I Will Bring In Thy Seed
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
1/9/2011 AM
|
Text:
|
Isaiah 43:5-7
|
Psalters: |
277, 322, 392, 27 |
Sacrament of Baptism |
- The fact.
- They and we often are as we look at the strength of our foe and our own weaknesses.
- While we fear, God assures them that they need not be.
- The key is to know who we are in Christ: “Jacob” and “Israel” (1).
- They are to see themselves even in their weakness as God’s chosen people (Isa. 41:8; 44:2).
- God gathers His people.
- In Isaiah’s day they were scattered via captivities; in the New Dispensation they come from every nation.
- “Thy seed.”
- Ultimately the text points to the final gathering of God’s people.
- The manner.
- Zion is gathered by God’s sovereign and powerful call: “I will say...” and “called by My name.”
- Obviously refers to God’s activity of speaking, making Himself known to them.
- However, the world holds us back from being gathered. Hence “give up” and “keep not.”
- God gathers by His Spirit and Word.
- And God gathers (defends and preserves) with: “I am with thee.”
- The reason for the gathering of the church is because we were created for God’s glory.
- The reason for the assurance of “fear not” is because God “created,” “formed,” and “made” His church.
- These are actions of God and God alone. Only He creates.
- These actions are presented as accomplished, finished.
- God did it, not to show forth us, but to display His power, glory, mercy, and grace.
- Fear not! Our God, the Holy One, Jehovah is at work gathering and defending His church!