Introduction
“And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose”” (Luke 4:42-43).
Have you ever heard someone say, “Peter preached the first gospel sermon in Acts 2”? There’ve been times when I’ve said that myself. But here we see Jesus actively preaching the “good news of the kingdom of God” years before that powerful Pentecost sermon! And really, the whole Bible is full of these “sermons,” stretching back to Genesis 3:15.
Today I want to transport us back about 700 years before Christ, to a time where someone else proclaimed the good news — in Isaiah 11-12 — and ask how we’d respond if this were the first time we’d heard about this incredible upcoming kingdom.
Who He Is
His Lineage & Character — Isa. 11:1-5
A King is coming with a legitimate claim to the throne. He’ll be from the lineage of Jesse, the “Son of David,” to fulfill God’s promise (Acts 13:23). More than a figurehead, he’ll be unlike all the kings before him, since he will “bear fruit.”
The Lord’s Spirit will rest upon him (Matt. 3:16), confirming God’s presence and acceptance. His character will be unmatched, full of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. He won’t judge based on what he sees or hears, but in his righteousness, equity, and severity. So, are you ready to serve such a worthy King?
His Transformation — Isa. 11:6-9
He will bring an unnatural peace to the land by transforming our nature. The violent predator will be tamed and live safely in community with their prey. Killers will become nurturers. And even a nursing child will live alongside those that formerly would have ended their lives.
How will this otherworldly peace and safety come? Because the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord — changing them to their core! Everyone in this kingdom will experience a peaceful relationship with the Creator. And, by extension, will peacefully coexist with each other. So, are you ready to allow him to transform your life too?
His Authority — Isa. 11:10-16
This amazing King will shine like a beacon for the whole world. His authority will stretch beyond Israel to ALL people. And those in every nation who seek him out will find rest. He’ll gather the remnant of Israel from the four corners of the earth back to himself and provide them with safety.
But he will also turn his face against all those who oppressed his people. They’ll be cut off, surrendering to be plundered and pillaged. No opposing nation will be able to stand against this new King! So, are you ready to submit to his authority over you?
What We Do
See Our Sin & Salvation — Isa. 12:1-3
When this King comes, we’ll have no choice but to confess our shortcomings and failures. Unlike his perfect righteousness and holiness, we’re entirely unworthy and full of sin. But our mourning quickly turns to joy when we see how his anger turned into comfort towards us! Our faith and trust in him will grow as we lean on Him for strength.
And coming from the parched desert of our sins, we’ll approach a life-giving well of saving water (John 4:13-14). We were so close to death, but he pulled us from that dreadful fate into this fruitful kingdom. Our hopelessness will turn into joy! So, are you ready to be saved from your sin?
Shout Thanks & Praise — Isa. 12:4-6
Since God will place such an amazing King on His throne, we’ll shout our thankfulness and appreciation. Only God could established such a powerful and peaceful leader. Only God could transform us and save us from our sinfulness.
In our rejoicing, we’ll call to him in song, praising him for bringing us the Holy One of Israel! We’ll praise him for his protection and mercy. We’ll honor him for allowing us to live together in harmony. And those songs will never end, as long as there’s breathe within our lungs! So, are you ready to praise the Lord for his glorious deeds?
Spread the Good News — Isa. 12:4-5
We’ll NEVER have reason to be ashamed of our King. Instead, we’ll share his amazing acts of love and mercy with everyone we meet! Our gates will not be closed, nor our borders fixed. But this kingdom will be open to all. All will hear our songs of praise for the King’s incredible name!
And, we know that if the King could transform our violent nature, he can change anyone. So, we’ll share the good news with “wolf” and “lamb” alike. Without prejudice, we’ll welcome into our fellowship anyone who accepts the rule and authority of the King. So, are you ready to share the good news with the world?
Conclusion
Imagine hearing these words 700 years before Christ was born. What would you have thought about this kingdom? Now imagine living during the life of Christ. Would you have recognized Jesus as this promised King? Would you have submitted yourself to his rule and authority? No doubt, many of us would have mistaken this promised kingdom for an earthly one just like the Jews of Jesus’ day did (John 18:36).
But we don’t live during the time of Isaiah or of Jesus. We don’t have to wonder what we might have done or how we might have received him. So today, looking back to Isaiah’s message of good news of the kingdom of God and seeing with clarity the Son of David who came to save you from your sins, are you ready to become a part of that glorious kingdom?
