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Sermon #10 Isaiah Series
Title: The Glory of Zion
Text: Isaiah 2:1-5 Subject: IsaiahÕs Prophecy of the Gospel Church Date: Sunday Evening — September 11, 2016 Readings: Mark Daniel and Merle Hart Introduction:
My subject tonight is The Glory of Zion. Our text is only a small part of IsaiahÕs second recorded sermon (2:1-4:6). I suggest that you read the whole sermon at one sitting, so that you can get the whole message. This sermon begins at Chapter 2 verse 1 and ends in Chapter 4 verse 6. Tonight we will look at just the first five verses of chapter 2.
Proposition: In these verses Isaiah gives a prophecy of the Gospel Age in which we now live and of the great glory, excellence, and benefit of the Gospel Church, which is Zion, the spiritual Kingdom of Christ.
This is Òthe Word,Ó the message of God, Òthat Isaiah the son of Amoz saw,Ó perceived and understood, by the revelation of God the Holy Ghost, Òconcerning Judah and Jerusalem,Ó the church and people of God (v. 1).
(Isaiah 2:2-5) ÒAnd it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORDÕS house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. (3) And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. (4) And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (5) O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.Ó
Micah was inspired of God to deliver exactly the same message to his generation, using almost the same words (Micah 4:1-5)
(Micah 4:1-5) ÒBut in the last days it shall come to pass, [that] the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. 2 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 3 And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 4 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make [them] afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken [it]. 5 For all people will walk everyone in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.Ó
This prophetic word by which both Isaiah and Micah describe the glory of GodÕs Church is so important that God the Holy Spirit gives it to us by them both. Well might we sing with John NewtonÉ
ÒGlorious things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God! He, whose Word cannot be broken, FormÕd thee for His own abode: On the Rock of Ages founded, What can shake thy sure repose? With salvationÕs walls surrounded, Thou mayÕst smile at all thy foes.
See! The streams of living waters, Springing from eternal love, Well supply thy sons and daughters, And all fear of want remove. Who can faint while such a river Ever flows their thirst to assuage? Grace, which, like the Lord, the Giver, Never fails from age to age.
Round each habitation hovÕring, See the cloud and fire appear! For a glory and a covÕring, Showing that the Lord is near; Thus deriving, from their banner, Light by night and shade by day, Safe they feed upon the manna Which He gives them when they pray.
BlessÕd inhabitants of Zion, WashÕd in the RedeemerÕs blood! Jesus, Whom their souls rely on, Makes them kings and priests to God. `Tis His love His people raises Over self to reign as kings, And as priests, His solemn praises Each for a thank-offÕring brings.
Savior, if of ZionÕs city I through grace a member am, Let the world deride or pity, I will glory in Thy name: Fading is the worldlingÕs pleasure, All his boasted pomp and show: Solid joys and lasting treasure, None but ZionÕs children know.Ó
The Last Days
Isaiah begins his sermon by telling us that it concerns the last days. It is a prophecy of THE GLORY OF ZION in the last days. — ÒAnd it shall come to pass in the last days.Ó Now here is something that will help you to understand the Old Testament prophets: — Whenever the last days are mentioned, the reference is to this Gospel Age in which we now live. — ÒThis is the last timeÓ (1 John 2:18). á The last days began with the coming of Christ and the dissolution of Judaism and Mosaic economy (Habakkuk 2:3; Hebrews 1:2).
God Òhath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.Ó (Hebrews 1:2)
á There is no future day of grace to come (no tribulation period or millennial age) in which men will be saved by their works, or by a return to Jewish worship! — There is no grace but that which is to be found in the Gospel (Galatians 1:8-9). á When Christ comes the second time, ÒThen cometh the endÓ (1 Corinthians 15:24). — No secret rapture!
In these last days the Lord God will build again Zion. His Church shall flourish! His Kingdom shall prosper! — See Isaiah 54:1-5.
(Isaiah 54:1-5 ) ÒSing, O barren, thou [that] didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou [that] didst not travail with child: for more [are] the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD. 2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; 3 For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. 4 Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more. 5 For thy Maker [is] thine husband; the LORD of hosts [is] his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.Ó (Isaiah 54:1-5)
Seven Things
In the five verses of our text (Isaiah 2:1-5) Isaiah prophesied of the great glory of this Gospel Age, the spiritual Kingdom of Christ, The Glory of Zion, by foretelling seven things that characterize the Church and people of God.
1. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCH
(Isaiah 2:2) ÒAnd it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORDÕS house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.Ó
The prophet is here telling of ChristÕs building his Church and establishing his Kingdom in this world. The Church of God is here called ÒThe mountain of the LordÕs house; established in the top of the mountains.Ó What does this mean?
The Church is the House of God (1 Timothy 3:15; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Matthew 18:20).
(1 Timothy 3:15-16) ÒBut if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (16) And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.Ó
(1 Corinthians 3:16) ÒKnow ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?Ó
(Matthew 18:20) ÒFor where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.Ó
The Church of God is the House of God. á It is built by the Lord himself (Matthew 16:18). á He dwells here. á He will beautify, glorify, and exalt it. á The materials of this house are living stones, true believers, built upon Christ, the Foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11, Ephesians 2:19-22). á The only Door of entrance into the House and Kingdom of God is Christ himself, who is the Master over his own house (John 10:9; 3:5-7).
(John 10:9) ÒI am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.Ó
(John 3:5-7) ÒJesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.Ó
The Kingdom of Christ and the Gospel of it is to be openly preached and professed. — The Church of God is Òestablished,Ó prepared, Òin the top of the mountains,Ó in clear view and hearing of all. Unlike Mormonism, Papacy, or Free Masonry, this is no secret society with secret orders. á Our Lord compared his Church to a city set upon a hill, which cannot be hid (Matthew 5:14). á Christ himself spoke openly to all the world (John 18:20). á The Gospel preached by the Apostles was not done in a corner (Acts 26:26).
That which was everywhere spoken against had been everywhere spoken of. The message we preach is a banner to be lifted up, a standard to be held high. It is not something to be hid. Let the whole world hear and every man know the wonderful works of our God (Matthew 28:18-20).
The Church and Kingdom of God is firmly fixed, immovable, and as sure to prevail as the majestic mountains. á It is built upon the Rock, Christ Jesus. á The gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
John Gill puts it this way. — The Church of God is immovable, Òbeing secured in the everlasting and electing love of God and in the unalterable covenant of grace, founded on the Rock, Christ, and guarded by the mighty power of God.Ó
And Isaiah here declares that the Church and Kingdom of God shall be exalted above all the hills of the earth. — The truth of God shall prevail. The Kingdom of Christ shall be exalted.
Ò18 ¦ For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, 19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which [voice] they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: 20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: 21 And so terrible was the sight, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) 22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that of] Abel.Ó (Hebrews 12:18-24)
Ò11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.Ó (Revelation 11:11-12)
2. THE UNIVERSALITY OF THE CHURCH
ÒAnd all nations shall flow into itÓ (v. 2). — Yes, the Church of God is universal. It was never our LordÕs intention that his Kingdom be limited to the Jewish nation alone, or that his Church be a mere religious sect. From the beginning he was determined to have a Church made up of men and women of every nation, kindred, tribe, and tongue for the praise of his name. The Church of God is a universal family, a universal kingdom, and a universal body.
Our Lord Jesus Christ has broken down every wall of partition that naturally separates men and women from one another in this world (Ephesians 2:11-18; Colossians 3:11).
Ò11 ¦ Wherefore remember, that ye [being] in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.Ó
Ò14 ¦ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us]; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, [so] making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.Ó (Ephesians 2:11-18)
In GodÕs Church, in GodÕs Family, in GodÕs Kingdom — ÒThere is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.Ó (Colossians 3:11)
ÒPeople shall flow unto it!Ó — ÒAll nations (all nationalities) shall flow into it!Ó Like streams of water from the four corners of the earth, God gathers His elect into His Kingdom by His almighty grace. Yet, no one is forced in. All who come, come willingly. They flow into Zion upon the river of grace. To Christ shall the gathering of the people be (Psalm 110:3; Genesis 49:10; Isaiah 60:1-5).
(Psalms 110:3) ÒThy people [shall be] willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.Ó (Psalms 110:3)
(Genesis 49:10) ÒThe sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].Ó (Genesis 49:10)
(Isaiah 60:1-5) ÒArise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. 2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. 4 Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at [thy] side. 5 Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.Ó (Isaiah 60:1-5)
Note: When I speak of the Church universal, I do not in any way lessen the importance of the local assembly. But one great aspect of the ChurchÕs glory is its universality.
3. THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH
(Isaiah 2:3) ÒAnd many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.Ó
Here Isaiah describes the mutual love, encouragement, help, and assistance GodÕs people give to one another. — ÒAnd many people shall go and say, come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his path.Ó (See Psalm 122:1).
