WINTER 2010-2011 LEADER GUIDE
WHO S RULING YOUR KINGDOM? When the Israelites demanded that Samuel appoint a king to rule over them (1 Samuel 8:6), they were voicing a desire we all have. Whether or not we believe it or would even say it out loud, WE ARE HARD-WIRED WITH A DESIRE TO BE LED. Like the Israelites, we want someone to judge over us; to keep us in line; to help us make right choices. Unfortunately, the Israelites forgot that they already had a Sovereign Ruler over them. Long before, God had promised them that they would be His people, and He would be their God (Exodus 6:7). The people wanted a king so they could be the same as all the other nations. They forgot that God wanted them to be different from all the other nations (Ezekiel 20:34). We have so much in common with the Israelites. We know we aren t fit to run our own lives, yet we forget that we were created for a relationship with the Sovereign God. We need leadership, yet we go looking for someone to help us manage our lives exactly the same way the rest of the world does: we look everywhere but up. Fortunately, God has made a way for us to give Him leadership over our lives. Recognize your need for a king. No matter how good you are, Romans 3:23 says that because of sin, you fall short of God s standard. That means you aren t fit to wear the crown. Leadership has to be given to Someone else. Give the crown to Christ. Jesus Christ, the perfect, sinless sacrifice, is worthy to take authority over our lives (Revelation 5:12). Because of His death on the cross, God has exalted Him and given Him the name that is above every name. At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. He has the right to be in charge. Become a citizen of a different kingdom. Jesus won t steal the throne of your life; you have to give it to Him. If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9). Only then will Christ assume control of your life. From then on, your citizenship will be in heaven (Philippians 3:20). If you re ready to give your life over to Christ, pray a prayer like this: Dear God, I confess to You my sin and need for salvation. I turn away from my sin and place my faith in Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Amen. Share your decision with everyone you meet. Long live the King! 2 WINTER 2010/11
HOW TO USE LIFEMATTERS LEARNER UNIT THEME & OVERVIEW A short introduction to the unit, the lesson schedule, and an introduction to the writers. BEFORE CLASS: DEVOTIONS Three devotions to help learners prepare for the study. DURING CLASS: BIBLE STUDY Lesson material and discussion questions for the session. AFTER CLASS: FOLLOW-UP Ideas to help learners connect with their community, family, self, neighbors, and world. LEADER UNIT THEME & OVERVIEW A short introduction to the unit, the lesson schedule, and an introduction to the writers. SESSION SNAPSHOT The lesson at a glance. An intro to where the lesson is heading. INTERACTIVE TEACHING PLAN 3-5 pages of teaching helps. We help you connect the truths found in the Bible to the lives of the young adults in your class. PERSONAL BIBLE STUDY 6-8 pages of commentary and questions. Read this during the week for personal growth and Sunday preparation. WINTER 2010-11 3
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR... PRODUCTION TEAM Chad Jordan CONTENT EDITOR Katie Krebs PRODUCTION EDITOR Ashley Krulikowski GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jason Hayes YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY SPECIALIST Alan Raughton LEAD ADULT MINISTRY SPECIALIST Valerie Hancock EDITORIAL PROJECT LEADER MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL Bret Robbe DIRECTOR, LEADERSHIP AND ADULT PUBLISHING Ken Braddy, Ron Brown, Ron Keck MANAGING DIRECTORS, LEADERSHIP AND ADULT PUBLISHING David Francis DIRECTOR, SUNDAY SCHOOL Selma Wilson DIRECTOR, YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY Gary H. Hauk DIRECTOR, PUBLISHING, LIFEWAY CHURCH RESOURCES Send questions/comments to: LifeMatters@LifeWay.com OR write to Content Editor, LifeMatters Learner, One LifeWay Plaza Nashville, TN 37234-0175 DURING THE EDITING OF THIS ISSUE I LOST SOMEONE VERY CLOSE TO ME MY FATHER. His death was a complete shock to everyone except God. It has definitely been a challenging time in my life. Try explaining to a very inquisitive 4-year-old girl why Pops isn t here anymore. Death is no longer this abstract event I know will happen sometime in the future, but a very real experience. During the days following my dad s death, it was so encouraging to spend time thinking about what really matters in life and what really mattered to him. Loving God and loving family were the top concerns for my dad. And if you ever met him, even for a minute, you were family. So that s the background with which I viewed these lessons. While working my way through these studies, I was challenged to see the divine moments in my everyday life. Not only do I want to recognize them, I want to act on them. I want to move when God moves and see what He can do. I want to stop wasting opportunities or being too busy to help a friend. This has