Sermon Title:
The Blessings of the Lord upon the Nation Chosen by God in Beloved South Sudan.
Isaiah 44: 1–16
Dear brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ, welcome all of you into the fold of our eternal living God, here in beloved South Sudan. The God of our father Abraham, the God of our father Isaac, and the God of our father Jacob, in this blessed morning of God’s grace for His chosen people in South Sudan from eternity. I am glad to first point you to this grace from the Holy Bible, as you prepare your hearts in your daily lives with spiritual devotion, faith, and trust in God alone, who has no partner.
A Brief Note:
The blessings of the Lord upon the nation chosen by Him in beloved South Sudan.
As the Holy Bible declares in its main verses in Isaiah 44: 1–5:
1 – “But now listen, Jacob my servant, Israel whom I have chosen.
2 – This is what the Lord says—He who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant, Jeshurun whom I have chosen.
3 – For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.
4 – They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams.
5 – Some will say, ‘I belong to the Lord’; others will call themselves by the name of Jacob; still others will write on their hand, ‘The Lord’s,’ and will take the name Israel.”
Not only this, but the passage also speaks strongly under the title: God’s Condemnation of Idol Worship.
6 – “This is what the Lord says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.
7 – Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out before me what has happened since I established my ancient people, and what is yet to come—yes, let them foretell what will come.
8 – Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.
9 – All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame.
10 – Who shapes a god and casts an idol, which can profit nothing?
11 – People who do that will be put to shame; such craftsmen are only human beings. Let them all come together and take their stand; they will be brought down to terror and shame.
12 – The blacksmith takes a tool and works it in the coals; he shapes an idol with hammers, he forges it with the strength of his arm. He gets hungry and loses his strength; he drinks no water and grows faint.
13 – The carpenter measures with a line and makes an outline with a marker; he roughs it out with chisels and marks it with compasses. He shapes it in human form, human beauty, that it may dwell in a shrine.
14 – He cut down cedars, or perhaps took a cypress or oak. He let it grow among the trees of the forest, or planted a pine, and the rain made it grow.
15 – It is used as fuel for burning; some of it he takes and warms himself, he kindles a fire and bakes bread. But he also fashions a god and worships it; he makes an idol and bows down to it.
16 – Half of the wood he burns in the fire; over it he prepares his meal, he roasts his meat and eats his fill. He also warms himself and says, ‘Ah! I am warm; I see the fire.’”
Justice and Mercy in Society:
The Holy Bible also teaches us about justice and mercy in society, as in Micah 6:8:
“He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
And in Revelation 1:3:
“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”
And in Daniel 12:3:
“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”
Conclusion:
Beloved brothers and sisters, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
The writer is an elder in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He can be reached at:
– WhatsApp: 0913306885
– Email: johndour268@gmail.com