24 October 2011 - Isaiah 61-64

About Isaiah 61-64 was BSF lesson twenty eight
TL started by asking us how well upon God do we wait
He asked what we conclude about God's silence
Can we conclude anything with confidence?
For "God's promises are certain", if He says so it will be
"But their fulfillment may not be immediate" for us to see

Isaiah 61 is about "The Lord's Mission" TL did say
God will transform Israel, for that is His way
And despite all of their sins, shame, and messings
He will give them an inheritance of double blessings
God will keep His covenant, as He always has done
"The Lord's transforming grace delight in praise to God" (Principle 1)
Early Christians felt tremendous joy, nothing less
As it replaced their despair and helplessness
We should have joy no matter what the circumstances be
For God's grace can overcome any adversity we may see

Isaiah 62:1-63:6 is all about "The Lord's Salvation"
A new relationship with God, leading to transformation
This relationship forever can last
For it is not rooted in the past
A new identity comes from getting a new name
For God's redemptive powers are always the same
"The Lord's redemption of His people is also the day"
"Of the Lord's vengeance", Principle 2 did say
If the Lamb is angry, it reflects our rejection of love
But if we've been aggrieved, let justice come from above

TL then spoke about Isaiah 63:7-64:12
Into "The Lord's mercy" he did delve
Isaiah prayed for all the people of the Jerusalem town
He asked God to look and then come down
From His people, God seemed to be withholding compassion
But this often happens when wandering from Him is the fashion
For if we end up with a hardened heart
From God we will eternally be apart
Sin is power beyond our control
Without prayer, it takes a huge toll
When we pray, we should keep nothing in reserve
Asking God not to discipline as we rightly deserve
"Intercessory prayer glorifies God because it admits"
"Total dependence on Him", Principle 3 really fits

We must pray for God's will, not ours, to be done
And for His presence when circumstances are not fun