Worship Preparation Guide for Sunday, May 7

Worship Preparation Guide for Sunday, May 7

Sermon Text: Isaiah 54

This Sunday we will hear the prophet Isaiah describe the benefits and blessings that are our because of the what we saw God’s Suffering Servant accomplish in Isaiah 53. 

These blessings and benefits are describes by Isaiah as “the heritage (inheritance) of the servants of the Lord” (Is 54:17).   That inheritance includes the miraculous growth of a family to one who was barren, a family so large the dwelling places have to be expanded.  It includes  a broken marriage restored, compassion conquering abandonment, love overcoming wrath and God eternal covenant of peace to those who had previously been his enemies.  It includes an eternal dwelling place, the city of God, beautifully built on righteousness and eternally secure. 

All of this God accomplished through his Servant, the Lord Jesus Christ.  What does this passage ask of us?  Joyful songs of praise!  “Sing O barren one, who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud” (Is 54:1).  Our response should be one of songs of praise and faces that reflect the joy of the Lord.  “The test of a church’s faith is not only in the wording to its creed but also in the gladness of its worship.  If we aren’t going to hell anymore, if we stand to inherit every blessing Almighty God can think of, if nothing can stand in the way of our restored humanness because it’s all through the merits of Christ, the friend of sinners – if that can’t make us smile, what can?” (Ray Ortland, Isaiah, God Saves Sinners, p. 364)

As you prepare for this weeks time of worship I encourage you to read Isaiah 53 and 54. 

Then come prepared to obey these words from the Lord:

Sing praises to God, sing praises! 

Sing praises to our King, sing praises! (Ps 46:7

Oh sing to the LORD a new song; 

sing to the LORD, all the earth!

Sing to the LORD, bless his name; 

tell of his salvation from day to day.  (Ps 96:1-2)

I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you,

 O LORD, I will make music. (Ps 101:1)

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; 

make known his deeds among the peoples!

Sing to him, sing praises to him;

 tell of all his wondrous works! (Ps 105:1-2)

Sing praises to God and to his name! 

Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds.

His name is the LORD— rejoice in his presence! (Ps 68:4)