Christmas 1 – Dec. 27, 2020 – Isaiah 61:10-62:3
“NOT IN SECRET”
Introduction: Grace be to you and peace, from God our Father, and from our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Our text for this morning is the Old Testament Lesson just read, from Isaiah 61 and 62. We begin with prayer.
Dear fellow disciples of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ:
- When we think of the dramatic development of mass media over the past century, first radio, then TV, now the internet and smart phones, it seems remarkable that any kind of news or happenings could be adequately reported in centuries prior.
- I have noted from time to time that when my grandparents set out from Illinois to homestead in Nebraska, any news that they received was several days old, at least a couple of weeks. I’m sure it was often much older than that.
- I have also noted that perhaps that was better for them – not knowing about serious and consequential events. Since there was nothing they could do about these events, perhaps out of sight our of mind was healthier for them. No worries, no anxiety, no lost sleep or energy – except for the things that were immediately at hand. Kind of reminds us of what Jesus once said: “Take no thought for the things of the morrow, for the things of the morrow will take thought for themselves. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” [Matt. 6:34]
- Unfortunately, this timing also applied to good news. The birth of a nephew, or the marriage of a cousin, might not be known for some after the event. Even news of the end of a war might be delayed several days.
- We see in our text, and in the rest of Holy Scripture, such was not really the case when it comes to the greatest good news, that of God’s salvation in Christ Jesus! It is true that the spread of the gospel was subject to the same technological limitations of a few centuries ago. However, in our text we see God’s own commitment to the world wide proclamation of His gift of salvation in Christ Jesus.
- From the beginning God’s plan of salvation was “NOT IN SECRET.” And at the birth of Christ angels announced the gospel, the Magi were aware of the news, and Simeon, Anna, and others immediately proclaimed the good news when they laid eyes on the baby Jesus in the temple!
- To this day we do the same – we who are members of Christ’s church. First:
I. We Rejoice That Christ Came To Bless Us With Salvation
A. To Clothe Us In Garments Of Salvation
Text: “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; and my soul shall exult in my God, for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation.”
B. And He Came To Cover Us With His Righteousness
Text: “He has covered me with the robe of righteousness.”
Phil. 3:8,9 “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.”
Statement: There can be no greater gifts, no greater historical events than this – God’s gift of salvation in Christ Jesus. As Simeon proclaimed, He IS God’s salvation for all people. He is broadcast and proclaimed, now virtually to the ends of the earth. He is God’s light of revelation and the glory of God’s people!
Application: This is the most important thing that any human being can know and celebrate- the gift of God’s salvation! This is a gift that never changes, never grows old, never ages, and will never be withdrawn! It happened and it is fact – Jesus, the Lamb of God, shed His blood on the cross to take away the sin and guilt of the whole world, including your sin and my sin, all of it!
Transition: And through the proclamation of the gospel, and the creation of faith in hearts and minds the church is brought into existence. And:
II. In And Through The Church These Gifts Of Righteousness And Salvation Cause Praise To Sprout Up And Grow
Text: “For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations.”
Statement: The very gospel itself, which conveys forgiveness, the righteousness of God, and His salvation as it brings people to faith and the knowledge of God, continues to broadcast the goodness, love, mercy, and kindness of God. He wills all to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe.
Application: This is our great privilege and blessedness today – as members of Christ’s church! We are the ones that God has raised up and caused to sprout and grow! We have His gifts of righteousness and salvation. And by our very existence we proclaim the glories of God and of His Christ, the Lord Jesus!
Transition: And this glorious good news is so magnificent that:
III. There Can Be No Silence About This Great Gift Of God
Text: “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet.”
A. We Cannot Help But Praise God For His Righteousness And Salvation Bestowed Upon Us Freely As His Gifts
Text: “I will not be quiet until her righteousness goes forth as brightness and her salvation as a burning torch.”
B. We Joyfully Proclaim God’s Salvation To All Nations, All Peoples
Text: “The nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory.”
C. We Have Become God’s Glory, His Crown Of Beauty And Royal Diadem
Text: “You shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.”
Statement: By now, after all these centuries, virtually all nations and kingdoms have seen the glory of God’s salvation in Christ Jesus, and the glory of His church. And this goes on and on and on – especially in time of technological communication! And we are part of it – each time we gather for worship and as we broadcast the glorious gospel of God’s salvation.
Application: But there are things that take place by which the church is less proclaiming. When we fail to take all of God’s Word seriously, when we fall into the social sins around us and refuse to repent, or when we choose to hide our faith rather than bearing witness to others. There may be times when it seems that the church keeps the salvation of God “in secret!” This is obviously most grievous and disappointing, considering the many ways God has made the gospel and His church glorious!
Conclusion: So let us rejoice in the proclamation of God, the good news of forgiveness, declared righteousness, and assured salvation.
Let us rejoice that communication technology is so wonderful and full of potential for the church, and for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Let us rejoice that we have freedom to practice a robust form of Christianity today – with freedom to share God’s salvation with others and model a good and decent way of life.
God’s gift of a Savior was “NOT IN SECRET,” and His blessing of His people, His crown of beauty, is “NOT IN SECRET” either. Nor shall it be from here on out as God accomplishes His blessed will within and through the Church, Amen.
Votum: And the peace of God. Which surpasses all human understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds in the true faith, which is in Christ Jesus, even unto life everlasting, Amen.