Note: (CL) = Controling Lesson (OT) = Old Testament (OTA) = Old Testament Alternative (NT) = New Testament (NTA) = New Testament Alternative (G) = Gospel (GA) = Gospel Alternative (Ps) = Psalm; one of these will follow all lessons for the week.

Note: Please be sure to look at previous posts because some of the week may have already been posted.


Monday, December 23, 2013

The First Sunday after Christmas (OT)

Isaiah 62:1-5
For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet,
       until her righteousness goes forth as brightness,
and her salvation as a burning torch.
   The nations shall see your righteousness,
and all the kings your glory,
       and you shall be called by a new name
that the mouth of the Lord will give.
   You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,
and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
   You shall no more be termed Forsaken,
and your land shall no more be termed Desolate,
       but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her,
and your land Married;
       for the Lord delights in you,
and your land shall be married.
   For as a young man marries a young woman,
so shall your sons marry you,
       and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
so shall your God rejoice over you.

Isaiah will not keep silent. The Lord will not keep silent. The Lord is going to be over joyed with Israel. He is going to delight in his people. He is going to find joy in marrying the Land. These sound like simple things. They even sound like good things.

The people have to find their salvation. Who is the righteousness of Israel? Who is the Salvation of the Land? Who is the bridegroom? God is the Bridegroom. God requires a holy bride. God requires a Bride that is faithful. God deserves a Bride that will love him.

Are we that Bride? Is that to be your land? We have failed to be perfect as God is perfect. We do not deserve salvation. Why should God rejoice over us? But he does! God loves you. He watches over you. He even cares for your and provides for you.

God does rejoice over you, even while you are wicked and deserve death. God loves you even as you spit in his face. This is the good and gracious love of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has compassion and mercy on you. He dies for your sins. He washes you clean and makes you Holy. He claims you to be his Holy Bride. Jesus lays down his life, and rises again as the first fruits of your resurrection.


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