it all in our place.
This great love of God made manifest for us in Christ Jesus–that which is proclaimed in His Holy Word–is the power of God to open our ears to the joy of His Gospel salvation–to open our eyes to the truth and light of His Word–to bring our hearts steadfastness and contentment in all that He has done for us.
Yet, you know beloved, you know that there are many who stubbornly reject Jesus and His Word. There are those who believe that they are so smart and wise and strong that they can do what they want–believe what they want–and bully others to fall in line with their twisted and evil thinking. They scoff at Christians who believe in a simple six day creation account. They grow indignant with us when we object to medical experimentation, procedures, and therapies that would leave children sterilized and scarred for life! Indeed, they use all the means at their disposal, be it through cancel culture in social media, or with new laws to restrict free speech and parental rights, to force people into compliance with this devastating and twisted way of viewing the world. All the while calling Christians backwards and ignorant as we strive to hold on to common sense and obvious natural law.
Christians are often made to feel ashamed for our “outdated” and “old fashioned” notions and beliefs regarding all sorts of important issues: be it marriage, life, death, the human body, history, or anything else. But, beloved, this shall all come to an end when Christ returns. “For the ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease, and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off, who by a word make a man out to be an offender, and lay a snare for him who reproves in the gate, and with an empty plea turn aside him who is in the right.”
When Christ returns in glory to judge the living and the dead, all these trials we currently endure shall come to an end. A rather abrupt and sudden end. Those ruthless persecutors of God’s people and deniers of His Word shall come to nothing. Those who would scoff shall cease–indeed the evil will be cut off completely as they are cast into hell. Those who have slandered Christians and lied to make us appear to be offenders of the law of the land–those who have tried to entrap Christian bakers, florists, photographers, etc. and force them to break God’s Law and violate their conscience–those who try to ensnare those seeking to defend the truth–and who would deny simple truth according to natural law and plain reason–all those will come to nothing. They will be undone and judged–found wanting in God’s sight–having rejected Jesus as Lord and Saviour, along with His Word of truth.
So, beloved, keep fighting the good fight. Do not give up hope nor give in to despair. Despite the seeming triumph of evil in our world and society–despite the apparent weakness of the church and her members–yet Christ remains Lord of all. He has already won! His victory came at the cross whereby He undid the powers of death and hell–all for you and for me. You have been united with Him in Baptism–and you are strengthened in His Holy Supper–having your sins completely forgiven and looking to Jesus for all good and peace.
You need no longer be ashamed or grow pale with fear. For you are the work of God’s hands–you are His children who sanctify His name–giving Him praise and honour and glory for all that He has done in Christ Jesus. Continue to pray for the misguided and erring of this world–that the truth of God and His Word would reach into every heart in every place. That they may repent of their sin and look in faith to Jesus Christ. May those who have gone astray in spirit come to understanding–and those who murmur accept instruction.
You know of whom I speak. Your own dear loved ones who perhaps were raised in the faith and have since strayed. It is heartbreaking and demoralizing to know they have forsaken Christ and His Word. Yet all is not lost. Remember that the Lord Jesus loves them more than you do. Remember that His Word is powerful. Though they have strayed, they may yet repent and return through the hearing of His Word. They may accept instruction from the Lord. For, as Paul writes in Romans 10:17, “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ.”
So, dear friends, do not give up. Earnestly pray for your loved ones. Uphold them before the Lord, trusting in His mercy. Share with them the Word of God that alone has the power to change hearts and minds. Bring them before this holy altar and leave them at the feet of Jesus–and trust Him to work through His Word as He has promised.
Remember that God’s will was done on the cross. It seemed crazy at first. It seemed God’s plan of salvation had failed when Jesus breathed His last. But through His death and resurrection, God worked salvation for all people. And the Light of His Word goes out to all so that some may hear and believe. “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus. Amen.