Sermon Snippet – Rocktober – Part IV
INTRODUCTION – We have studied the stone imagery in the book of Isaiah for the last three weeks. From Isaiah 8:11-18, we saw that God the Savior is either a sanctuary or a stumbling stone. Likewise, Isaiah 28:14-20 directed us to Jesus, God the Son, as the firm foundation of our eternal salvation – “a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation“ (verse 16). Isaiah 32:1-2 pointed us to Jesus as “a living stone” (I Peter 2:4) of refuge, empowering Christians to become smaller “lively stones” (I Peter 2:5) of sanctuary. Isaiah 2:5-22 is a disturbing picture of reckless mankind spurning the Savior as a sanctuary and thus selecting Him as a stumbling stone. Similar passages are found in Micah 5:11-15 and Revelation 6:12-17. Instead of finding peace in the Rock, Jesus Christ, many will call on the rocks to “fall on us, and hide us from the face” of this Rock of refuge. At that time of “the great day of His wrath,” the most valuable piece of property will be a hole in the ground! A sober-minded individual will consider these matters now, before the promised end, an end which may be near.
1. GOD GIVES WARNINGS TO MANKIND
No one can say that God has been unclear. Throughout Scripture, concise and consistent warnings have been given to us. For example, just before His death for us on the Cross, Jesus provided detailed teaching about “the end of the world” (Matthew 24:3) in chapters 24-25 of Matthew. As these predicted events occur, anyone will be able to match the Bible to the unfolding reality. Note that here in Revelation 6:16 the hard-hearted unbelievers know exactly what is happening, that God is judging. As the famous preacher John Jasper said, “Let God be praised and sinners be warned.”
2. GOD GIVES WITNESSES TO MANKIND
Revelation 7:1-8 and 14:1-5 reveal that 144,000 Jewish Christian evangelists (14:4 – “firstfruits”) will preach effectively during the nearly seven-year-long Tribulation. Revelation 7:9 tells us that “a great multitude” will believe. Of course, as we have seen from Revelation 6, many will not believe. Still, God’s missionaries will spread the message throughout “all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues.” Revelation 11:1-13 presents two powerful prophets who are martyred but then miraculously resurrected for the entire world to see. Note verse 13: the people alive know precisely Who is at work – “the God of heaven.” Furthermore, Revelation 14:6-7 confirms that “the everlasting Gospel” will be preached “to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” by an angel. Surely no one can suggest that God has not provided and will not provide ample reasons to turn to Him and trust in Him for eternal salvation.
CONCLUSION – God is good in all ways and always. He is good to warn us and to give powerful, irrefutable witness to us. May we see the dangers of a heart that is cold and callous to the call of Christ Jesus, and may we cry out to Him now for salvation. Lord, may our hearts be forever warmed at the wonder of Who You are and what You have done, are doing, and will do for us.