Hope in the midst of Chaos!

August 27, 2006  AM

Pastor Brad Dyrness

Sparks Nazarene Church

 

We are living in a day where chaos is more often the norm than order

 …a day where each man determines his own order, and a time where boundaries are nearly a thing of the past. 

 What can we do in the midst of our chaotic world?

 

What are we going to do in a world that for the most part has ignored God and in some ways has pushed him out of nearly every arena of life and in some cases even the church?

 

Isaiah  1:20 …if you keep turning away and refusing to listen, you will be destroyed by your enemies. I, the LORD, have spoken!”

 

Our enemies have no chance against us, right?

 

Who or What are our enemies?

 

Apathy, Compliance, Busyness, Selfishness, Self-Reliance

 

and probably many others

 

What is the answer?

 

 Isaiah 49:23  … you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.”

 

Isaiah did not say… you’re going to be overcome by a greater power.  His concern was that God’s people would no longer seek God and their direction was headed towards chaos!


On occasion even a parent may drop the ball.

 

Is 49:15   “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?  Though she may forget,  (God says) I will not forget  you!

 

Even when we make a mess, cry out in need or beg to be fed, God not only knows about it but promises to help us!

 

Is 51:5  My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations.  The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm.

 

Whenever Isaiah mentions the Arm of the Lord He is speaking about Jesus!

 

Isaiah 53:1-6 & 12

 

God is prepared to bear the problems, mistakes and sins of many!

 

What do I have to do?  How does God want me to respond to his rescue plan?

 

Four Thoughts that offer us hope in Isaiah 55

 

1.      Come  all who have a need

He wasn’t calling those who had it all together – he was calling those who saw their need.

2.      Listen and hear 

Don’t just come, pay attention!

3.      Seek the Lord

 

The thing God wants most he won’t force:  YOUR response!

4.      Go out in joy

Isaiah is saying when we respond to what God has already done he steps into our chaos and brings hope!

 

Jesus knows about our chaos and says,

“I have the resources to meet your needs.”