TEXT: Isaiah 26:1-4
READING: Isaiah 25
SUBJ: The substance and function of salvation pictured in song as the strong city built and kept by the Lord.
AIM: That we might know and experience the peace discovered in trusting the Lord.
INTR: While there is certainly a future look here in which salvation will be more perfectly revealed, there is a present reality in salvation of which we have much to sing.
1. There is the implication, if not assertion, that defense and security are at issue.
2. The confidence here is clearly in the Lord and that we should claim and enjoy the things of the Lord in which we are secured.
3. But we must note that the thought is to the exercise of faith and confidence in Him as well.
THESIS: The Gospel of our Lord’s grace takes on exciting dimensions both now and, in the ages to come. Is it any wonder that Paul referred to our “so great salvation?”
I. Salvation for walls and bulwarks (v. 1)
1. This whole scenario is depicted in song and a beautiful one indeed.
2. The “strong city” speaks to us of cohabitation with God in Christ, His design and purpose.
1) Its design is to function as an economy – that is active function in the Kingdom.
2) It makes for complete provision – not dependent on outside sources
3) It is secure against all enemies
3. It is salvation that secures the city
1) The walls and bulwarks are impenetrable
2) And we compare: Psalms 48:12-14 Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof. 13 Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following. 14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
4. We are kept in, and the enemy is kept out – the attempts of men are futile – cisterns that can’t hold water, bags with holes and bulging walls (Isaiah 30:13)
II. Those within the walls (v. 2)
1. It is the righteous nation that is admitted and secured: Isaiah 60:21 Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified. AND 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light… AND 2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
2. The command to open:
1) To the righteous nation – Christ made righteousness to them
2) To those keeping the truths in that they are sanctified by the Spirit of God
III. The keeper and the manner of their keeping (v. 3)
1. Thou O Lord! Psalms 3:3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
2. It is in “peace, peace” – doubled for emphasis or perhaps indicating peace with God and the peace of God – reconciliation having been accomplished and rest communicated to the soul regarding all things. I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him. (Isaiah 57:19)
1) Enemies all conquered – no threat of war
2) All affairs in order – the sacrifice has been accepted and all requirements satisfied.
3) Truth prevails and permeates the very soul with the freedom to know God.
4) There is truly “freedom to move about the Kingdom” or to explore the grace of God as faith ventures forth in Him…
3. They are those whose mind is “stayed” – having taken hold on the love of God and holding fast.
4. Why are they kept – God honors the faith that He has given them – they trust Him and He will not fail such.
IV. The fitting exhortation (v. 4)
1. Considering the Kingdoms that no one thought would fail – including America.
2. The Lord (Jah) the most vehement eternal God Who is Jehovah, the self-existent eternal God.
1) No misguided trust here
2) He is the designer, builder and maker of the city – salvation is of His doing, and it is accomplished in Christ our Lord.
3. He is everlasting strength – literally He is “the Rock of Ages.”
4. From F. B. Meyer: Our trust should be permanent as His love-forever. The weakest foot may trample on the proudest foe, when God has laid him in the dust. God levels the path of the just. However difficult your path, dare to believe that you are being directed in righteousness God cannot make mistakes. Any other path would be impracticable. Only nurse the desires of your soul for God; they are the result of the promptings and drawings of His Spirit.
