6-30-18 Today in the Word

Today in the Word
June 2018
Hearing God in the Silence
CONCLUSION: “FOR ZION’S SAKE I WILL NOT KEEP SILENT”
Saturday, June 30, 2018 | Isaiah 62:1–7
Jeremiah did not particularly enjoy being God’s prophet. It brought him “insult and reproach all day long.” But if he tried to remain silent: “His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.” God Himself said that the words of a true prophet would be “like fire . . . and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces” (Jer. 20:7–9; 23:25–32).
God’s prophet Isaiah was compelled to proclaim the awe-inspiring word of the Lord: “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent” (v. 1). Why not? “For Zion’s sake” or “for Jerusalem’s sake” means for the sake of God’s people—until they are saved and vindicated. Israel’s salvation will be a “crown of splendor” or a “royal diadem” in God’s hand, a witness to all the world that He keeps His promises, loves faithfully, and is mighty to save (vv. 2–3). That day will be like a joyous wedding celebration (vv. 4–5).
We are to pray relentlessly for this event—which we now know to be Christ’s Second Coming—to arrive (vv. 6–7). Watchfulness is a key biblical theme related to Christ’s return, as seen, for example, in the parable of the ten virgins, lamps, and oil (see Matt. 25:1–13).
“Watchmen on the walls” are the ones who see first what is approaching. In the same way, those who are faithful in prayer (Col. 4:2) will be the first to rejoice when the time comes.
Among and around the riches of the biblical theme of silence is the life-saving truth that ultimately God is not silent. He has spoken and acted to reveal Himself in creation, history, Scripture, and the Person of His Son, Jesus Christ!
APPLY THE WORD
Isaiah could not keep silent, and neither should we! Sharing the good news of the gospel is our sacred privilege and responsibility: “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God” (Luke 12:8–9).

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