August 20, 2024
Redeeming Israel -- Part 2
Isaiah 29:19
08/20/2024
19 The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD, and
the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One
of Israel. (ESV)
Confessional Lutherans speak of the ``theology of glory''
versus the ``theology of the cross.'' The theology of glory
expects to see the victory of God, the faithful blessed with
great riches, and the Christian land overflowing with milk and
honey. The theology of the cross says that the glory of Christ
Jesus is seen in His suffering, death, and resurrection.
Christians will be persecuted in this world because of their
beliefs.
Isaiah wrote, ``The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD,
and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of
Israel.''
Jesus, the King of Creation, was born in a humble barn. He
said, ``Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the
earth.''[1] It was the humble tax collector who prayed, ``God, be
merciful to me, the sinner,''[2] who returned home justified,
forgiven, with the hope of salvation.
Each Sunday we confess our sins before God, acknowledging
that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We confess that we
have not done that which should be done towards God and neighbor,
while actively doing that which denies God and harms those around
us. Yet, because of God's love and mercy, He pronounces that we
are forgiven for sake of Jesus Christ. We therefore have the joy
of His salvation and praise Him for His goodness.
May our Lord keep our eyes on the cross of Christ Jesus, who
has purchased and won us from sin and death by His holy precious
blood and innocent suffering and death. Amen.
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1. Matthew 5:5
2. Luke 18:13