The Hand of God

Isaiah 42:14-17 (NIV)

14 “For a long time I have kept silent,

I have been quiet and held myself back.

But now, like a woman in childbirth,

I cry out, I gasp and pant.

15 I will lay waste the mountains and hills

and dry up all their vegetation;

I will turn rivers into islands

and dry up the pools.

16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,

along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;

I will turn the darkness into light before them

and make the rough places smooth.

These are the things I will do;

I will not forsake them.

17 But those who trust in idols,

who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’

will be turned back in utter shame.

[1]

I.       Introduction:

II.    God Possesses Restraint: The Waiting Silence

III. God Punishes Rebellion: The Withering Touch

IV. God Provides Guidance: The Watching Shepherd

V.    God Proves Trustworthy: The Warranted Disgrace  

VI. Conclusion:

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[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.