Who is Your Strength, Song, and Salvation?

O. T. #1587  "Who is Your Strength, Song, and Salvation?"
Dec. 17, 2019
Isaiah 12
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song: He also is become my salvation. (verse 2)

LET IT GLOW

Isaiah has introduced us to the coming Immanuel, God With Us, who was to be miraculously born of a virgin. He would be the Gift-Child who would assume the government of His kingdom. We are told that this Messiah is Mighty God Himself (10:21), whose rule will bring peace through His wonderful counsel. Finally, we are told that the tree of David will be reduced to a stump. Yet, Judah need not fear; for the time will come when God's King will sit on that throne as a Branch that sprouts from the root-shoot of Jesse into an everlasting kingdom. All of this speaks of Jesus Christ the King! (Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary)

In this chapter, there are two songs of praise found in verses 1-3 and 4-6.

In verse 1, we are told that the God's anger would no longer be directed at the people of Judah. In that day they will praise Him. (The verb form of praise is expressed as a continual action.)

Not only is this a word of encouragement for Judah, but for us. Jesus came to earth to be our Savior. He is also coming back to earth to establish His kingdom reign on earth as King of kings, the only King. He will be praised then, too. His kingdom is everlasting in heaven.

Will we continue to praise our Savior? Will we sing for joy today? Oh, come let us adore Him, Christ our King.


LET IT GROW

I enjoy listening to Christmas music on the radio and sing along with it.

The first hymn celebrates the singer's deliverance from great distress in verse 2-3:

• Behold, low, see. Are we paying attention?
• God is my salvation; my salvation is God Himself. Salvation means deliverance; aid; victory.
• I will trust and not be afraid. Trust refers to hie (go quickly) for refuge. Afraid is to be startled (by a sudden alarm).
• The LORD JEHOVAH is my strength. LORD refers to He (who) is; Adonai. Jehovah is Self-Existent or Eternal; strength is security, majesty, praise.
• He is my song. Song refers to instrumental music; praise.
• He is become my salvation.
• With joy ye shall draw water from the wells of salvation. Joy is cheerfulness, gladness, rejoicing. Water is a symbol of a type of salvation.

We can find reassurance when God is our salvation, Deliverer. When we trust in Him, we will not be afraid or startled. When we think about our LORD, He who is Eternal, then He is our strength and Majesty. Do we praise our Savior in song? Is He our victory and joy?

Calvin says that the singer declares everything necessary for a supporting life flows to us from the undeserved goodness of God. Grace, God's grace that He shows us.

Is our soul thirsty today? Jesus is our supply of spiritual water. In John 4:10, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman at the well that He is Living Water.


LET IT GO

God, You are my strength, song, and salvation!
Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!