ÒI was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.Ó (Psalms 122:1)
Here is evangelism at its best. — Every redeemed soul says to his neighbor, ÒCome ye, let us go up to the house of God.Ó
Here is the primary object of public worship. — ÒHe will teach us of his ways.Ó In Gospel Churches sinners are taught of God by the preaching of the Gospel, by the faithful exposition of Holy Scripture. Yes, God Himself, God the Holy Ghost, is our Teacher. He teaches us of His ways. á His Way of Grace. á His Way of Providence. á His Way of Obedience.
Here is the resolution of every heaven-born soul, the determination of every God-taught person. — ÒWe will walk in His paths.Ó — If He will show us His way, by His grace, we will walk in His paths.
That church is truly united in Christ which is united in seeking the salvation of GodÕs elect, seeking the instruction of God the Holy Spirit, and seeking obedience to the will of God.
4. THE POWER OF THE CHURCH
The means by which God saves his people, teaches them his ways, and leads them in his paths is the preaching of the Gospel. — ÒFor out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from JerusalemÓ (v. 3). The power of the Church is not its size, it wealth, its talents, or its pastor, but the Gospel of the grace of God which we preach (Romans 1:15-16).
Ò15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16 ¦ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.Ó (Romans 1:15-16)
The Gospel of Christ is the law of His Kingdom (1 John 3:23; Romans 3:31). á The Law of Faith. á The Law of Love. á The Fulfilling of the Law.
The Gospel of Christ is the Word of God by which chosen, redeemed sinners are saved and born into His kingdom (1 Peter 1:23-25). This is the rod of His strength sent out of Zion into all the world (Psalm 110:2).
(Psalms 110:2) ÒThe LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.Ó
(1 Peter 1:23-25) ÒBeing born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.Ó
Ò24 ¦ For all flesh [is] as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.Ó
5. THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH
Isaiah saw Christ exalted as Head over all things for His Church (Ephesians 1:21-23). — ÒAnd he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many peopleÓ (v. 4). Christ is the Head of His Church, not the pope, not some earthly monarch, not the pastor, but Christ Himself.
(Ephesians 1:21-23) ÒFar above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.Ó
He whose Word goes forth out of Zion shall by that Word subdue His enemies to Himself and rule them. á In wisdom and justice, Christ Jesus orders and rules all the affairs of this world for the good of His Church. á He rebukes and restrains everything and everyone that opposes the interests of His Kingdom. á And by His Spirit, He makes His enemies to be His servants, converting many by His almighty grace (John 16:8-13).
Ò8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.Ó (John 16:8-13)
6. THE PEACE OF THE CHURCH
(Isaiah 2:4) ÒAnd he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.Ó
Here Isaiah describes the great peace that comes upon men and women by the Gospel, when the Prince of Peace rules among them. — ÒThey shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.Ó
This is not a dreamy-eyed prophecy of some utopian millennial age. This is a prophecy of that which is experienced right now in the kingdom of God. á The Gospel of Christ makes peace and slays enmities. á The Gospel of Christ reconciles those who are natural enemies.
Illustrations: Cherokee! Jamaica! Mexico!
The Gospel of Christ makes men peaceable, softens their hearts, and sweetens their spirits. The love of Christ, when it is shed abroad in the hearts of heaven-born sinners, constrains them to love one another (John 13:34-35).
Ò34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.Ó (John 13:34-35)
7. THE Responsibility OF THE CHURCH
Read the last verse of our text and observe the responsibility of GodÕs Church in this Gospel Age. — ÒO house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LordÓ (v. 5). Here the prophet of God issues a call to all the house of Jacob, those men and women who are chosen, redeemed, saved, and kept by the grace of God. Whatever others may do, in the light of what our God has done for us, ÒLet us walk in the light of the Lord.Ó á Walk circumspectly as the children of light. á Walk humbly in the light of His grace. á Walk peaceably in the light of His peace.
Turn to MicahÕs prophecy (Micah 4:4-5), and you will see the confidence with which we ought to walk with God our Savior, the confidence with which we ought to walk in His paths, as we make our sojourn through this world. We have no confidence in ourselves and no confidence in the flesh; but we have confidence in God our Savior (Micah 4:4-5).
Ò4 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make [them] afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken [it]. 5 For all people will walk everyone in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.Ó (Micah 4:4-5)
Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God! He, whose Word cannot be broken, FormÕd thee for His own abode: On the Rock of ages founded, What can shake thy sure repose? With salvationÕs walls surrounded, Thou mayÕst smile at all thy foes.
Amen.
Don Fortner
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Pastor FortnerÕs
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