On that day you will say: “I will praise you, oleO.R.D.. Even though you were angry with me, your anger has gone away, and you have consoled me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. lO.R.D.lO.R.D.Is my strength and my security; He has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. On that day you will say, “Praise El.”O.R.D.Announce his name; Make known to the nations what he has done, and exalt his name. sing for lO.R.D.Because he has done glorious works; Tell it to the whole world.”
Isaiah 12:1-5
Praise the God of our salvation
It is difficult to put into words what the prophet Isaiah is trying to convey in our Bible reading today. He is a sinner standing in the presence of a righteous God. He knows that he deserves God’s wrath and punishment. But something surprising happens. God takes away his anger. God saves him instead of punishing him.
Of course, Isaiah is talking about what God does for us in Jesus Christ. Jesus bore the punishment for our sins, and now, instead of facing God’s wrath, we have complete forgiveness and eternal life. How can one express the wonderful relief of that heavy burden being lifted and the sheer joy of that forgiveness?
What Isaiah is doing is expressing heartfelt thanks to God for his salvation. You can almost see him running up and down the streets, jumping with joy, trying to tell people what it feels like to be saved. Fear went away, only faith remained. The Lord is the true strength of his life and the song of his heart. Therefore, he thanks the Lord by singing his praises and telling the good news of salvation to everyone.
Hear Isaiah shouting and singing with joy and join him in praising God, your Savior.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for saving me from my sins. This proves that I can trust you and not be afraid. Amen.
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All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used with permission from Zondervan. All rights reserved world wide.
