Rejoice!

12 DECEMBER 2021 | TRADITIONAL SERVICE

Rev Chia Chin Nam

Scripture Passage: Isaiah 12:1-6 (NIV)

WATCH | SERMON (VIDEO)

READ | SERMON NOTES

Summary | Isa. 12:1 starts with the phrase, “In that day you will sing”. We have not been able to sing aloud in church for many months in this long-drawn pandemic. We look forward to the day when we can sing praises to God in His sanctuary. The passage in Isaiah is a prophecy of a time when the Jews would reunite from captivity and be led forth by the Messiah-King. The attributes of the Messiah are described in Isa. 9:2-3; 6-7. These verses are mirrored by the words of Jesus Himself. He is the Light of the world (John 8:12) parallels “the people who walk in darkness will see a great light” (Isa. 9:2). Jesus came to give us overflowing joy (John 15:11) fulfils Isaiah 9:3 — “they will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest”. Jesus said His kingdom is not of this world. Similarly, Isa. 9:6-7 prophesised that the Messiah rules an everlasting kingdom.

The blessings and benefits of being in Christ lead us to rejoice. The reasons for this rejoicing include:

1. God is no longer angry but wants to comfort His people (Isa. 12:1). There are many reasons why God’s anger would be justified. His children have misused and abused the world He made. How we hurt each other breaks God’s heart. Yet, in Eph.2:4-5, 7, we learn of His mercy, grace and kindness towards the undeserved. Thus, we have every reason to rejoice as we celebrate the source of our gladness — our Lord Jesus.
2. God has come to save us through Jesus the Christ (Isa. 12:2-3). The refrain of the First Song of Isaiah reminds us that “Surely, it is God who saves me; I will trust in him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defence, and He will be my Saviour.” Nothing else can save us — not our good thoughts or deeds. As Moses testified in Exo. 15:1-8, “The Lord is a warrior”. He fights for us and our response should be to trust Him and to rest on His promises. Do we put our trust in Jesus alone to save us from every crisis? God tells us to “be still, and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:1).
3. Proclaim Jesus and His glorious deeds (Isa.12:4-6). We have good news to share. “Christ died for our sins… He was buried, and He was raised from the dead” (1 Cor.15:3-4). Let us emulate Jesus in proclaiming the gospel. He met people at the point of their need, listened and responded in wisdom. As we extend love to others, share the gospel when the occasion arises. Jesus prayed constantly to His Father. So also, our prayer life is crucial. We need to persevere in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten those with whom we share the gospel. Like Peter and John, let us pray for great boldness in sharing God’s Word (Acts 4:29).

As we look to our Lord on the cross, risen in victory and the blessed hope when He comes again, we cannot but REJOICE!

(Sermon notes by Angela Goh.)

PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Compare Isaiah 9:1-7 and John 8:12; 15:11; 18:36.

• What do these passages say about the relationship between the Jewish people and Jesus?
• What do these passages say about the relationship between you and Jesus?
• How would the above findings affect the way you relate to Jesus?

2. “God is no longer angry but want to comfort His people.” (Isa 12:1)

• How does knowing this truth gives you joy?
• Considering how sin is a direct offence against God, why would He not be angry with you forever, but want to comfort you?

3. “God has come to save us through Jesus the Christ.” (Isa 12:2-3)

• How does knowing this truth gives you joy? Why?
• What or who would you have to lay down at Jesus’ feet in order to trust Him completely?
• “The LORD is my strength and my song.” To what extent is this true for you?
• How would knowing Jesus as a warrior help you face your fears and anxiety? (Ex 15:2)

4. “We will rejoice by proclaiming Jesus and His glorious deeds.” (Isa 12:4-6)

• Share an incident whereby you proclaimed Jesus with joy.
• How would you be more intentional in sharing the Gospel?
• Who would you intentionally share the Gospel with for the next 6-12 months?