A Weary World Rejoices: A World Pining

A Weary World Rejoices: A World Pining
Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - We have an irresistible yearning for the world to be better.
TEXT - Isaiah 35:1-10

OUTLINE

“Long lay the world in sin and error pining.”

1. Scream out loud.

The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. ~ Isaiah 35:1

 Pining is an irresistible yearning or ache. 

 How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?  ~Psalm 31:1

2. Take a breath.

Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution, he will come to save you.”  ~ Isaiah 35:4-5

God’s now and not yet “will come” promises. 

O come, o come Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here. 

 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.  ~ Isaiah 7:14

3. Rest and Rejoice.

Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.  ~ Isaiah 35:5-6

God’s job - my job.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.  ~ Isaiah 9:2

 NEXT STEPS

• Light a candle.
• Take a nap.
• Sing.