6 February 2001

Text: Isaiah 50

MISGIVINGS ABOUT GOD
1. When we are angry/upset with God
a) As if God had divourced Israel Isa. 50:1
b) As if God had sold Israel into slavery Isa. 50:1
c) As if God has no power to deliver Isa. 50:2
d) Another misgiving about God was recorded in Isa. 40:27

2. Resolving Misgivings
a) Israel brought upon itself all the troubles
"For your iniquities you have sold yourselves
For your transgressions your mother has been put away" Isa. 50:2
b) "There was no man…there was none to answer" Isa. 50:2 (Cp. Jer. 5:1-13; Gen. 18)
c) The problem is not the lack of power in God Isa. 50:2-3
i) God can dry up the sea Isa. 50:2
ii) He can make the rivers a wilderness Isa. 50:2
iii) He can cover the heavens with blackness Isa.50:3

God repudiates the accusations of sinful Israel!

ANOTHER GLIMPSE OF THE MINISTRY OF THE MESSIAH-SERVANT
1. He will have to win Israel back by gently teaching the nation Isa. 50:4 (Cp. Luke 4:18)
2. He will have to be prepared to suffer much in His life and ministry Is. 50:6

THE FORTITUDE OF THE MESSIAH SERVANT
1. Daily discipline of waiting upon God Isa. 50:4
2. Daily discipline of learning from God Isa. 50:4
3. Accepting pain and suffering as part of His life and ministry Isa. 50:5-6
4. Trust that God will be there to help Isa. 50:7
5. Powerful commitment and determination Isa. 50:7
6. Complete Fearlessness Isa. 50:8-9

CHALLENGE TO TRUST THE LORD
The way may be dark, but total reliance in God is not impossible Isa. 50:10
1. The call to those who fear God Isa.50:10
2. The call to those who would listen and obey the voice of God's Servant Isa. 50:10
3. Call to "trust in the Name of the Lord" Isa.50:10
4. Call to "rely upon God" Isa. 50:10

NO OTHER ALTERNATIVE
The rejection of the light from God would mean that we have to live by mere human wisdom.

Israel's failures and problems in life are directly traced to the way God was totally rejected