The Good News of Praise and Prayer by Pastor Dave

“I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem;   they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest,  and give Him no rest till He establishes Jerusalem  and makes her the praise of the earth.”
Isaiah 62: 6-7
 
Isaiah 61-64 (Psalm 120)
 
Observe

• The year of God’s favour is announced with the introduction of the ‘Anointed One.’ The work of transformation and salvation is at hand. Righteousness and praise will be made clear to all nations (Is. 61)
• The Anointed One commits Himself to the restoration of Zion. Zion will be a witness to the nations, becoming the praise of the earth. The way is to be prepared for the people. The coming of the Saviour, who will gather a Holy People to Himself, is at hand (Is. 62)
• The Anointed One proclaims the execution of vengeance, redemption and salvation. The people are reminded of God’s unfailing love and goodness; His commitment to them, His patience and His redemption. A prayer is offered to the Lord and the people’s tendency to wander and have hard hearts is acknowledged (Is. 63)
• God’s greatness and ability to bless is stated clearly but held up against the sin and helplessness of the people; they are the clay and He the potter. Where are the people without God; will God hold Himself back forever? (Is.64)

 Interpret
     The passages we now begin to read recall the four Servant Songs, but with added testimony. We have read of God the King (1-37) and God the Servant (38-55), now we meet the Anointed One who consummates salvation and vengeance. The year of the Lord’s favour is foretold. Jesus, pronounced the fulfilment of this prophecy in Himself, as He read these words in the synagogue, in His home town of Nazareth (Luke 4: 16-21). As we move on from these words we read of God’s love for the world and His people; His desire to bless and the delight He takes in His creation. We see though, the sin and failing of humankind, alongside the need for repentance, obedience and reconciliation with God. There is direction on how to pray in times of difficulty and indeed what to pray for; revival is desired. We are able to see both Christ’s first and second coming in these passages, with the ultimate salvific work of Christ, consummated in an eternal city yet to come; future hope for the present.
 
Application
     Into our times Jesus speaks a message of Good News; freedom, sight and release, as God’s Spirit indwells through grace by faith. Much needed encouragement in these times of difficulty and challenge. These passages also inspire us to prayer. We are not to rest, nor allow the Lord rest, as we petition Him to fulfil His Word (Is. 62: 6-7). We are to remind God that we are His, to remember what He has done for us, to acknowledge our sin and to remember the true character of God; praise and prayer (63). In this prayer we are to call for revival (64: 1-4). So let us fix our eyes on the Lord, throw of the mantle of despair, hear His Good News in faith, and PRAY; PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!
 
The Question of Application
     How will you pray today, and for what?  
   
Prayer
     Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life: raise us, who trust in Him, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness. Enable us to seek those things which are above and so praise you with our life, faith and deeds. Guide us in our prayers to honour and glorify you. Amen   
 
Praise 
Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ (Chant Version) – David Hurd
Shout to the Lord – Darlene Zschech/Hillsong