Very long sermon on Isiah 50vs1to11and Colossians 1vs13to2
Today, we gather here to delve into the profound words of Scripture found in Isaiah 50:1-11 and Colossians 1:13-2. These passages speak to the power and glory of God, and offer us guidance and encouragement in our journey of faith.
In Isaiah 50, the prophet Isaiah speaks on behalf of the Lord, declaring, "Thus says the Lord: Where is your mother's certificate of divorce, with which I sent her away? Or to which of my creditors did I sell you? Behold, for your iniquities you were sold, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away." The imagery of divorce and captivity is used to depict the spiritual condition of the people of Israel. They had turned away from God, and had been sold into bondage because of their sin.
But the Lord, in His great mercy, had not abandoned His people. He goes on to say, "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth, and covered you in the shadow of my hand, establishing the heavens and laying the foundations of the earth, and saying to Zion, 'You are my people.'" Despite their disobedience, God had not given up on Israel. He had chosen them as His own, and would continue to watch over and protect them.
In Colossians 1, the Apostle Paul speaks of the supremacy of Christ, saying, "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." Through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, we have been set free from the power of sin and death. We have been brought into the kingdom of God, and have been given new life and forgiveness through the blood of Jesus.
Paul goes on to say, "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." The power of Christ's sacrifice extends beyond our individual redemption, to the reconciliation of all creation. Through His death and resurrection, all things have been made new, and peace has been restored between God and humanity.
So let us take heart in these words of Scripture, and be reminded of the great love and mercy of our God. No matter how far we may have strayed, He is always ready to welcome us back into His arms. Through the sacrifice of Christ, we have been set free from the power of sin and death, and have been brought into His kingdom. May we continue to walk in faith and obedience, knowing that we are His beloved children, redeemed and forgiven through the blood of Jesus. Amen.