driven me closer in my walk with God, as difficult times in life tend to do. I see the value in a godly, disciplined lifestyle. It makes connecting to His movements and hearing His voice so much easier. The way I love has also changed. I don t take relationships for granted, and I m consciously taking every opportunity to love those God has placed around me. I m so thankful for God s outrageous love, and I have experienced His love and grace in very real ways in the past few weeks and months. The lessons we re going to study in this issue can change your life. Spend some quality time reading God s Word, and listen as He speaks to you. Allow the Holy Spirit to encourage, equip, and transform your life. God wants to do amazing things and wants you to be a part of it. Don t take your tomorrows for granted. Listen to His voice and be ready to act. While our tomorrows aren t promised, His love and strength for today is. LifeMatters Leader Guide (ISSN 1938-4971) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, Tennessee 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. For ordering or inquiries visit lifeway.com, or write LifeWay Church Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113. For subscriptions or subscription address changes e-mail subscribe@lifeway.com, fax 615.251.5818, or write to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, e-mail orderentry@lifeway.com, fax 615.251.5933 or write to the above address. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from From the Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. The suggestions in this resource for pronouncing Bible names are from That s Easy for You to Say: Your Quick Guide to Pronouncing Bible Names, by W. Murray Severance, copyright 1997 by Broadman & Holman Publishers. Used by permission. PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 4 WINTER 2010/11
CONTENTS WINTER 2010-11 VOLUME 4, NUMBER 1 6 SEEING THE DIVINE PHILIP NATION December focuses on God s desire for world change. We ll examine the character of God, and we ll discover what Scripture says about God s blueprint for a changed world. Finally, we ll study how to apply this knowledge and start making a difference one person at a time. 50 THE ROADS LESS TRAVELED THE GEORGES January takes a look at five spiritual disciplines: community, humility, service, sacrifice, and meditation. These disciplines are crucial for success as we seek to live out our Christianity. By committing to the regular practice of these traits we can develop strong faith. 112 GOD S OUTRAGEOUS LOVE JEFF PRATT In February we ll study salvation and redemption. Through the story of Hosea we ll learn about God s deep and powerful love for us, as we see ourselves in the character of Gomer, the prostitute, and we find God symbolized in the actions of Hosea. MEET THE WRITERS PHILIP NATION serves as the director of ministry development with LifeWay Research. Philip and his wife, Angie, make their home in Gallatin, Tennessee, with their two sons, Andrew and Chris. Philip is the coauthor of Compelled by Love: The Most Excellent Way to Missional Living with Ed Stetzer. SCOTT A. BLUE wrote the Personal Bible Study for the December lessons. Scott is a visiting lecturer in religion at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. He earned degrees from St. Andrews Presbyterian College (B.A.) and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div., Ph.D.). CHRISTIAN & REBECCA GEORGE are busy traveling and finishing school as Christian finishes his Ph.D. in theology at the University of St. Andrews and Rebecca works on a Ph.D. in Christian education. He s the author of several books, including Godology and Sex, Sushi, & Salvation. You can find them at restlesspilgrim.com. JEFF PRATT is the director for LifeWay Student Ministry Training and Events. Jeff and his wife Julie have three children and live in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. When he s not speaking at camps, teaching seminary classes, or training parents and youth workers, he spends his time playing golf and duck hunting. ELI LANDRUM wrote the Personal Bible Study for January. Eli is retired from LifeWay Christian Resources where he served as an editor of adult Sunday School materials for 24 years. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi (B.S.) and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (B.D., Th.D.). WAYNE VANHORN wrote the Personal Bible Study for February. Wayne chairs the Department of Christian Studies and Philosophy and is dean of Christian Studies and Arts at Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi. Wayne earned degrees from the College of William and Mary (B.A.) and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div., Th.D.). WINTER 2010-11 5
6 D ECEMBER 5
