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Sermon #1882 — Miscellaneous Sermons
Title: Watching the Election Returns
Text: Jeremiah 31:1-10 Subject: The Calling of GodÕs Elect Readings: Larry Brown and Bobbie Estes Introduction:
Many of you plan to rush home, as soon as I finish preaching to watch the election returns. I expect Shelby and I will be up late doing just that ourselves. So I thought it might be good for me to seize this opportunity to talk to you about watching the election returns. ThatÕs right. I am going to talk to you tonight about the election returns. The title of my message is — Watching the Election Returns.
Last Tuesday I received an invitation to attend a conference for ÒReformed Pastors and Church Workers.Ó The theme of the conference is to be ÒGrowing the Church GodÕs Way.Ó Like most religious groups and denominations, the emphasis of all the planned lectures and activities is ÒgrowthÓ and Òsuccess.Ó Even those who call themselves ÒReformedÓ and ÒCalvinisticÓ are, for the most part, completely obsessed with numbers, numeric growth, and success in the eyes of men. In the Word of God that is never the case; and it is never the case with faithful men.
When I read that invitation, I immediately thought to myself, ÒThe only thing we do in this matter of growing the church is to get out of the way and watch God work.Ó Needless to say, I donÕt plan to attend the conference. But I knew the day I received that invitation what the title of my message would be tonight. — Watching the Election Returns. You and I do not grow the church of God. We just preach the gospel and watch the election returns.
There is a people in this world called Òthe electÓ and Òthe ransomed of the Lord.Ó These people are such a vast multitude that no man can number them; but they are a specific number. á They are called Òthe electÓ because they were chosen of God unto eternal life in Christ before the world began. á These elect ones are called Òthe ransomed of the LordÓ because they were redeemed by the precious blood of Christ and ransomed from the curse of the law by the sacrifice of GodÕs dear Son.
Jeremiah 31
The Lord God assures us repeatedly in his Word that these chosen ones, Òthe ransomed of the LordÓ shall, at GodÕs own appointed time of love, return to him (Jeremiah 24:6-7; 30:10; 31:8; 46:27; Hosea 14:7). — Turn with me to Jeremiah chapter 31. LetÕs read about the return of GodÕs elect to him. á They were chosen, blessed, and accepted in Christ before the world began. á They were scattered over all the earth by the hand of God through the sin and fall of our father, Adam. á They were scattered among the nations that they might be gathered to GodÕs everlasting praise. á These scattered sheep were gathered out of the world by the sin-atoning blood of the Great Shepherd when he laid down his life for them at Calvary, and carried with him into Glory in his resurrection from the dead. á Now, the Lord God is gathering his elect out of the world by the power of his grace in the blessed experience of that grace given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
(Jeremiah 31:1-10) ÒAt the same time, saith the LORD, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people. 2 Thus saith the LORD, The people [which were] left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; [even] Israel, when I went to cause him to rest. 3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. 4 Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry. 5 Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria: the planters shall plant, and shall eat [them] as common things. 6 For there shall be a day, [that] the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the LORD our God. 7 For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel. 8 Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, [and] with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither. 9 They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim [is] my firstborn. 10 ¦ Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare [it] in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd [doth] his flock.Ó
Isaiah 35
Now, letÕs turn to another, perhaps more familiar prophecy, back in the book of Isaiah, Isaiah chapter 35, and watch the election returns. Here, we are told not only that all GodÕs elect shall return to him, but how they are caused to return to him.
á If you would be saved, you must turn to the Lord; but you will never turn until you have been turned.
(Jeremiah 31:19) ÒSurely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.Ó
á You must call upon the name of the Lord; but you will never call for his grace until he has called you by his grace. á We must return to the Lord; but none will ever return to the Lord until they have been returned to the Lord by the mighty operations of the LordÕs own grace toward them, upon them, and in them.
Some say that Isaiah 35 is a prophecy of the restoration of Judah and the revival that took place in the latter part of HezekiahÕs reign, after the Assyrian invasion. — Others tell us that these ten verses are a prophecy of the coming of Christ and the dawn of this gospel age, after the long, long night of spiritual darkness. There is no question that it does refer to the coming of the Messiah, attended with signs, wonders, and miracles at the beginning of this gospel age. — Still others say that Isaiah is here giving a prophecy of ChristÕs second coming, and the everlasting joy of his glorious kingdom. Again that cannot be disputed. This prophecy does look to eternity and to the blessedness of GodÕs elect in eternity. — But I say, why not all three? Why should we have to choose one interpretation? It seems obvious to me that this chapter is clearly a prophecy of ChristÕs comingÉ á In Providence to Deliver and Bless Judah! á In Grace to Save His Elect! á In the End of Time to Gather His Ransomed Ones!
