Waiting is Beginning with the End in Mind - Traditional Service

Isaiah begins with the end in mind, in verses 2-4.1 This is a picture of Mount Zion – both the City of God in the new heavens and new earth, and the mission of God this side of eternity, which reflects the eternal ideal and goal. The Lord draws all nations to Himself. There, he teaches them his ways, so that they might live as God creates and intends them to live, abiding forever in Him. The ultimate end of the word of the Lord is a transformation from war and strife to peace and prosperity. Then Isaiah returns to a present exhortation: “Come… Walk in the light of the Lord.”

o Law: Apart from God in Christ Jesus, humankind trades in swords and spears; in war and in errant paths. There is a judgment to be had.

o Gospel: Only in Christ the Savior might humankind be delivered from sin, death, and the devil, so that peace and [true/eternal] prosperity might replace swords, war, and rebellion. All nations are called to Jesus, the “mediator of a new covenant,” who sprinkles [cleanses] us with his blood. (See also Rev. 21:10)

o Application: As spiritual descendants of Jacob, how are we called to “walk in the light of the Lord?” How is the Word going forth from Zion [how is the Great Commission happening] at Trinity Lutheran Church?

Scriptures:

o Isaiah 2:1-5 – “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob.”

o Hebrews 12:18-24 – “You have come… to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant.”

o Matthew 21:1-11 – Jesus triumphantly enters Mount Zion!