SEEING THE DIVINE Why is Christmas different from other holidays? Is it the gift giving? Gift receiving? Overall festiveness of the season? This is one of the few moments during the year that most people are celebrating. Different cultures may not celebrate Christmas the way we do, but during this time of year, celebrations take place around the globe. So what really separates Christmas from the other celebrations, and why is it so important to us? Honestly, if we removed the divine aspect of Christmas, it would be just like any other celebration. It would simply be a fun time of buying gifts for friends and family, and returning gifts from friends and family. Fortunately, for those of us who follow Christ, the divine part of Christmas is alive and well. The divine nature of this season, the fact that we celebrate Christ becoming flesh distinguishes this event from all others. There has been no event like this one, and there never will be, and we get to celebrate this event each year. Maybe the simple fact that we do celebrate every year has removed some of the mystery and meaning from this season. So this year, let s take some time to pause and really think through what Jesus did when He left heaven and entered our world as a baby. Let s focus on the divine as we celebrate this season. Through the story of Christmas we see a divine portrait of our God, and we learn how to live with a divine focus even in our ordinary moments. We ve also received a divine invitation and direction for our lives. Let s remove the ordinary this year and focus on the divine. WINTER 2010-11 7
SESSION SNAPSHOT DIVINE PORTRAIT What would a picture of God look like? STUDY THEME Seeing the Divine FOCAL PASSAGE Isaiah 61:1-11 SESSION OVERVIEW Changing the world seems to be something everyone dreams of and few actually do. Perhaps it s because we don t have the right perspective, the right values. Every day is filled with a thousand things to do and only enough time to get to about seven of them. Between relationships with the ones we love, duties at the jobs we tolerate, and finishing chores that we hate it seems there s little time left over for actually doing something important. Perhaps that is why God spoke so poignantly in Isaiah 61. He wants us to get a view of life from His perspective. He wants us to see the divine everywhere we look and in everyone we meet. We need to see that people are important. Not just the beautiful people who can give us a better reputation by being around them or the powerful people who can give us a boost in our careers. No, we need to see the lowliest people on the earth from God s perspective. When we see those people as God sees them, it will change everything we value. It will start with our own lives. When we recognize the divine portrait God is painting all around us, the very nature of our salvation and the priority of His kingdom will shape everything we do. 1 2 3 God Values All People (Isaiah 61:1-7) God Loves Justice (Isaiah 61:8-9) God Desires Righteousness (Isaiah 61:10-11) PREPARATION Use PACK ITEM 3, Weekly Preparation Reminder, as a preparation tool this week. Adjust the schedule to meet the needs of your class. Make copies of PACK ITEM 4, Weekly Prayer Journal, to distribute to the class. Check out the LifeMatters Blog at threadsmedia.com/lifematters for additional thoughts on the lesson. 8
TEACHING PLAN SESSION OPENER Have learners turn to the Community Bible Study on page 10 in the learner guide. How good are you at putting things together? Anytime I have to put something together, instructions are great; pictures are even better. It s one thing to read about something, but when you can actually see it and how it s put together, things seem to make much more sense. Maybe the same can be said of our faith. The Bible is full of instructions on how to live, but if we had a picture of God it might help us connect the dots. Thanks to Isaiah, we have something very close. Let s see what picture he paints in Isaiah 61. GOD VALUES ALL PEOPLE { ISAIAH 61:1-7 } 1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and freedom to the prisoners; 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD S favor, and the day of our God s vengeance; to comfort all who mourn, 3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion; to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair. And they will be called righteous trees, planted by the LORD, to glorify Him. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore the former devastations; they will renew the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. 5 Strangers will stand and feed your flocks, and foreigners will be your plowmen and vinedressers. 6 But you will be called the LORD S priests; they will speak of you as ministers of our God; you will eat the wealth of the nations, and you will boast in their riches. 