Emphasis Preaching Journal

These scriptures remind us that a life worth living must be worthwhile. Meaning and purpose is found in what we do. Part of the new world envisioned in these scriptures includes the ways what we do gives us a sense of self-worth and value. This is true for us as Christians and as the church. We are saved by our faith in Jesus, not by our works, but our work in Christ is its own reward.


Isaiah 65:17-25

Isaiah 65:17-25
This lesson promises that children will no longer be born for calamity, that there will be no more premature deaths in the city (vv.vv.21,23). As of late April, there had been 711 murders in 2019 in Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago, and New York. Brookings Institute found in 2013 that a child’s income level is closely related to the income his/her parents made. The lesson assures us that better days lie ahead, but not because of what we do. Martin Luther well expressed this point:

Contents
“The Days Will Come” by Peter Andrew Smith
“Divine Will Brought About by God’s Design” by Frank Ramirez

The Days Will Come
by Peter Andrew Smith
Luke 21:5-19

“Repent for the end is near!” the wild looking man thrust a pamphlet into Vera’s hands. He then moved back to the edge of the sidewalk. “Stop wasting your time!”

“Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am He!’” (v. 8a)

Hello children,

It is fun and exciting to see you today. I hope you are happy to be here. I have a special message to share with you from the Bible and particularly Jesus’ words.

Trevor was in trouble again. He had never been in trouble in year six, but now he was in year seven, everything had changed.

It seemed to start with the new school. Trevor had arrived on the first day proud and smart in his new school uniform, but one of the teachers had shouted at him for having his blazer unbuttoned. Trevor had stared in amazement, his mouth open. He couldn't believe anyone could be so stupid as to care whether or not he wore his blazer undone.

"Do your blazer up boy, don't stand there looking like a half-wit," the teacher had snarled.

This text forms the last portion of the long judgment-salvation oracle that is contained in Isaiah 65. It comes from Israel's post-exilic period, when for the first time in the Old Testament, the Lord divides his covenant people into two groups, those who will be judged and those who will be saved. The difference between them is that one group has depended on the Lord for its life, while the other has not and has deliberately turned away from its Lord (cf. 65:1, 11-12). Trust, faith marks the way by which God's saving acts will be received.