We need to know this in "well-being" and "calamity".

The Lord Has Come – Jesus Christ is the Lord of Isaiah 45:14-25

(Philippians 2:5-11, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, November 17, 2019)

[5] Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, [6] who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, [7] but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. [8] And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. [9] Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, [10] so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, [11] and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Why would God record important truths in the Old Testament centuries before their ultimate fulfillment? What does it reveal to us today when we see a beautiful connection between an Old Testament passage and a New Testament partial fulfillment of that passage? Do these ancient texts help us to understand the first coming of Christ and to trust him for his second coming?

“Have this mind among yourselves” Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation

There is a mind which Jesus had when he came

Which we can have now among ourselves

That mind is ours

In Christ Jesus

Two weeks ago: Paul tells the church that “this mind” was beautifully expressed through the incarnation, obedience, and sacrificial death of Jesus.

Last week: “This mind” also includes a vibrant and fruitful Christian hope.

Today: More on our preparation for that hope through the Old Testament prophets...

Isaiah 45

Isaiah 45:1-13 Thus says the LORD to his anointed Cyrus

[2] I will go before you (150 years before the events came to pass)

[3] that you may know that it is I, the LORD, who call you by your name

[4] For the sake of Israel my chosen

[6] That people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west

Know what?

[6] That there is none besides me

[7] I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity

[8] Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness

[13] He shall build my city and set my exiles free

Isaiah 45:14-25 Thus says the LORD (to Israel)

[14] Egypt Cush (Ethiopia) Sabeans (Sheba, Yemen) shall come over to you

[14] They will plead with you, saying: ‘Surely God is in you, and there is no other’

[16] Makers of idols go in confusion together

[17] But Israel is saved by the LORD with everlasting salvation (Who is this “Israel”?)

[20] “Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, you survivors of the nations! They have no knowledge who carry about their wooden idols, and keep on praying to a god that cannot save. [21] Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no other god besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me. [22] Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.

[23] By myself I have sworn;

from my mouth has gone out in righteousness

a word that shall not return:

‘To me every knee shall bow,

every tongue shall swear allegiance.’

[24] Only in the LORD, it shall be said of me,

are righteousness and strength;

to him shall come and be ashamed

all who were incensed against him.

[25] In the LORD all the offspring of Israel

shall be justified and shall glory.

THE POINT of Isaiah 45: Those who respond to God's call from the nations shall be justified and shall glory in the LORD

1. Who is this God of Israel who chose Cyrus?

2. Assemble yourselves and come to him!

3. There is another Christ (anointed one) beyond Cyrus. (Philippians 2:10-11)

Isaiah 45 in Philippians 2

The name of Jesus is the name of the Lord God Almighty, come to save.

Jesus Christ is Lord

All Israel includes all who call upon the Lord.

Note Romans 10:10–13 [10] For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. [11] For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” [12] For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. [13] For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (See also Joel 2:28-32.)

THE POINT: The Lord has come. Eternal righteousness, strength, and glory can only be found in him. One day everyone from every tribe, tongue, and nation will most certainly see this.

Applying these verses:

1. Today is and is not the very final day of Isaiah 45:23. Many people from all over the world are bowing the knee to Jesus, but many still do not believe in their hearts and confess with their lips that Jesus Christ is Lord.

2. This will all change in the twinkling of an eye. Like the shutting of the door of Noah's ark so long ago, one day the trumpet will sound, and Isaiah 45 will be entirely fulfilled.

3. God knows all about this and recorded it centuries before the birth of Jesus.

4. There is nothing more secure in this life and the next than the truth of God in Isaiah 45 and Phil. 2. Have this mind among yourselves in both “well-being” and “calamity.”

Old Testament Reading—Psalm 119:129-136 – Streams of Tears

New Testament Reading—Romans 9:1-18 – He has mercy on whomever he wills