7 Because your shame was double, and they cried out, Disgrace is their portion, therefore, they will possess double in their land, and eternal joy will be theirs. LEADER PACK Before the Session If this is your first time using LifeMatters, check out PACK ITEMS 1 and 2, Letter to the Leader and Letter to the Learner. These will give you a great idea of what to do with this new Bible study. You may want to make copies of PACK ITEM 2 and hand them out to the class. Sometime before starting this study, post PACK ITEM 5, Seeing the Divine Promo Poster in the church to let others know about the study you re about to begin. During the Session Display PACK ITEM 6, Seeing the Divine Unit Poster. Refer to this poster while transitioning into the discussion time. Ask your group what a picture of God would look like. In every society, there are the untouchables the downcast and forgotten. The ancient world in which Isaiah prophesied was no different. Isaiah begins by highlighting the poor, brokenhearted, captives, and prisoners. Many people held the misplaced belief that any tragedy was a sign of God s punishment. If you were poor, diseased, or a prisoner, there was a just cause for your problems. Essentially, most believed that you had earned your trials by your sinfulness. U Who are the people in our society who are considered outcasts? Isaiah 61 is positioned in the context of several chapters dealing with the restoration of Israel. Would the outcasts of society be included in the restoration? Through Isaiah, God said He wouldn t forget those who were among the least in the culture. But even though God values all people, we often don t. Something within human nature allows for the marginalization of those who seem lesser than us. U Discuss some of the reasons that we don t find value in the poor, brokenhearted, captives, or prisoners. LEARNER GUIDE For more on this topic, download the sermon We Are Here to Love the World by Joshua Harris, as mentioned on page 7 of the learner guide. It s available at covlife.org/resources. * Additional discussion question that does not appear in the learner guide. WINTER 2010-11 9
LEARNER GUIDE Discuss the article Love Plus Commitment Equals Community by Jim Johnston, mentioned on page 7 of the learner guide. It shows us what it looks like when we commit to love others. Read the article for yourself at threadsmedia.com/lead. We have a responsibility to bring change by showing compassion to all people. Knowing we have a chance to transform the lives of the hopeless shouldn t be a burden but a ministry of joy. For those who believe they re not ready for such ministry the passage provides needed guidance. It says in the first verse that God s Spirit and anointing is upon us to bring the good news to those who need it. When you feel least capable to deliver God s good news, you re the best candidate to receive God s anointing. When God opens a door, He also equips. U Can you describe a time when you felt unprepared for a task, but then God did an amazing work? Verse 6 says that the people will be called the Lord s priests; they will speak of you as ministers of our God. As Christians, we should remember that the New Testament teaches the same principle. First Peter 2:9 describes believers as a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. As members of Christ s body, we have a responsibility to value people and give them the message of redemption. The first picture Isaiah paints of God shows how He determines value and who He values. U How does it impact you to know Christ ministered to outcasts during His time on earth?* U What has to change first who you value or how you assign value? GOD LOVES JUSTICE { ISAIAH 61:8-9 } 8 For I Yahweh love justice; I hate robbery and injustice; I will faithfully reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their descendants will be known among the nations, and their posterity among the peoples. All who see them will recognize that they are a people the LORD has blessed. The next part of Isaiah s picture is justice. In verse 8, it says, Yahweh love[s] justice and hates injustice. But justice is more than just observing traffic laws. Have we lived a just life if we never run a red light? Is that all there is to it? LEARNER GUIDE Discuss the song Until the Whole World Hears by Casting Crowns from the album Until the Whole World Hears, available on the Winter 2010-11 imix found at threadsmedia.com/lifematters. U How do we define the word justice? U Is our modern definition the same as what s being proclaimed in this passage? Centering our ministry of justice on the gospel will keep it centered on God s kingdom not societal or moral preferences. The Bible must be our standard for a godly, just life. God desires all people regardless of their place in society be given the message of God s compassionate redemption. He desires for us to live out the gospel by both telling the gospel and being a physical representation of the gospel to those in need. U Discuss some of the groups in our city who are in need of God s compassion. U How can you live out the gospel among these people? Of course, we have a lot of distractions: work, hobbies, and even other religious activities. But we should love what God loves more than the minutia that often becomes our priorities. 10 D ECEMBER 5
