Isaiah 51:4-6

This pericope is a prophecy of the New Testament and the gracious rule of God's Servant, the Messiah, in all who believe. The key idea is expressed in the words "justice," "righteousness" and "salvation." The mishpat ("justice") of verse 4 is "a judicial pronouncement, a judge's verdict" and here refers to the conferral of forgiveness; tsedeq ("righteousness") and yesha' ("salvation") connote the forensic pardon of God and its renewing strength. The torah of verse 4 is not Law as opposed to Gospel, but rather instruction. The idea is that God has a new proclamation of justice, righteousness and salvation. God's people of old anticipated with faith the establishment of Christ's gracious rule. They are cautioned against any attachment to this world as they wait for the coming of justice, righteousness and salvation. God's people today believe that Jesus is the fulfillment of past hopes and the source of our confidence in God's gracious rule today. For homiletical purposes "grace" is probably the best word to capture the meanings of all three words to which we have made specia1 reference.

Introduction: Whenever things no longer seem to be going right, we tend to wish that something would happen to change it all. The favorite team is losing in the final seconds, and we say, "Oh, if only we could have ten more minutes on the clock." We try to figure the budget and conclude with, "If only we had two hundred more dollars or another paycheck." The marriage is floundering, or we have lost a job, or the children fail to honor us, and we say, "If only someone would change it al." God seems far away and distant and we pray, "If only..." Isaiah brings us the great news that our "if only's" have been answered by our God, who comes to us with grace.

GOD COMES TO US WITH GRACE

Grace is needed.

Because we are sinful mortals (v. 6).

Who have offended God (50:1).

Who deserve His punishment (50:ll).

Because no other help is apparent (v. 6).

Neither other gods.

Nor humanity.

Grace is attractive.

Only to those who see their need (v. 6).

To people from all nations (vs. 4, 5).

Because God comes down to us (v. 4).

As a lowly man.

Living among us.

Never repelling us.

Because grace requires no work on our part (w. 46).

God takes the initiative.

God assumes all the responsibility.

No one can say, "He does His part if I do mine."

No one can say, "He saves me when I'm ready."

Grace is effective (it works).

Its source is God.

In Christ He is no longer angry.

Darkness is a figure of anger.

God provides light.

He loves us.

He pronounces us forgiven for Christ's sake.

Justice.

Righteousness.

It changes us.

We are renewed in Christ (salvation).

We no longer want to live for ourselves.

Conclusion: Grace is a wonderful gift of God. Through it He intervenes in our lives. Grace in Christ is needed, attractive and effective. Because of Christ and His grace, "if only" is never something we need to say as far as our relationship with God and eternal life are concerned.