A Song of Joy

O. T. #1609  "A Song of Joy"
Jan. 17, 2020
Isaiah 30-Part 3
Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept: and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the  Mighty One of Israel. (verse 29)

LET IT GLOW

When the burdens are lifted, there is a light heart. When troubles turn to triumph, there is joy in the heart. When prayers are answered, there is a song in the heart. Are you in need of these, dear one? Read on to find out how to have them.

O Judah and Jerusalem, God warned you that you would be destroyed if you did not repent of your idolatry and only worship Him. If only you would have not trusted in Egypt for help instead of God,  but you would not. Anyway, Assyria was conquered by Babylon. They were told by Moses in Deut. 17:16 to not return to Egypt. So, their rebellion required the bread of adversity and the water of affliction from God. Well, since Judah did not heed the warnings, they went into captivity in Babylon and Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed in 586 B.C.

Keep in mind, there is a remnant of believers that God preserved.
Matthew Henry says, "When thou art doubting, conscience shall direct thee to the way of duty; when thou art dull and trifling, conscience shall quicken thee in that way. As God has not left Himself without witness, so He has not left us without guides to show us our way."

Eventually (after 70 years of captivity), Judah will experience good in these ways, with hope, as well as you and me:

• Waiting for God's help results in His blessings of grace and mercy, love and compassion. (verse 18)
• He will hear our cries and will respond. (verse 19)
• Although God gave us adversity for food and suffering for drink, He will teach us. (verse 20)
• God's Spirit will direct us in the right way to go, telling us whether to turn right or lift; our ears will hear Him. (verse 21)
• Destroy silver idols and precious gold images, throwing them out as rags; we will have a willing heart of obedience. (verse 22)
• The rain of God's blessing (literally and figuratively) will pour down; He will provide for your needs (grain, pastureland, harvest). (verse 23)
• Healing will come to God's people. (verse 26b)

Because God lives, we can face today and tomorrow. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He never changes, but is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He continues to love us and forgive us. We can trust in our God, for He is trustworthy.

LET IT GROW

After we repent and surrender to the Lord in obedience, what will we experience, like Judah did?

• We will sing a song of joy, like those songs (at the Jewish holy festivals) in our worship services. (verse 29)
• In spite of the judgments of God, we will sing with a heart of gladness (joyful, merry, exceedingly, rejoice). (verse 29b)
• You will be filled with joy, as when a flutist leads a group of pilgrims to Jerusalem, the mountain of the LORD-to the Rock of Israel. (verse 29c) Remember, Jerusalem is on a mountain.

Paul said in Ephesian 3:20-21, Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.

Paul concludes this prayer by pointing to the God who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think. He rescued 3 from a fiery furnace, Daniel from the mouths of lions, gave sight to the blind, save us completely, and is able to keep us from stumbling. God can work exceedingly abundantly beyond our wildest dreams. But it is according to the power that works in us. God's power works in accordance with a believer's spiritual strength, intimacy, and capacity-everything for which Paul pray an increase. (Resource: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary)

LET IT GO
Jesus, may I wait for Your direction and guide my steps on Your path.
Fill me with faith in You, trusting Your timing.
I know You will do above and beyond all that I ask or think.
Glory to the Mighty One of Israel.