We should be known among the nations (v. 9) as those who are a blessing to the world. The world should notice us because we carry the message of God s call for global justice. U How can we as a group begin fighting injustice together? U Can a group like ours really make a difference? The ultimate means for Christians to deliver justice is to talk about God s universal rule over all people and nations. We should happily seek justice for those who are unable to defend themselves. But ultimately, our greatest call for justice is the call for all to submit to the King of Glory. LEARNER GUIDE Ask if the group watched the video By Definition as mentioned on page 9 of the learner guide. It gives an excellent word-by-word explanation of the gospel. You can find it at threadsmedia.com/store. GOD DESIRES RIGHTEOUSNESS { ISAIAH 61:10-11 } 10 I greatly rejoice in the LORD, I exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a groom wears a turban and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth produces its growth, and as a garden enables what is sown to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. In these verses the prophet describes why we can be a people who cry for justice. It s not because of our own merit. Rather, God s desire for righteousness among all people has special application in the life of the believer. Our relationship with God because of Christ s work on our behalf is the ultimate symbol of God s desire for righteousness in humanity. U Describe how the saving work of Christ displays justice demanded and met in our lives. The prophet says he rejoices because of what God has done. We ve been clothed in salvation and righteousness. Because of what Christ has done, we now have righteousness sown into us. We can celebrate it through our gatherings of worship as the church, in small group Bible studies like this one, and through engaging in God s mission in the world. U Based on what verse 11 says, what should be the result of the righteousness planted in us? U The question was raised during the mid-week readings, What does it mean to live out righteousness? How did you answer this question? U How have you recently celebrated (with the church or in private) God s righteousness in your life? As God has bestowed righteousness into our lives, our activities should reflect it. We should wear our righteousness with joy as described in verse 10. As a bride isn t ashamed of her wedding dress, we should count it as a joyful privilege to wear righteousness in our daily lives. U Does your life exhibit a love for righteousness or a love of self? U You know God desires righteousness. How can you begin moving your life in that direction? WINTER 2010-11 11
LEARNER GUIDE Conclude the Lesson Wrap up the class discussion by addressing the personal application questions listed in the AND FINALLY... section. If your class is too large to actively interact with these questions, split them into smaller groups. Make sure to allow enough time to process the lesson and application. You can decide to include discussion of the CONNECT section during the session or direct the class to read and discuss it in their small groups. AND FINALLY... Values often precede actions. When we get a picture of the heart of God, we ll understand how we ought to live. The issue of value for every person is rooted in God s heart, yet it s rarely in the hearts of people. We re better at putting people into a hierarchy of importance based on how they can help us. Yet justice demands that we value those who can t do anything for us, and we may even have to sacrifice a few personal comforts to help them. Living the gospel and wearing our righteousness leads us to give all we have for the least among us, and that s beginning to look like the picture we see in Isaiah. U How can you seek to better understand God s heart for all people? U Where is justice missing in your community? U Before you can live the gospel or wear God s righteousness, you must truly know Him. Where do you stand before Him today child or stranger? U How does living out the righteous standing we ve been given by God lead to joy? Is there joy in your life? LEAD YOUR CLASS TO CONNECT... Direct learners to turn to page 13 of the learner guide. Go over Connect With Your World with the class as a whole and encourage them to find ways to get involved. Spend a few minutes in prayer with your group: Pray for a better understanding of the picture of God that Isaiah paints in these passages. As we gain a better understanding of what God values and desires, our lives should more brightly reflect His love to the dark world around us. WITH YOUR WORLD The world is filled with places that are in need of justice for the poor and oppressed. In our own country and around the world, there are many who don t make enough money to purchase food for their families each day. When we consider the vast poverty in many places around the globe, we re tempted to think that making a difference is improbable. But any impact made means another person is helped. When you consider that God will enable us with His Spirit and anointing, the possibilities are endless. It all begins with you helping one person. Whether it s sponsoring a child in a foreign country or one in your local community, it makes a difference. Don t make changing the world your goal; make changing one life your goal. Check out these sites for ideas and opportunities to change a life: Candle Wishes: candlewishes.org Big Brothers Big Sisters: bbbs.org Feeding America: feedingamerica.org These three ideas are simply to begin pointing you in the right direction. Maybe these organizations will inspire you, or maybe you need to start something new in your community. 12 D ECEMBER 5
