Wake-up Call
Opening Prayer
Thank God that “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God” (1 Pet. 2:9).
Read Isaiah 52:1-12
[1] Awake, awake, Zion, clothe yourself with strength! Put on your garments of splendor, Jerusalem, the holy city. The uncircumcised and defiled will not enter you again. [2] Shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck, Daughter Zion, now a captive. [3] For this is what the LORD says: “You were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed.” [4] For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “At first my people went down to Egypt to live; lately, Assyria has oppressed them. [5] “And now what do I have here?” declares the LORD. “For my people have been taken away for nothing, and those who rule them mock,” declares the LORD. “And all day long my name is constantly blasphemed. [6] Therefore my people will know my name; therefore in that day they will know that it is I who foretold it. Yes, it is I.” [7] How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” [8] Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. [9] Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. [10] The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God. [11] Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the articles of the LORD’s house. [12] But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
When God delivers them, what will be the result (6,10)?If a member of the President’s family turned up for an important service wearing unwashed jeans and a scruffy T-shirt we would be disappointed. If a senior lawyer was caught breaking the law we would doubt their credibility. It’s important that people behave in ways appropriate to their position. The same is true for God’s redeemed people. Though they have been oppressed and downtrodden, they should now put on robes and hold their heads up like princes and princesses (1,2). The prophet is speaking to the whole people of God–those he calls “Jerusalem” or “Zion.” Even though God’s rescue is not yet complete, they should sing, speak and act as if it were. For now, other people may look at us as if we are crazy (5), but in due course they will understand why we are joyful (10). This is not just fashion advice for Christians! It’s not simply a matter of how we dress, but of how we live. There’s no room for sin in a redeemed life (11). It’s Christian character, not respectable clothing, that makes us holy.
Apply
Assess your Christian character. Where are you strong and weak? In what area(s) should you be more Christ-like?
Closing prayer
Lord, help me to live like a prince or princess of Yours today. Make me lively, joyful and beautiful in all I say and do.
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