Our Awesome Hope in God

God keeps covenant as promised. He has performed many things as spoken by His prophets while He will do others at His appointed time. Our hope in God will not fail if we live by the truth of His word. He has done what he has said and He will still act according to His word. Our hope is based on who God is and what He has done. Isaiah 26:4 - Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength. The followings are discussed: Rehearse God's Deeds; Praise God for Salvation, and Trust in God's Strength.

Rehearse God's Awesome Deeds: God should be exalted and magnified for what He has done (Isaiah 25:1). He is God and nothing can change His position, therefore we must give Him our worship and study His word with understanding. He will strengthen us and keep our hope alive in Him because He is faithful and truthful to His word and promise.

God will protect and bestow His blessings upon those who believe in Him. Those who want to experience God's presence and receive His blessings must not be occupied with value system that is opposed to His word. Isaiah spoke concerning a nation that rose against and mobilised army against the people of God but which couldn't stand when God rose to save His people (Isaiah 25:2-5). God will strengthen and provide for needs of those who believe in Him while those who are proud and think they don't need Him will be terrified by His work.

God will weaken the strong and deliver the weak from oppression. When the wicked world rages against the Church God will rise and silence uproar of the enemy. Even if they make a terrible noise and raise dust of violence God will silence and bring them low. When the enemies threaten people of God should find strength in God and believe their persecution will one day come to an end. Christians should hold onto Christ word and not fear (Matthew 10:28).

Praise God for Salvation: Isaiah was given the revelation of God's blessings for those who are redeemed and saved - people that will reign with Christ in the millennial kingdom. The saints will be raised from death with their tears wiped away (Isaiah 25:6-9), and death will no longer have victory over them (1 Corinthians 15:54). During the millennial kingdom there shall be no pain, sorrow and difficulty associated with the present life. God's promises give us the hope beyond the present time, thus we should focus on eternal glories.

Nations and people that stand as enemies of God's people shall be brought down. God will fulfil the promises concerning His people and give them victory, while the wicked are reserved for the coming judgement (Psalm 1:6; 2Timothy 2:19; 2 Peter 2:9). We may be tempted to condemn people who are suffering under God's judgement, but we should be reminded of Christ's message of salvation and preach repentance. If the Spirit of Christ lives in us we should wish all people well at all times (Luke 9:51-56)

Trust in God's Strength: God confirmed peace His people will enjoy during Christ's millennial kingdom (Isaiah 26:1-2). At that time God will restore the creation to what He wanted it to be originally (Isaiah 26:1-2), and the saints will reign with Christ in the strong city (Jerusalem). All problems and discomfort shall be removed and replaced with perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3-4). As we hope for the promised perfect peace and set eyes on the things above we should settle our minds upon God, trust in Him and live in peace with others. Lesson texts: Isaiah 25:1 thru 26:4