Outline “Prepare the Royal Highway” based on Isaiah 40:3-5
Savior of the Nations Come • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 5 viewsThrough repentance and trust in Jesus we are prepared to worship God.
Notes
Transcript
I. Watching highway construction.
II. Read Isaiah 40:3-4. Isaiah 40:3-4 refers to another kind of highway project and states, “A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.” God’s project is the preparation for a special way to bring people to repent and believe in His mercy.
III. Owner of greenhouse and 2 workers. A story is told about the owner of a greenhouse who hired a young man whom he had judged to be a hard worker. Although the owner’s judgment proved to be correct, the greenhouse plants began to die. Then the owner called a more experienced gardener to remedy the situation. Soon the plants began to grow larger and healthier. The owner was puzzled, “What made the difference?” The experienced gardener explained, “When the young man moved the plants, he did it with great caution and care. But I was rough with them. I disturbed their roots. Plants flourish when you shake them up at their roots.”
IV. Shaking things up in our life by God’s Law and repentance.
V. Read Isaiah 40:5 and comment about the glory of Jesus. Isaiah 40:5 continues, “And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” Jesus Christ is the ultimate and permanent expression of God’s glory (1 Cor. 2:8). The shepherds saw the glory of the Lord when Jesus was born, and they were terrified (Luke 2:9). In the infant Jesus they saw God’s glory in human flesh (John 1:14). At our Lord’s transfiguration His glory was displayed when His clothes became dazzling white (Luke 9:29). But on Good Friday His disciples deserted Him. His garments were gambled away. Then His Father turned His back. As Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46; see Psalm 22:1) the Lord’s presence left His Son alone to die upon the cross.
But His glory returns on Easter and this means that the day is coming when, at the Second Coming of Christ, all flesh will see God’s glory. Through the gift of saving faith in Jesus we know God’s forgiveness and mercy.
VI. How shall we prepare? In a word – repent. Repent in sorrow over our many sins and wrongs and trust in Jesus. For then we will see God’s glory in a Babe in a manger; in his body and blood at the Lord’s Supper; and in the eastern sky on the last day. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken this good news!
The royal highway is prepared through repentance and faith in Jesus the Messiah whom Isaiah predicted would arrive on the scene.
VII. Read the hymn, “Prepare the Royal Highway.” The hymn, “Prepare the Royal Highway”, based on Isaiah 40:3-5 has some good words to think about tonight.
Prepare the royal highway; The King of kings is near!
Let ev’ry hill and valley A level road appear!
Then greet the King of Glory Foretold in sacred story:
Hosanna to the Lord, For He fulfills God’s Word.
God’s people, see Him coming: Your own eternal king!
Palm branches strew before Him! Spread garments! Shout and sing!
God’s promise will not fail you! No more shall doubt assail you!
Hosanna to the Lord, For He fulfills God’s Word.
Then fling the gates wide open To greet your promised king!
Your king, yet ev’ry nation Its tribute too should bring.
All lands, bow down before Him! All nations, now adore Him!
Hosanna to the Lord, For He fulfills God’s Word.
His is no earthly kingdom; It comes from heav’n above.
His rule is peace and freedom And justice, truth, and love.
So let your praise be sounding For kindness so abounding:
Hosanna to the Lord, For He fulfills God’s Word. Amen.
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