PERSONAL BIBLE STUDY DIVINE PORTRAIT GOD VALUES ALL PEOPLE Isaiah 61:1-7 The most-debated issue in Isaiah 61 is the identity of the speaker. Scholarly opinion is mixed. Some hold the speaker is the prophet Isaiah himself, while others claim the messenger is God s Servant, either the nation Israel personified or the future-coming Messiah. While certainty isn t possible, it might be best to view the speaker at least in verses 1-7 as the Messiah. We have an important piece of evidence in that Jesus chose the first few verses of chapter 61 as the text for His first public sermon (Luke 4:16-19). The text s message and application to our lives is just as important as the identity of the speaker. These initial verses of our text reveal God s passion for all people as His Messenger is sent to minister to the most-vulnerable and needy. The Speaker announced, The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on me. In the Old Testament, God s Spirit came upon certain persons for specific tasks, resting upon them to bring needed power, ability, and wisdom. The Spirit was upon God s messenger with the evidence the Lord had anointed Him to deliver God s Word. Similarly, Christ-followers today have the same commission to share the good news in order to change the world. We don t go in our own strength, however. As Isaiah s Messenger was empowered through the special anointing of God s Spirit, we have the assurance of the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit upon all who repent of sin and receive Jesus. Next, the passage details the purposes of God s anointing and the beneficiaries of that anointing. First, the Messiah was to bring good news to the poor. In the Old Testament, the good news probably referred to the message of God s complete and glorious triumph over His foes. These words were especially a comfort for the poor, which included the downtrodden, dislocated, and impoverished, but also consisted of those poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3) the humble and pure. The speaker was sent, secondly, to heal the brokenhearted. He would heal or, more literally, bind up through personal attention those emotionally grieving over their own sin, their personal circumstances, or perhaps the condition of the world. Third, the Messenger would proclaim liberty and freedom to the captives and prisoners. In Israel s immediate context, this situation directly related to people in exile, but more broadly, God s Messiah would bring release from the bondage of sin and Satan. Proclaiming the year of the Lord s favor and the day of His vengeance was the fourth purpose of God s anointing of His Servant. God was both Savior and Judge. Despite sin and suffering, God promised a day when both would be removed, bringing great comfort to those afflicted. On the other hand, a day of vengeance awaited those opposing Him and His people. God is a holy God and will ultimately judge all people. In His initial sermon, Jesus ceased quoting and closed the scroll before mentioning the day of our God s vengeance. During His earthly ministry, Jesus pronounced that His coming did not involve judging the world, but saving it (John 3:16-17). At His second coming, He would take upon Himself the role of judge and ultimately fulfill Isaiah s prophecy, because God has set a day when He is going to judge the world in righteousness by the Man He has appointed (Acts 17:31). Fifth, the Messiah would comfort and provide for those who mourn. What follows is a beautiful, three-fold description of the way God comforts and provides for people WINTER 2010-11 13
mourning over sin, persecution, and death. In place of ashes, they would gain a crown of beauty. Mourners of ancient times would cast ashes on their heads to express grief and sorrow. Now, instead of ashes, their heads would be encircled by beautiful headwear. Further, festive oil would replace their mourning. Olive oil was commonly used during celebrations. Finally, despair would disappear in favor of splendid clothes. All The third result of the messianic preaching is a new position. Instead of serving others in captivity, strangers and foreigners would feed their flocks and act as their plowmen and vinedressers. Eating the wealth of the nations and boasting in their riches would be further proof that their slavery had ended. But notice the spiritual ramifications: they would be called the Lord s priests and spoken of as ministers of Read the article Mourning Rituals of the Ancient Near East in the Winter 2010-2011 issue of Biblical Illustrator or on the Winter 2010-2011 Biblical Illustrator Plus (CD-ROM). Two previous Biblical Illustrator articles Mourning (Winter 1977) and Oil and Anointing in Ancient Israel (Fall 1995) relate to this lesson and can be found on the Winter 2010-2011 Biblical Illustrator Plus (CD-ROM). Justice (Isaiah 61:8) God declared, I the LORD love justice. Why would this be the case? Elsewhere in