Sermon 110396

Isa. 30:18-21                        The Lord Longs to be Gracious to You                             11/03/96

ABCC

I.   Judah’s Response to God                                                                                                544

Briefly describe the situation & circumstances.

     A. Stubbornness & rebellion toward God(v. 1, 9)

     B. Trusting man rather than God for protection (v. 2)

     C. Unwillingness to listen to God’s word (v. 9-11)

     D. This is the certain path to destruction (v. 12-14; Pr. 16:25)

II.  God’s Response to Judah

     A. “Therefore” - notwithstanding or in spite of all this (v. 18a)

Þ     Every believer experiences the consequences of his own sin.

Þ     The believer whose trust is in God always has hope in spite of difficulties resulting from sin.

     B. The Lord patiently waits for repentance (v. 18a - “longs”; v. 15a-b)

The Lord waited 28 years before I was brought to repentance in salvation.  Oh, how patiently He has waited since I’ve been saved as I have been convicted of sins as God reveals them.

     C. The Lord will hear & answer the cry of repentance (v. 19; 2Chr. 7:14))

Þ     Godly sorrow produces godly repentance & prayer (2Co. 7:9-11)

Þ     True prayer often results from affliction & consequences of sin (v. 20a; Ps. 22:24)

Þ     The repentant believer is satisfied to know that the Lord hears & answers his prayer (v. 18d)

     D. The Lord’s response is full of grace & compassion (v. 18a-b)

Þ     There is no condemnation for those who trust in Christ (Rom. 8:1)

The Lord Longs to be Gracious to You, pg. 2

     E The Lord’s response will be just/righteous (v. 18c)

Þ     The Lord’s response may not be prompt not remove the consequences of sin

     F. The Lord’s response will include guidance & instructions (v. 20-21)

Þ     The word of God provides practical instruction & guidance for life (Ps. 119:105, 9, 11)

Þ     The Lord instructs us in our hearts & conscience (Rom. 14:5b)

Isn’t it good to know that our Lord longs to be gracious to us?  He waits patiently for us to seek Him earnestly with a sincere heart.  Isn’t it good to know that when we seek Him this way that He will hear from heaven, forgive our sins, grant us peace & joy in our circumstances, and ultimately deliver us (now or later).  Have you been refreshed & renewed by the Risen Lord?  Has the Father of Mercies & the God of all comfort met you in your broken heart?