How to Receive Joy and Mercy

O. T. #1582 "How to Receive Joy and Mercy"
Dec. 10, 2019
Isaiah 9-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

The promised Messiah, Jesus Christ, will become the Deliverer for the Jews and us Gentiles. His  coming was in a miraculous way-born of the virgin Mary, which signified that He did not have the sin nature of man, but was Mighty God Himself, our Wonderful Counselor, who gives the right advice, for He is all-knowing. Jesus is our Everlasting Father, timeless and eternal who took on a body form. His government is one of justice and peace, for He is the Prince of Peace. (verse 6)

In verse 7, we read of the hope and light this Messiah would bring to darkness:

• His government and its peace will never end.
• He will rule with fairness.
• Justice will come from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.
• The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven's Armies will make this happen!

As believers in Jesus, we are looking to the second coming and millennial reign of Jesus as king on earth for 1,000 years. There will finally be peace on earth.

Do we desire joy and mercy? Verse 17 said Israel would not receive them, because they were hypocrites.
Is the way for us to receive joy and mercy from God by not being a hypocrite?
 A hypocrite is defined as a person who puts on a false appears of virtue or religion, according to Webster's Dictionary.

Are we living by virtue and showing others how to live a godly life or are we a fake? God looks upon the heart. I want to be real, a real Christian. I desire to receive joy and mercy from God. How about your, dear one? the angel told the shepherds to not be afraid, for he brought them good news of great joy-The Messiah was born.

Is He our great joy, the good news we proclaim?


LET IT GROW

In verses 8-21, we read of the civil war between Ephraim and Manasseh, who were Joseph's two sons. Then, the prophet warns that their former allies, the Syrians to the north and the Philistines to the south, would turn against Ephraim and devour Israel. However, the people did not repent of their sins and turn back to the Lord.

What happened as a result of this?
For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still. (verses 12, 17, 21, 10:4)

God's anger against Israel is not nullified, but His hand of judgment is still stretched out. It was stretched out beyond what the people had already experienced. As Israel rebelled and turned away from God to worshiping idols, He was not going to let them get away with it. Thus, discipline was inevitable.
If we are a child of God, then we can't sin against Him and get away with it. Discipline is in store for us. We aren't perfect, but we are a remnant of God, so we must live in holiness as we rely upon Him.
God is merciful and forgiving when we repent. Will we bend or break? Will we bend our head and knees in repentance or will He have to break our heart in judgment?

God expects a disciplined people to seek Him and His work. (Blackaby)
Have we angered God? What do we need to do now?

LET IT GO

Glory to God in the highest; peace, goodwill toward men.
Thank You, Jesus, for being The Way to heaven, my way to eternal life!
It is my joy to say, "Your will, Your way, today!"
Use me to show Your joy and mercy to others.