Isaiah, the prophet announced the LORD is a just God (Isaiah 30:18). In other words, God s desire for justice right, proper, and moral treatment and antipathy towards anything contrary to it stems from His nature. Justice is an inherent characteristic and quality of the Lord. In our society, justice seems to be in the eye of the beholder. What might be justice to one person may be injustice to another. Often, we have to call courts to decide which party is correct. That is never the case with God, because all His acts are just, righteous, and good. Whatever God chooses to do, believers can know it s characterized by justice. AS THE MESSIAH REACHED OUT TO THE LESS-FORTUNATE, HEARTBROKEN, IMPRISONED, AND SORROWFUL, WE SHOULD AS WELL. three of these items suggested preparation for a joyous festival and stood in contradiction to any semblance of mourning. In this passage we see God s heart for the needy and overlooked. Those of us who value the important mission of sharing the good news of Christ mustn t forget we also have a scriptural mandate to show the love of Jesus in tangible ways. As the Messiah reached out to the lessfortunate, heartbroken, imprisoned, and sorrowful, we should as well. The results of the proclamation begin with a new people. Those once gripped by poverty, prison, and sorrow will be called righteous trees. Like strong, sturdy oaks, their fruitful, moral (righteous) character would give evidence they were planted by the Lord. The purpose for this great feat is to bring God glory. A second result is a new possession. A great restoration would occur as beneficiaries rebuilt the ancient ruins, restored the former devastations, renewed the ruined cities, and overturned the devastations of many generations. What could ve been a source of sorrow would now bring comfort, gladness, and joy. our God. Under the Old Testament, priests stood between God and His people. They brought God s Word to the community and the community s needs to God. But even Moses received a glimpse of a day when Israel would act as individual intermediaries to the nations. (See Exodus 19:6.) Ultimately, the New Testament bears witness that every believer acts as priest and minister. We believe in the priesthood of all believers, reflective of Peter s claim, you yourselves, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house for a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5). Because of our faith in Jesus, we have no need for someone to go before the Father on our behalf, to intercede for our sins, or bring our petitions before Him. However our position as individual priests and ministers gives us the obligation and privilege of ministering to the neediest in our society. God s people suffered a double shame. They cried out, Disgrace is their portion. But their fortunes wouldn t remain so. Because of their sinful actions and their responsibility as God s chosen people 14 D ECEMBER 5
they deserved shame, but the ministry of Isaiah s Messenger would cause them to possess double in their land, and they would have eternal joy. The overriding message for Christfollowers today is that God greatly values the less-fortunate. His heart for the poor is revealed throughout Scripture. In the Old and New Testaments, God commands His people to minister to the world on spiritual and physical levels. We commit sin individually and corporately (as communities of faith) when we ignore God s call to reach out to the needy. Before we can change the world we must value all people as He does regardless of their station in life and pay special heed to the people who get overlooked. GOD LOVES JUSTICE Isaiah 61:8-9 Isaiah switched to the first person in declaring I Yahweh love justice (see this lesson s word study on Justice ). The Lord s character is the motivation for the great reversal of fortune for God s people and the basis for their ability to place complete SOME MAY OBJECT TO GOD S HATING ANYTHING, BUT SINCE GOD IS HOLY, HE MUST DISPLAY RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION AGAINST ANYTHING CONTRARY TO HIS NATURE, SUCH AS ROBBERY AND INJUSTICE. confidence in His promises. Further evidence of His concern for justice is the claim, I hate robbery and injustice. In the immediate context, the nation Israel would have their fortunes and position restored because they were the victims of those who took their homes and enslaved them. God, however, would act on their behalf because of His hatred for thievery and iniquity. Some may object to God s hating anything, but since God is holy, He must display righteous indignation against anything contrary to His nature, such as robbery and injustice. Immediately following the declaration of God s love of justice and hatred of theft and wrongdoing, God promised to remedy the injustice done to His people. The reason for God s actions is His righteous character. God s nature led to the promise to faithfully reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them. He would repay them for the suffering they endured. The everlasting covenant is reflected in Jeremiah s later prophecy of a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-37). Love of justice would lead God to respond faithfully by rewarding His people for the U If someone took a look at your bank account and your calendar at the beginning of December a holiday month what would they say were the most valuable things or people in your life? U God values the poor and brokenhearted. During this past year when have you sensed the compassion of God in your own life? WINTER 2010-11 15