I will not spend much time talking about the historical event to which the prophet here refers, because Judah and Hezekiah are no longer with us. And I will not talk much about the future, because I am not a prophet and I do not have any great perception of prophetic things. I think I understand prophecy far better than those I have read and heard who claim to be Òprophetic theologiansÓ and Òscholars of prophetic literature.Ó But I realize that my understanding of prophecy is vague at best. Therefore, I intend to spend my time tonight talking about what I know. I am going to talk to you about the saving power and grace of God experienced in a sinnerÕs heart and soul when Christ comes in the saving power and grace of his Spirit.
Proposition: When Christ comes to save he comes in power, making all things new. – ÒIf any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become newÓ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Divisions: Let me show you three things in this chapter: 1. The Promise of Grace (1-2). 2. The Preaching of Grace (3-4). 3. The Performances of Grace (5-10).
The Promise of Grace
First, in verses 1-2, the Lord God speaks and gives the promise of his grace. In chapter 34 we read of the threat of judgment. Edom, the populous, fruitful land, because of itsÕ sin was made a desolate, barren wilderness. Here God promises grace. When the land of Judah was freed from the Assyrians, that land that had been laid waste was made fruitful again.
(Isaiah 35:1-2) ÒThe wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. 2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, [and] the excellency of our God.Ó
Certainly, these verses also have reference to the Gentile world, which was a desolate, barren wilderness, bringing forth no fruit unto God. But when God sent the gospel of his grace to the Gentiles, Jerusalem was left desolate and the Gentiles were given the joy of faith and brought forth fruit unto God (Psalm 96:10-13; Isaiah 54:1).
(Psalms 96:10-13) ÒSay among the heathen [that] the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. 11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. 12 Let the field be joyful, and all that [is] therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice 13 Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.Ó
(Isaiah 54:1) ÒSing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.Ó
Blessed is that city, that nation, that people to whom God is pleased to send his Word, the gospel of his grace!
Before Christ comes to a sinner, he is like a solitary, desolate wilderness, or an empty, barren desert. Man by nature has nothing, can do nothing, and can offer nothing to God. á He cannot see God. á He cannot walk with God. á He cannot serve God. á He cannot praise God. á He cannot speak to God. á He cannot know God. Like the desolate earth, he is Òwithout form and void, and darkness is upon the face of the deep.Ó
But when Christ comes he makes the wilderness to blossom and bring forth fruit and causes the desert to rejoice. Grace is effectual, causing sinners to bring forth fruit unto God. – He gives life to the dead! — Grace brings joy to the heart. á The Joy of Forgiveness! á The Joy of Faith! á The Joy of Life! á The Strength of Lebanon! á The Fruitfulness of Carmel! á The Beauty of Sharon!
When Christ comes to a sinner in saving power and grace, he reveals himself and makes himself known. He causes us to seeÉ á ÒThe Glory of the Lord.Ó (Exodus 33:18-34:7). á ÒThe Excellency of our God.Ó — His Purpose — His Character — His Salvation.
This is what God promises to do for sinners when Christ comes in saving power. — á He will give you life! á He will give you joy! á He will make himself known! No man can do these things. But God can and will. And the means by which he has chosen to do so is the preaching of the gospel. Nothing else will get the job done! á Romans 1:16 á Romans 10:17 á 1 Corinthians 1:23
The Preaching of Grace
So let me show you something about the preaching of grace from verses 3 and 4. These are GodÕs words to his prophets and preachers. This is what preachers are supposed to do for GodÕs saints.
á ÒStrengthen ye the weak hands.Ó — Hands that cannot work or even be lifted up in prayer. á ÒConfirm the feeble knees.Ó — Knees that cannot stand, walk, or run. á ÒSay to them that are of a fearful heartÉ.Ó That cannot find peace. — ÒBe strong.Ó — ÒFear Not.Ó — ÒBehold your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompenseÓ upon your enemies! — ÒHe will come and save you!Ó
While we seek the salvation of GodÕs elect, those who are already his children must not be neglected. It is the shepherdÕs job to feed the LordÕs sheep.
