All shall see the salvation of our God
Text: Isaiah 52
9 March 2008
(I) GOD’S PLAN OF SALVATION
1. Salvation = Deliverance
2. God has many Plans
a) In the past
b) Each plan is special and unique
(II) PROMISE OF SALVATION
1. To each generation
2. To different situations
(III) PROMISE OF SALVATION (In the context of Isaiah’s prophecy)
1. The promise of deliverance from Babylonian captivity
2. The promise of deliverance by Cyrus
“Thus says the LORD to His anointed,To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held-To subdue nations before him…” Isaiah 45:1
3. The promise fulfilled
“In the first year of King Cyrus, King Cyrus issued a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem:‘Let the house be rebuilt, the place where they offered sacrifices…” Ezra 6:3
(IV) OPPOSITION EXPERIENCED
1. Enemies of Israel
a) Attempt to thwart the purposes of God
b) Hindrances created to block plans to rebuilt the temple
2. Inveigling powerful allies
a) High ranking political figures
b) For a while, the work of rebuilding the Temple was halted
(V) RETURNING TO THE PROMISE OF GOD
“And all the ends of the earth shall see The salvation of our God.” Isaiah 52:10
1. The Promise of “all the ends of the earth” witnessing the salvation of God
2. Raising up powerful servants of God (Ezra 5:1-2)
a) They preached powerfully
b) They prayed mightily
3. The Promises of God were fulfilled
a) There came official support from King Darius
“Moreover I issue a decree as to what you shall do for the elders of these Jews, for the building of this house of God: Let the cost be paid at the king’s expense…” Ezra 6:8
b) All who opposed the Jews would be severely dealt with
“Also I issue a decree that whoever alters this edict, let a timber be pulled from his house and erected, and let him be hanged on it…” Ezra 6:11
(VI) APPROPRIATE RESPONSE
“Break forth into joy, sing together,You waste places of Jerusalem!For the LORD has comforted His people…” Isaiah 52:9
1. Let there be Joy
2. Let there be great Singing Together