Worship Preparation Guide for Sunday, July 2

Worship Preparation Guide for Sunday, July 2

Sermon Text: Isaiah 60

In his allegorical work Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan tells the story of Christian’s journey to heaven – the Celestial City.  On his way there Christian is given the opportunity to climb “a high hill called Clear” to look through an early version of a telescope, “the perspective glass”, and get a glimpse of the Celestial City.  Through that glass Christian briefly sees “the glory of the place”. 

This Sunday we will stand on the high hill of Isaiah and look through the telescope of Chapter 60.  Through this text we will see the glory of all God has promised his people.  That initial promise was made to Abraham:  I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3)  The ultimate fulfillment of that promise is what we see in Isaiah 60.  “The coming glorious Zion is the consummation of the world-wide purposes of God.” (Motyer) 

The picture Isaiah paints for us is intended to be a compelling vision, one that becomes the driving motivation of our lives.  It was for Abraham:  For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. (Heb. 11:10)  It should be for us too:  But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. (Heb 11:16)

The picture Isaiah gives us is one of the nations being drawn to the compelling glory and grandeur of God that is seen in his redeemed people.  It is a picture of God’s people forever delighting in the presence of God and being changed by that presence:

The sun shall be no more your light by day, 

nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; 

but the LORD will be your everlasting light,  

and your God will be your glory. 

Your sun shall no more go down, 

nor your moon withdraw itself; 

For the LORD will be your everlasting light, 

and your days of mourning shall be ended. (Isaiah 60:19-20)

Worship is one of the ways God is already changing us, transforming us, into the likeness of Christ.  Worship is an essential component in our sanctification. 

As you prepare for worship this Sunday I encourage you to read these passages:  Isaiah 60, Revelation 21 and Hebrews 12. 

I am praying for you and I look forward to seeing you this Sunday.