Through The Bible - English - 25 (Isaiah-2) by Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker uses Isaiah chapters, particularly focusing on passages related to John the Baptist's ministry and the Second Coming, to teach that the church's role is to prepare people for Christ's return. Key themes include encouraging those in despair (valleys lifted up), humbling pride (mountains brought low), and emphasizing that while earthly glory fades like grass, the Word of God endures forever. Ultimately, the message calls believers to rely on God's immense sovereignty and power when they feel weak.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Preparing the way of the LordIsaiah 40 begins with the ministry of John the Baptist, calling believers to prepare for the coming of the Lord by lifting up the discouraged, bringing low human pride, smoothing rough areas, and straightening crooked matters.
The imperishable word of God versus fading human gloryAll human flesh and honor are temporary like grass and wildflowers that wither, but the word of the Lord endures forever.1 Peter 1:24–25
The supreme power and sovereignty of GodGod controls the universe and holds the nations as dust, sitting above the circle of the earth and calling the stars by name.
Renewed strength for those who wait on the LordThose who wait on the Lord exchange their human weakness for His divine strength, enabling them to run and not grow weary.
Tremendous promises for those who serve GodGod reassures His chosen servants not to fear because He strengthens, helps, and upholds them, turning their enemies to nothing.
The gentle ministry of the true servantGod's anointed servant depends entirely on the Lord and ministers encouragement to the weak and discouraged rather than breaking a bruised reed.
God will never give His glory to anotherTaking honor and glory to oneself that belongs to God is a serious crime that destroys the anointing.
Being blind and deaf as a servant of GodA true servant of God must be blind and deaf to many things, refusing to go looking for sin or gossip to judge others.
The disciplined tongue of the servantJesus woke each morning to listen to the Father, maintaining a disciplined tongue that could both cut sin like a sharp sword and sustain the weary with comfort.
Never forget where the Lord found youBelievers are urged to look to the rock from which they were hewn and never forget their past sinfulness, keeping them from despising others.
The suffering and rejection of the MessiahIsaiah 53 outlines how the Messiah was despised, rejected by men, and horribly marred on the cross, yet silent before His accusers like a lamb led to slaughter.
No weapon formed against you shall prosperGod promises that if His servants walk in humility, no weapon formed against them will prosper, and He will handle their false accusations and vindication.
God dwells with the humble and lowlyThe high and exalted God dwells in heaven and also within the heart of the humble and contrite person who trembles at His word.
The true fast and stopping accusationsA true fast involves sharing bread with the hungry and stopping the wicked habit of pointing fingers and accusing others.
The new heavens and new earthThe book of Isaiah concludes with the promise of a new heavens and a new earth, where God's spiritual seed will experience eternal life.