U The Lord desires to rebuild the broken places in our lives. Are there such places in your life? If so, spend time in prayer and ask God to show you how He wants to work in you. injustices they suffered and by establishing His everlasting covenant with them. Two results would follow. First, their descendants and posterity would be known among the nations and the peoples. Second, they would stand as a witness to God s character, faithfulness, and grace, as those who saw them would recognize that they were a people the Lord had blessed. God in clothing the speaker with salvation and righteousness. It s fitting Isaiah chose to end our text on a high note of praise. The mouthpiece of God s adoration proclaimed, I greatly rejoice in the LORD and I exult in my God (v. 10). The object of praise is the Father. He alone deserves worship. But what brought about this pronouncement of His glory? He U How can you be a person who delivers justice to the needy in your city? WE HAVE PUT ON CHRIST LIKE A GARMENT AND STAND RIGHTEOUS BEFORE GOD IN OUR SALVATION. Believers today must fight against injustice wherever it raises its head. Injustice can be a sin of commission or omission. It includes depriving people of basic human rights and needs, or ignoring situations in which people suffer because of persecution, oppression, or mistreatment. Christians must proclaim God s universal rule to all nations by following His example of loving justice everywhere. GOD DESIRES RIGHTEOUSNESS Isaiah 61:10-11 A characteristic of Isaiah 61 is the apparent shift in speakers throughout the chapter. The first portion probably includes the proclamation of God s anointed Messiah (vv. 1-7). Next, God responds through the messenger in announcing His love for justice (vv. 8-9). In the final two verses it shifts again, perhaps to the nation of Israel personified or the Messiah of the first seven verses. In this section the passage focuses on the benefits received from God, and then the speaker sings His praises. The verses include wedding and agricultural imagery to underscore the greatness of had clothed the speaker with the garments of salvation and wrapped him in a robe of righteousness. God granted the speaker a special relationship with Him, seen in the terms salvation and righteousness. Both indicate a special, God-given standing before Him not based on merits but on mercy and grace. Paul similarly wrote of the status of Christ-followers before the Father: For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ (Galatians 3:27). We have put on Christ like a garment and stand righteous before God in our salvation. The following imagery of wedding garments heightens the expression of God s actions. As a groom wearing a turban and a bride adorning herself with her jewels show special preparation for the occasion, so God s salvation and righteousness are incredible gifts preparing us for a special relationship with Him. Our response should be twofold: We should echo the praise of Isaiah s speaker for God s saving us and making us righteous through His Son, and, since God desires righteousness in us, we should desire to live righteously before Him. Just as wedding imagery underscored the glorious and praiseworthy work of 16 D ECEMBER 5
God, the agricultural images compound the certainty of those actions. Just as the earth brings forth its growth and what s sown in a garden will eventually spring up, God s purposes are inevitable and completely trustworthy. This assurance was earlier proclaimed by Isaiah: For just as rain and snow fall from heaven, and do not return there without saturating the to one nation, people, or class; it extends to all people. He has every people group on His heart. God blesses us so that we in turn will extend the mercy to others. Believers must embrace God s vision for all nations to know and praise Him. As Christmas approaches and the temptation to become self-absorbed with our own plans and families becomes a reality, let s pause and U Have you wandered from Christ s righteousness? If so, what areas in your life do you need to repent of? GOD BLESSES US SO THAT WE IN TURN WILL EXTEND THE MERCY TO OTHERS. earth and making it germinate and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do (55:10-11). We also have the promise that the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. God s passionate heart has never been restricted reflect on these verses and act to make God s values our own having a heart for the most needy, loving justice and fighting injustice wherever it may be, and longing to see God s righteousness and salvation displayed across our world among people groups of all races, tongues, and nations. WINTER 2010-11 17