Epiphany Moments – God Gives More is the second sermon from our sermon series. In the Gospel lesson this morning we see Jesus give the wedding couple more than they could have imagined. Our sermon looks at how God claims his church as his own people and makes us beautiful.
He Delights I Us
Let me take you to verse 3 of Isaiah 62, You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. The first question can be, “huh?” We’ll get to the how in just one second. For now just realize that is what you will be. Crown jewels of England are examples of what is worn by the Queen of England. One is a little smaller than the other but the point is that you will be 1) something of great value to God and 2) something of pride, for all the world to see. Yes Hephzibah – God delights in you. And why shouldn’t he?! You’re beautiful.
From Bridezilla to Beautiful
Now for the how. How does God get you from a harlot bridezilla to the crown on his head, the bride on his arm? The answer is through Jesus. In Isaiah he is known as the suffering servant – stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God in your place. This is why you or anyone cannot say God is punishing you. God punished Jesus in your place. There is no punishment left for sin. Jesus took it all when he suffered and died on the cross. Where does that leave you and me? Listen to verse one. Hephzibah! God delights in you.
Vindication From God
1 For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. God can’t keep silent! How can you keep the good news of Jesus, the suffering servant, in? Vindication, not by effort! You mean I don’t have to be perfect? No, Isaiah writes in chapter 62 that even the best of our efforts are as filthy rags to God. One sin damns a soul to hell. Jesus righteousness is ours by faith. Do you believe that Jesus died for your sins? Then his righteous that shines out like the dawn is yours. Listen to the Apostle Paul in Romans 9(:30) What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith. Salvation – heaven is ours! That truth is the way out of darkness for so many lost in world of sin.
Want to hear more? Watch this week’s message taken from Isaiah 62 – Epiphany Moments – God Gives More.
Book(s): Isaiah
Series: Epiphany Moments
Tag(s): Epiphany
Speaker(s): Fred Guldberg