THE BOOK OF REVELATION

INTRODUCTION - As we have been preparing to enter the last few chapters of Revelation, we have been doing some background study in order to clarify some of the themes of eschatology which we will be dealing with. We have noted that history is an upward line, controlled by the providence of God. We are not heading to destruction, rather the course of history is heading to triumph in Christ. The Old Testament certainly presents this triumphant scene, even during the most difficult times of history. Promises were made to Abraham, Moses and David which acted as lights in the midst of darkness. God would call out a glorious people from all the nations of the world and His Son would rule over the entire universe. These promises would be accomplished with the coming of Christ and the fulfillment of the covenant. The Old Testament saints did not judge history by their circumstances, but according to the promises of God. It is this faith which we need to return to today, as Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father, above every nation and power. There are many more passages in the Old Testament which speak of this triumph (Isaiah 2:1-3; 9:6,7; 11:1-10; along with the rest of the prophets) but this morning we will concentrate on one passage in Isaiah which is applicable to the people of God living in Isaiah's day, as well as ourselves under the new covenant in Christ. Isaiah 44:1-5 begins with the word "yet" telling us that Israel was in great trouble with the Lord. The nation had sinned against God and the Lord would judge her. The people would be cast off into captivity because of their apostasy. Yet the Lord had some encouraging promises for them in the midst of their rebellion. How does God comfort them?

1) GOD COMFORTS HIS PEOPLE IN TIME OF DESPAIR BY REMINDING THEM OF WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR THEM IN THE PAST - Isaiah 44:1,2 - He calls disobedient Israel His "servant," reminding them that this is what He redeemed them for. They had been unfaithful, yet still He calls them servants. This was hope for Israel in the midst of her defiance. Though she was a great sinner, there is still the mercy and grace of God towards her. Secondly, the Lord calls Israel His "chosen," something which He had done in the past for them. Israel was not chosen because of her goodness or strength. She was chosen because God decided to have mercy on her. The Lord reminds Israel of her position before Him. Thirdly, the Lord uses the names of "Jacob" and "Israel" to refer to that nation. Jacob's name meant "supplanter" and it was a reminder of where Israel came from. It is not a glorious name, but a reminder that the nation had sprung from a sinful man. Yet Jacob's name was changed to Israel, a name of royalty before God. God comforts His rebellious people by reminding them from where they came and what they had become - common sinners made into princes before the Lord. Finally, He tells them that it was He who formed them in the womb. He is the One who brought them forth. They did not create themselves, but it was the Lord who made them for His glory. So, here is the first comfort for Israel, and for ourselves, when the world around them seems hopeless, and when even they themselves have turned away from the Lord. God reminds them of their past and comforts them by reminding them what He has done on their behalf. This is still the comfort of God's people today. Here is great triumph, even in the midst of great failure.

2) GOD COMFORTS HIS PEOPLE IN TIME OF DESPAIR BY REMINDING THEM OF WHAT HE IS GOING TO DO FOR THEM IN THE FUTURE - Isaiah 44:3-5 - This passage presents to us one of the great covenantal promises for the future. Israel had become a dry and barren people. They would be judged and taken away into captivity. Yet despite the despairing present there is the promise of refreshment in the future. Isaiah tells Israel about a time when the Spirit of God would be poured out upon the Lord's people in abundant measure. He is referring to the new covenantal promise of the Holy Spirit given in Christ (John 7:37-39; Acts 1:4,5). This became the hope of God's people in the days of Isaiah. Though they had become dry and barren, the Lord would come and refresh them with His Spirit. Again, we see incredible hope in the Old Testament promises, even in days of darkness. This promise has been fulfilled in the new covenant and we as the people of God today enjoy the blessings of that refreshment. It is when we feel barren and thirsty that we are to cry out to God for the Spirit to refresh us again. God has promised to do this for us. It was a future promise for Israel and a present promise for the Israel of God today.

3) GOD COMFORTS HIS PEOPLE IN TIME OF DESPAIR BY REMINDING THEM OF WHAT HE WILL ALSO DO FOR THEIR CHILDREN - Isaiah 44:3,4 - The blessing of the Spirit, however, is not just promised to individuals. As always, the covenant of grace is for families. According to Isaiah, the blessing of the Spirit is first poured out on the parents and then the children of Christian families. This was a great comfort to apostate Israel. How much more is this a comfort to us today! Thus, we encourage Christian parents today to walk with the Lord, grow in God's grace, and lead their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, for then they will see the blessings of the Spirit poured out on their homes. If parents turn away from the Lord, if they raise their children inconsistently, if they are unfaithful to God, or if they raise their children in a shallow and empty Christianity, then they can expect to have the covenantal blessings cut off. Instead, let parents have great faith in this promise, and raise their children before the Lord. A sad testimony of the church is when the next generation of children grow up and turn from God (Judges 2:10). This is why children need to be catechized in the faith. They must know what they believe. Yet it is not enough to teach the truth. This truth must also be taught with love and passion, otherwise the children will not think that Christianity is worth continuing. When this happens, we will see the young grow fruitful and abundant in the covenant of grace (Isaiah 44:4).

Here is the great hope of the Old Testament. God's people could look at life triumphantly, even in the worst of days, for the promises of God were certain. Though life would be filled with struggle, the promises of God guaranteed a great and glorious future as Christ would come to fulfill the covenant. Let us be encouraged by the Old Testament theme of triumph and let us have great faith in the work which God will accomplish among us!