Yahweh's Reign
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Has anyone taken a look at our world lately?
It is full of war. Over 110 wars are being fought around the world right now.
The news cycle and the reality of what seems to be a never-ending war might cause us to wonder about Yahweh’s reign. We might ask:
Is he reigning?
Does his reign look different depending on where we are at in his plan?
If so, how should we view his reign now?
Praise God, our God reigns.
Yes, his reign looks different according to his plan.
He reigns now through grace so that many may come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). In his current reign, he chooses to work through brokenness, rather than eradicating it (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7; Romans 8:28-29).
The passage we are looking at addresses his future reign with a rod of iron (Psalm 2), which removes the brokenness, rather than working through the brokenness. It brings peace through the strength of Christ’s reign. Next week we will look at this strength on display on the day of Yahweh.
Church, may we find hope in Yahweh’s present and future reign.
Our God reigns.
Isaiah 2:1.
1 The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
Who is the word about?
The word is about Judah and Jerusalem.
Isaiah 2:2.
2 It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it,
When will this word take place?
The word will come to pass in the latter days. Latter refers to the time after Christ's death and resurrection, continuing into the present.
My understanding of God’s plan for the future places this as the physical reign of Christ for a thousand years after the Day of Yahweh.
The Reformed understanding is Christ’s reign would start at his death and resurrection, consummating on the Day of Yahweh, ushering in the new heavens and earth, i.e., the eternal state.
How is the kingdom of God established?
The kingdom of God is established in the two comings of Jesus.
The first coming of Jesus established the reign of Christ through grace, which is expressed through us, the church.
The second coming finalizes the reign of Christ through a rod of iron, which is expressed through the nation of Israel.
Come, let us walk in the light of Yahweh, finding hope in his reign.
Our God Reigns.
Isaiah 2:3.
3 and many peoples shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
What is being communicated by the mountain imagery?
First, the imagery addresses the physical location of Jerusalem. It is built around Mount Moriah.
Second, the imagery addresses Yahweh's dwelling, calling the reader to remember the Garden of Eden. (Ezekiel 28:11-19).
Third, the imagery addresses Yahweh’s giving of the law from Mount Horeb / Mount Sinai. (Exodus 20).
Why are they going to the Mountain of Yahweh?
The nations are going to be taught Yahweh’s ways so they can walk in them.
The author of Hebrews wrote that we, the church, have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God (Hebrews 12:22).
Will we learn to walk in the light of Yahweh?
Isaiah 2:4.
4 He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.
What will Yahweh do from Zion?
He will judge between the nations.
He will decide disputes for the people.
Jesus will not work indirectly in his rule as he does now, but directly, with a rod of iron.
What will be the result?
The world will finally know peace.
How then should we respond?
Isaiah 2:5.
5 O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.
Church, let us walk in Yahweh’s light by learning and applying his word through our relationship with him.
Walk in the light of Yahweh.