The Performance of Grace
The performance of grace follows the preaching of the gospel. So, in verses 5-10, the prophet returns to the business at hand, assuring sinners of the performances of grace that must and shall attend the coming of Christ in saving power.
(Isaiah 35:5-10) ÒThen the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then shall the lame [man] leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. 7 And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, [shall be] grass with reeds and rushes. 8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it [shall be] for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err [therein]. 9 No lion shall be there, nor [any] ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk [there]: 10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.Ó
Without question, the wondrous miracles described here were prophetic of ChristÕs coming to establish his kingdom in this world. These things were proofs of his Messiahship.
Wonders were wrought on manÕs bodies. But those wonders were only a foretaste of the greater wonders wrought on menÕs souls through the preaching of the gospel. — ÒVerily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my FatherÓ (John 14:12).
When Christ comes, he gives life where there was only death before (vv. 5-7). á Eyes to See Him. á Ears to Hear Him. á Tongues to Praise Him á Feet to Walk with Him á And Hands to Serve Him.
When Christ comes, he causes those who were lost, straying, on the road to hell, to walk in the way of Holiness. The way of holiness is the way of holy worship and the way of holy obedience. Holiness is the conformity of my life, my will, my will, my heart, myself to Christ, his will, his heart, and his life. But it is much more than that. Holiness is Christ! He is the Way! When God saves a man or a woman, he puts the saved sinner in the Way. He makes them to be the people of the Way. The Way of Holiness is the way of: á Grace. á Faith. á Submission. á Consecration.
This Highway, the KingÕs Highway, is called by many names in the Scripture. á ÒThe Way of RighteousnessÓ (Matthew 21:32). á ÒThe Way of GodÓ (Matthew 22:16). á ÒThe Way of PeaceÓ (Luke 1:79). á ÒThe Way of SalvationÓ (Acts 16:17). á ÒThe Way of TruthÓ (2 Peter 2:2). á ÒThe Narrow WayÓ á ÒThe Way which is called HeresyÓ by the religious world (Acts 24:14) is ÒThe Good, Old WayÓ (Jeremiah 6Ó16).
Christ himself is the Way (John 14:6).
Watch the Returns
Now, take a minute or two with me to watch the return of GodÕs elect to him. á Abram in Ur á Moses at the Bush á Israel Out of Egypt á The Gadarene á The Woman with an Issue of Blood á The Prodigal á Zacchaeus á The Adulterous Woman á My Own Experience of Grace
I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew He moved my soul to seek Him, seeking me; It was not I that found, O Savior true, No, I was found of Thee.
Thou didst reach forth Thy hand and mine enfold; I walked and sank not on the storm-vexed sea ,— ÔTwas not so much that I on Thee took hold, As Thou, dear Lord, on me.
I find, I walk, I love, but, O the whole Of love is but my answer, Lord, to Thee; For Thou wert long beforehand with my soul, Always Thou lovedst me.
We do not make things happen in the kingdom of God. We just watch. We preach the gospel and watch as the Lord adds to his church daily such as should be saved. We watch the Good Shepherd gather his sheep and return them to the fold. —— ThenÉ
When we have reached the end of the KingÕs Highway, the ransomed of the Lord shall be brought into heaven in a triumphant blaze of glory (v. 10).
(Isaiah 35:10) ÒAnd the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.Ó
All who are ransomed with the blood of Christ shall inherit the kingdom and glory of Christ! á We shall come to Zion at last! á We shall enter into heaven with songs of praise! á We shall be crowned with everlasting joy upon our heads! á We shall obtain joy and gladness at last! á Sorrow and sighing shall flee away! (Revelation 21:3-7).
Application
When Christ comes to a sinner, he comes not to offer grace, but to perform grace. He does not come to show you the way, but to put you in the way. He does not come to tell you what to do for him, but to do for you what you cannot do for yourself. I pray that he may be pleased now to come to you. — If he does, you will come to him.
All hail, Thou great Redeemer, hail! We know Thy promise cannot fail; Thy ransomed family shall come, To their prepared eternal home.
Shall come! — This truth demands a song, From all the blest returning throng; Satan must yield his long held prey, When Jesus bids them come away.
Nor sins, nor doubts, nor foes can keep The least of Jesus' ransomed sheep — They shall come to His sacred fold Whom He engaged to save of old.
His name, His honor, and His blood, Are pledged to bring them home to God; And all His church shall come, and prove JehovahÕs free unchanging love.
(Isaiah 35:10) ÒAnd the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.Ó
Amen.
Don Fortner
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