Advent Sermons from Isaiah – Part 3: The Glory of God; the Way of Holiness

Advent Sermons from Isaiah – Part 3: The Glory of God; the Way of Holiness

MESSAGE SUMMARY:  Why is important now, in this season of Advent, to look to Isaiah from so long ago? It is intellectually encouraging to see how God acted, within a strategy to connect the human race, over time through the coming of Jesus the Messiah.

In Isiah 35:1f, Isaiah tells us, in this prophecy, that: “They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.”. The phrase “glory of the Lord” speaks to God’s physical presence; His essence. Isaiah is promising that, in the future, we would see the glory of the Lord.

When we become followers of Jesus, we are given the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. In 2 Corinthians 3:12-18, Paul writes: “Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”. As followers of Jesus, we reflect the glory of the Lord; and we are to reflect God’s essence in a world that needs Him so desperately. In Isiah 35:8, Isaiah speaks to “. . . a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness.”. There is a way set for the followers of Jesus that is made Holy; only the saved are on this Highway (Isiah 35:9). As followers of Jesus, we are referred to by Paul as saints –  -- because we are traveling, in our lives, on this Highway, the Way of Holiness.

God desires for us to walk this Way of Holiness and to reflect His Glory and essence to others and the world.

 

TODAY’S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus’ name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

TODAY’S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FORGIVEN. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9).

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 2 Corinthians 3:12-18; Isiah 35:1-9; Exodus 33:12-23; Exodus 40:34-37; Luke 2:9-10; John 1:14.

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WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH’S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Jesus Followers Are the Enemy’s {devil’s} Target to Mess You Up and To Destroy Your Relationship with God”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/   

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