SUNNY THOUGHTS FROM SUNSET by Dr. Vance Drum 01-12
Sunday was Installation Day at Sunset, the day we installed with prayer our elders and deacons to serve in the new year. We welcome new Board members Dr. Eddie and Marlice Clayton to serve this year.
The pastor continued our theme, “Jesus Our Shepherd King: Finding Peace in an Age of Anxiety,” with a message, “Comfort for God’s People.” The text [Isaiah 40:1]: “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God….”
The Lord has been raising up his servant leaders for thousands of years. He will not fail to do so in our day.
God’s servant leaders are servants; they are not dictators. They do not crack the whip on God’s people.
Jesus said [Matthew 20:25]: “The Gentiles lord it over you, but it shall not be so among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant….”
The pastor made three points: (1) Comforting God; (2) Strong God; (3) Empowering God.
(1) Comforting God. V1: “’Comfort, comfort my people,’ says your God. ‘Speak tenderly to Jerusalem….’” Our God is a comforting God.
Isaiah speaks of a time when the people of Jerusalem had heard the harsh words of a conquering Babylonian army. In the previous chapter, Isaiah had told good King Hezekiah [39:6]: “The time will come when everything in your palace … will be carried off to Babylon.”
When the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar’s army came into Jerusalem, he devastated the city, burning everything—including Solomon’s temple and the king’s palace. Thousands were carried off to exile in Babylon. Hard times had come because nearly everybody had gone far away from the Lord, and no longer called on him for help, protection or provision.
But God said that a time is coming when God’s people would once again call on him, and he will once again be there to comfort them. V3, “A voice of one calling, ‘In the desert prepare the way for the Lord….’”
John the Baptist introduced Jesus, who brought God’s comfort to all who would follow him. V11: “He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them… he gently leads those that have young.” Our leaders installed today “gently lead.” They do not exercise coercive rule.
Someone said, “Everybody’s going through something, so be kind.”
God longs to comfort us in our trials, but he will not force us to receive his help. Will you ask him to help you?
(2) Strong God. Our God is a strong God. V10, “See the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and his arm rules for him.” When Jesus came, he came with power—to heal, to multiply the loaves and fishes, even to raise Lazarus from the dead. He is also strong enough to save you today.
Jesus said, “Come unto me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He takes us from the deep miry clay, and puts us on the King’s highway.
Then, “And his arm rules for him.” His arm is a symbol of his strength. My arm might fail, but Jesus never will. His arm rules. Revelation 1:5: “He is the ruler of the kings of the earth.” He rules, and overrules. We take comfort in his strength.
(3) Empowering God. V29: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” The world can be a rough place. Jesus knows that. He sat down by the well in Samaria because he was tired and thirsty. He endured death on a cross for us.
He will give strength to you if you ask him. V30: “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.”
Jesus knows what you’re going through. He will empower with God’s strength those who hope in him.
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.” [1 Timothy 1:12]
May the Lord strengthen you in his service this week—our prayer for you from your friends at Sunset Christian Church.