0237. GLORIFYING GOD IN THE FIRES.

GLORIFYING GOD IN THE FIRES.

"Wherefore glorify ye the Lord in the fires" (Isa_24:15).

Introduction. That is a unique mode of expressing an elementary lesson on religious experience. Isaiah abounds in original expressions.

Context.

1. The context is packed with literary and poetical gems.

2. A time of Judgment:

a. Graphic descriptions (Isa_24:1).

b. Might of the Lord (Isa_24:1).

c. Universality of judgment (Isa_24:2).

d. The reason (Isa_24:4-6).

e. Silence (Isa_24:7-12).

3. Result.

a. Great quaking (Isa_24:12-13).

b. Praise (Isa_24:14).

c. Our exhortation.

Application.

1. Israel in their then trouble.

2. Israel in their coming trouble.

3. God’s spiritual Israel here and now, that is, you and me.

I. The Fires.

1. So far as Israel and we are concerned.

2. We all have to go into the fire (see 1Pe_4:12).

a. Of merited judgment.

b. Of fiery trial.

c. Of fiery persecution.

II. The Danger. There is a danger of not glorifying Him in the fires, by manifesting a wrong spirit in the fires:

1. Selfishness. Being taken up with our suffering.

2. Rebellion. Flying up into the face of the Smiter, of Divine Providence.

3. Indolence. Allowing suffering to make us sluggish.

4. Don’t Care. Allowing suffering to make us indifferent and careless and fatalistic.

III. How to Glorify Him. Steps pointed out.

1. By lifting up our voices in prayer (Isa_24:14).

2. By singing in the fires (Isa_24:14).

3. By walking with Him in the fires, as the three Hebrew children in Daniel.

4. By leaving without the smell of fire, without bearing in or on ourselves any ill effect of the ordeal.

IV. Why Should We?

1. Because others do.

2. Because of His Majesty.

Autor: James Smith