Worship Preparation Guide for Sunday, April 25

In many places in our world brothers and sisters in Christ are being pounded by persecution.  Ruthless political, military and religious powers seek to crush “the people of cross”.  Certainly we understand that opposition against God and His people is not new.  In Isaiah’s day Babylon was a land power that used politics and military force to punish and defeat its opponents.  (Is 13 & 14)   As you prepare for worship this week pray for those who are being persecuted in the faith.  Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. (Heb. 13:3)

This week in Isaiah 23 we see another aspect of opposition against God’s sovereign rule and reign. On one end we find ruthless political power that seeks to crush, and on the other end is dishonest commercial success that seeks to seduce. Tyre was a sea power that used commerce and pandering to buy off everyone.  The prophet Isaiah describes Tyre as the “prostitute”. 

Isaiah understood the timeless power of the Babylon-Tyre influence on this world.  Isaiah "saw that this world is not only the opponent of faith, it’s also the seductress of faith.  The world not only punishes those who follow Christ, it also panders, tempting believers away from Christ.  The devil doesn’t care either way.  He’ll use harsh intimidation, and he’ll use soft seduction – whatever works, as long as we lose sight of Christ, so that faith no longer overcomes.  This is the spiritual battle being fought in our hearts every day.”  (Ray Ortland, Isaiah- God Saves Sinners, p. 137)

As Christians living in America our greatest danger is not the sword of the persecutor.  It is the seduction of the prostitute who looks great and reaches out with a soft hand saying, “you deserve it”, “everything has a price”, “have your best life now”, “you only live once”.  

The Sirens are still calling out.

Isaiah 23 is a strong word of judgment against everything that raises itself up against God.  God opposes the pride and self-sufficiency of man that imagines it does not need God and can live independently of Him.  “The Lord of Hosts has purposed it, to defile the pompous pride of all glory, to dishonor all the honored of the earth.” (Is 23:9) 

Isaiah 23 is also a word of grace and redemption.  God is able to redeem our corruption and make it holy to Himself, and useful for His kingdom.  All we need to do is keep our eyes fixed on Him and be patient.  He gives us everything we need to day and one day in His eternal kingdom he will give us everything.  “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you.” (Matt 6:33)

While we wait, we worship.  Gathering together with God’s people to sing His praises and receive His Word is one way we humbly acknowledge God’s rule over us and His care for us.  As you prepare for worship this week meditate on these words from the Psalms and ask the Lord to show you where you have listened to the seductive call of this world.

For a day in your courts is better 

than a thousand elsewhere.

I would rather be a doorkeeper 

in the house of my God

than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; 

the LORD bestows favor and honor.

No good thing does he withhold 

from those who walk uprightly.

O LORD of hosts, 

blessed is the one who trusts in you!   

(Psalm 84:10-12)

I look forward to seeing you in church this Lord’s Day.