Isaiah shows us that only God’s direction and presence can save His people. He is the Potter and we are the pots.
Isaiah 63: The LORD's Day of Vengeance
1 Who is this who comes from Edom, in crimsoned garments from Bozrah, he who is splendid in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength? "It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save."
2 Why is your apparel red, and your garments like his who treads in the winepress?
3 "I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with me; I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their lifeblood spattered on my garments, and stained all my apparel.
4 For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and my year of redemption had come.
5 I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled, but there was no one to uphold; so my own arm brought me salvation, and my wrath upheld me.
6 I trampled down the peoples in my anger; I made them drunk in my wrath, and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth."
The LORD's Mercy Remembered
7 I will recount the steadfast love of the LORD, the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
8 For he said, "Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely." And he became their Saviour.
9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
10 But they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit; therefore he turned to be their enemy, and himself fought against them.
11 Then he remembered the days of old, of Moses and his people. Where is he who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of his flock? Where is he who put in the midst of them his Holy Spirit,
12 who caused his glorious arm to go at the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to make for himself an everlasting name,
13 who led them through the depths? Like a horse in the desert, they did not stumble.
14 Like livestock that go down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD gave them rest. So you led your people, to make for yourself a glorious name.
Prayer for Mercy
15 Look down from heaven and see, from your holy and beautiful habitation. Where are your zeal and your might? The stirring of your inner parts and your compassion are held back from me.
16 For you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us, and Israel does not acknowledge us; you, O LORD, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name.
17 O LORD, why do you make us wander from your ways and harden our heart, so that we fear you not? Return for the sake of your servants, the tribes of your heritage.
18 Your holy people held possession for a little while; our adversaries have trampled down your sanctuary.
19 We have become like those over whom you have never ruled, like those who are not called by your name.
Isaiah 64:
1 Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence---
2 as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil--- to make your name known to your adversaries, and that the nations might tremble at your presence!
3 When you did awesome things that we did not look for, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.
4 From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.
5 You meet him who joyfully works righteousness, those who remember you in your ways. Behold, you were angry, and we sinned; in our sins we have been a long time, and shall we be saved?
6 We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.
7 There is no one who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have made us melt in the hand of our iniquities.
8 But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.
9 Be not so terribly angry, O LORD, and remember not iniquity forever. Behold, please look, we are all your people.
10 Your holy cities have become a wilderness; Zion has become a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation.
11 Our holy and beautiful house, where our fathers praised you, has been burned by fire, and all our pleasant places have become ruins.
12 Will you restrain yourself at these things, O LORD? Will you keep silent, and afflict us so terribly?
Things to think about…
1. We sing “Mighty to save”, but look at the context in Isa 63:1-6. In this case it is judgement. The Lord has bloodstained garments as He comes out of Edom. Remember Edom were the distant relatives of Israel stemming from Esau – Jacob’s (Israel’s) brother. They were enemies since the time they did not let them pass through Edom when they came to the promised land of Canaan. They had to go around. But Edom too would be judged. They were allies of the Assyrians, but they were judged by the Babylonians. Ultimately the enemies of the cross will be judged by Christ, to whom this passage ultimately refers. The typology with respect to the red garments and winepress are described in Rev 19:13-16 referring to Christ’s future judgement upon the earth. Our Mighty Saviour is also a Mighty Judge.
2. Look at Isa 63:7-14. Though Israel had been rebellious they would be delivered. Just as they were with Moses and the Red Sea, Isa 63:11-14 they will be delivered again. This is true of all believers in Christ, though we fall many times we will be restored. Our God loves us with an eternal electing love, nothing can take us out of His hand – Rom 8:31-39. What a mighty, gracious, merciful God we serve.
3. It is interesting what Isaiah says in Isa 63:15-19. He says that Israel’s rebellion is God’s doing. God is the only One who changes hearts therefore He is the only one who can do anything about their rebellion and pride. This is true even though we are all personally accountable for our sin. Only God can bring about revival and create a heart of flesh where there was once stone. Isaiah prayers for the Lord’s compassion to be revealed. May we pray the same thing for Australia.
4. Let’s pray that Isa 64:1 literally comes true in our day. This is similar the prayer that a deacon prayed before the Isle of Lewis revival, 1949-52 – the house shook and the revival began. This deacon quoted Isa 44:3 as well. Do it again Lord!
5. Do you believe in the supernatural? Of course you do, but this only happens when the people of God wrestle with God and call for His intervention, Isa 64:5. Look at the people, no-one is doing it, vs 7 – hence there is no deliverance. Isaiah prays that Zion and Jerusalem would be restored, vs 10. Let’s pray that the church is restored and as such reflects His glory. May the Lord not restrain Himself in these things, Isa 64:12.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Life groups Wednesdays. Ric Benson group will start back on Wednesday night 6:30pm.
Pastor Jay has started the young adult’s life group starts back this Sunday.
Prayer Points
1. Christian minster attacked with a knife this week - Mar Mari Emmanuelle of the Good Shepherd Church, Wakeley in Sydney. He spoke out against the extremist Covid vaccine agenda. Pray for a full restoration and calm in his congregation.
2. Families of victims of the Bondi Junction massacre. Pray for healing, comfort and hope.
3. Anna is starting a Playgroup at CBC. First one this week on Friday 19th Apr 9am.
4. Conflict in Israel and Ukraine.
5. Those who are considering baptism.
6. Church finances to cover all expenses.
7. Pray for new Playgroup outreach, Kids@Church, Life groups and church community days.
8. Mathys has a prayer time at church on Monday afternoons. He would be happy for you to join him and to send prayer requests.
9. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you to be saved. Pray for the blessing over the new pastoral care and hosting program.
10. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Praise the Lord for ministry opportunities at Kidz@church and Playgroup.
2. Continue to pray for Tad to gain strength at home. Good to see him at church yesterday. Continue to pray for Glenys as she now has a splint to gain full use in her left arm. Any encouragement you can give will be greatly appreciated.
3. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. All Life Groups start back Wednesday 6:30pm at church.
2. Kids@Church back on Sunday.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
4. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for April...
Q. 19. Do you have a soul as well as a body? A. Yes; I have a soul that can never die.
