Intercesssors Needed

O. T. #1700  "Intercessors Needed"
May 28, 2020
Isaiah 59-Part 3
And He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; therefore His arm brought salvation unto him; and His righteousness, it sustained. him. (verse 16)

LET IT GLOW

Have you ever been astonished or amazed at something? I think back to the time my husband and I took a trip out to Wyoming during our first year of marriage. It was the first time that I saw a snow-capped mountain. It was astonishing to me because we were there in the middle of the summer. It happened again a few years ago when we visited Mt. Hood in Oregon during September. People were skiing down the slopes. I knew it was a "God thing." No one else could provide snow in the warm weather.

Today's key verse tells us that God saw no man and wondered that there was no intercessor.

Wondered means to stun, astonish, be amazed and intercessor means meet together, pray, make intercession in the Hebrew language.

God was astonished that there was no one to stand for truth and intercede in behalf of a sinful society.
There was no one to stand against the tide of sin and corruption. No one was capable of standing between a sinful people and God's impending judgment. (Falwell)

Are we standing in the gap for our fellow Americans and Christians? We are a sinful nation-allowing homosexuality, fornication, and adultery in public without shame; abortion that is killing innocent babies; materialism and idolatry is ramped. Let's admit our sins to God and ask for His mercy, as well as salvation and changed hearts for our neighbors. Only God can deliver us from this pandemic.

LET IT GROW

What was God to do? Since there was no mediator, God prepared to do so Himself, for He was a faithful, covenant-keeping God.
He stepped in with:

• His strong arm, power, to bring salvation
• and righteousness sustained Him;
• the breastplate of righteousness and
• helmet of salvation upon His head;
• He was clothed with the robe of vengeance
• and zeal as a cloak of divine passion.

God, Himself, as the Messiah, would personally step in to help, since we cannot rescue people from their sins. (Romans 11:26-27).

Figuratively speaking, the Lord armed Himself for the deliverance of His people and for taking vengeance on enemies who would seek His destruction. Paul drew on this terminology in describing a believer's spiritual preparation for warding off the attacks of Satan (Ephesians 6:14-17; 1 Thess. 5:8). (MacArthur)

We know that God delivered the faithful remnant of Israel and executed judgment on the rebellious nations, as well as the wicked Israelites. Also, Christ will ultimately deliver Israel and set up His kingdom.

LET IT GO
We owe our all to You, Jesus.
Please have mercy on us sinners.