Sermon
#14 Series:
Isaiah
Title: The
Lord Alone Shall Be Exalted
Text: Isaiah 2:17
Subject: God’s Exaltation In the Experiences of His
People
Date: Sunday Evening - June 18, 1989
Tape #
Introduction:
In the past eternal ages, when God
dwelt alone, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, in his ineffable glory the Lord alone
was exalted. He had no rival. He had no enemy. There was no evil. God
dwelt alone in unrivaled excellence and glory.
And when the Lord God began his mighty works, the Lord alone was
exalted.
·
When he made the
Covenant ordered in all things and sure.
·
When he created the
Angelic Hosts to minister to his chosen people.
·
When he created the
World.
·
When he made Adam and
Eve.
I do not know
how long the day of man’s innocence lasted.
And I am sure we have no idea what myriads of creatures the Lord God
made for the pleasure of that holy pair.
But I do know this: In the day
of man’s innocence in the Garden, the Lord alone was exalted.
·
Then Lucifer, the son
of the morning, made war with the Lord our God in heaven, and was expelled.
·
Then the prince of
darkness deceived our mother Eve and enticed Adam to rebel against God.
·
And sin entered into
the world - How man has fallen!
God is no longer exalted in his
thoughts. God is no longer exalted in
his heart. God is no longer exalted in
his desires.
But our text speaks of a day, before
the drama of the world’s history comes to a close, in which the Lord alone
shall be exalted again - “The Lord Alone
Shall Be Exalted In That Day!” That is my subject tonight.
Proposition: The
great object of God, in all his works of creation, providence, and grace is the
exaltation and glory of his own great name (Eph. 1:6, 12, 14) - (Isa. 63:12,
13).
What is the day which Isaiah is here
describing? Without question, the
prophet is talking about a great day of grace, when “the mountain of the Lord’s
house is established.” But it would be
difficult, if not impossible, to pen-point a single, specific day, when that
has been, or shall be done. The day
Isaiah is describing is the whole day of God’s grace.
1.
It began with The Incarnation of Christ (Heb. 10:5-10).
In that day the Lord alone was exalted -
(Matt. 1:18-25).
2.
In the days of our Savior’s Humiliation the Lord alone was
exalted by him.
·
“I must be about my
Father’s business.”
·
“I must do the will
of him that sent me.”
·
“Father, glorify thy
name.”
·
“Thy will be done.”
3.
In the day of our Redemption by Christ the Lord alone was
exalted (Isa. 59:16; 63:5; Rom. 3:24-26).
·
Love and Wrath.
·
Truth and Goodness.
·
Righteousness and
Mercy.
·
Justice and Grace.
·
Immutability and
Kindness.
4.
In the day of Christ’s Resurrection and Exaltation, the Lord
alone was exalted - (Isa. 45:20-25) - Ps. 24).
5.
On the Day of Pentecost, when the Lord Jesus poured out his
Spirit upon his church, the Lord alone was exalted - (Acts 2:1-47).
6.
In this Day of Grace, every time God’s saints meet together
in the name of Christ, in the preaching of the gospel, the Lord alone is
exalted - (I Cor. 1:17-31).
7.
In that last great day, at The Great White Throne judgment,
the Lord alone shall be exalted - (I Cor. 15:24-28).
·
The Second Coming!
·
The Resurrection!
·
The Judgment!
In each of these great days in
history, the Lord alone is exalted. And
we rejoice to know it. If the text had
nothing else to say, that would be enough.
But, if I read the chapter correctly, and I am sure I do, our text is
referring to the experience of grace which God’s elect enjoy in this
world. “The Lord alone shall be exalted
in that day,” in that day that you and I experience his grace and mercy toward
us in Christ Jesus.
I.
In the day of your FIRST CONVICTIONS (John 16:8-13).
II.
In the day we saw CHRIST CRUCIFIED upon the cursed tree
(Lam. 1:12; Zech. 12:10).
III. In the day
WHEN CHRIST DRAWS US near to himself in sweet communion (Song of Sol. 2:4-11).
IV. In the day HE
CAUSES OUR SOUL TO HUNGER AND THIRST for Him (Song of Sol. 5:1-16).
V. In the day
that HE RESTORES US from our wandering and from our falls (Song of Sol.
7:10-12).
·
David
·
Peter - “Thou knowest
that I love thee!”
VI. In the day
when our Lord ASSURES US of His love (Song of Sol. 8:6-7).
VII. In the day of
GREAT TRIAL AND TROUBLE, when we have no strength, hope, or comfort but our God
(Isa. 43:1-5; Ps. 73:25-26).
VIII. In the day
when our Lord CALLS US TO GATHER OUR FEET INTO OUR BED AND DIE (Ps. 23).
IX. In the day
that WE GET TO GLORY (Rev. 5:9-10).
Application: Men
talk much about revival and write books about the signs of revival. But most of what I have read and heard is
very little more than emotionalism, legalism, and free-willism. Here is one sure, infallible sign of heaven
sent revival - “The Lord Alone Will Be
Exalted In That Day!”
1.
When a church begins to cry for God’s presence!
2.
When we are willing to be nothings!
3.
When we are willing to do anything!
4.
When we zealously seek the glory of God!
5.
When God’s blessing comes!