Sermon Snippet – The Comfort of Christ Jesus
INTRODUCTION – Memorial Day began as Decoration Day, a time to remember the war dead and honor them by caring for their graves. We continue that fine tradition and also recall with fondness friends and family who have passed. Our grief remains and does not fit neatly into five stages. We need comfort, and that is what we find in Isaiah 12.
1. WE HAVE THE COMFORT OF THE MESSIAH
Against the sad backdrop of Israel’s sins, especially idolatry, God intervenes with comfort (verse 1). Three times in verses 2-3 the word “salvation” is used, pointing us to the Savior, Christ Jesus; the very name of Jesus means “the Lord is salvation.” Also the title YAHWEH (the correct translation of “JEHOVAH” – verse 2) directs us to Jesus. Exodus 3:14 reveals that this designation means “I AM THAT I AM”’ in other words, God is self-existent and thus not dependent on anyone or anything. In practical terms, He is always dependable. Predictably, our increasingly godless culture does not appropriately value such traits as reliability and loyalty, focusing instead on ephemeral excitement and entertainment. The “I am” statements of Jesus in John (4:25-26; 6:35, 48, 51; 8:12; 9:5; 10:7, 9, 11, 14; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1, 5) are revelatory of His full deity. Note also John 8:56-59 and 18:3-9. The responses to Jesus’ claim to be fully God reveal that His adversaries understood exactly what He was saying and experienced His power. Jesus is the promised Messiah, and He brings His personal comfort to our background of sin.
2. WE HAVE THE COMFORT OF THE MOUNTAINTOP
“Strength” in Isaiah 12:2 can be translated “mountaintop” and provides an evocative and encouraging word picture. We enjoy the view from high ground; we see farther and more clearly. Spiritually, there are times when we better understand Jesus, when we glimpse His ways and grasp His words of wisdom and His powerful promises. The appearance of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36) helps us to know what the mountaintop means to us: “Jesus … alone” (verse 36) is all that matters. Here, He reveals several means of comfort to His people: prayer (verse 28), fellowship (verses 28 and 30), the certainty of eternity in heaven (verse 30), His substitutionary atonement on the Cross (verse 31), and His instruction (verse 35). With Jesus, we have this mountaintop comfort readily available.
3. WE HAVE THE COMFORT OF MUSIC
The Savior is our “song” (Isaiah 12:2); He becomes the soundtrack of our lives. I have preached entire sermons on this subject and will limit myself to one simple thought: we receive comfort as we “sing unto the LORD” (verse 5).
CONCLUSION – Verse 6 reminds us that we are not alone, “for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.” He is ever at work, is always near, and completely keeps His promises. May we thus with gratitude and expectation seek His comfort in our griefs. He will not disappoint us.