His Mercy, on them that Fear Him

Vespers Service

2^nd Wednesday in Advent

November 7, 2005

(intro to service)

As we look at the approach of Christ’s coming, we have been looking at the song Mary wrote, in praise of God. Found in Luke 1, it is called the Magnificat, and has been part of evening worship services for centuries.

† In the name of Jesus †

Grace, mercy and peace to you, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

Intro: From Generation to Generation

The Magnificat’s 5^th verse is the focus of our sermon tonight, “And His mercy is on them that fear Him, from Generation to Generation.” As we look at that mercy, and what it means to fear our Lord, I think it is important to realize the consistency of God’s care, His love, and yes, His mercy for His people. Throughout the centuries, throughout millennia, throughout all time, God is consistent in His dealings with His people. He was, He is, for us, and He will be for our kids, and their kids, and their grandkids, the same, bestowing that mercy on each generation.

Think of the lists of this person begat that person, such as the one that starts Matthew’s gospel. Beyond establishing the lineage of Jesus, the list reminds those of Jewish descent of the history they so well know. When they hear of Jacob and Judah, of Tamar and Ruth, of Jesse, and David and Hezekiah, the people of Israel would think of God’s love and mercy and grace, shown to His people, even when they didn’t deserve it. He is mercy to all generations of those who fear Him. Which includes us.

His Mercy

The Veil Swallowed Up

Note: all peoples

Death, Despair, Sorrow

What is this veil

1 Cor 3:12-18

In the old testament reading this evening, we see that mercy, illustrated as an incredible feast, a time of God’s providence. As part of that feast. I would like to look at that for a moment, specifically verse 7. There it talks about God removing a veil, which covers the mountain where His people are gathered.

By the way, it is important to note that even here, in the midst of the Old Testament, His people are defined as being people from all nations.

In removing that covering, God makes life clearer, less obscured. Death has no more power; sorrow is dealt with by the Holy Spirit, the Comforter; our reproach, which is similar to disgrace, is removed, tossed aside. That is the mercy of God, to those that fear Him, in every time period.

IN the book of 2 Corinthians, Paul mentions such a veil, that lies on the hearts of the Jews, when the Old Testament is read. They cannot see through that veil, it obscures their sight. Paul says there, the way the veil is removed, is when the person is turned to the Lord. Then God’s miraculous power is seen, as the person is made new in Christ, and as they focus on Him, they are transformed into His likeness. How deep is the riches of God’s mercy in Christ!

On Those Who Fear Him

A phobia

Isaiah’s phobia

How can I, stand?

But to talk only about God’s mercy, would be to render this phrase incomplete, to give it a meaning that is insufficient. For God’s mercy in Mary’s magnificat is restricted to those that “fear” Him. Though God would pour that mercy on the entire world, it is those that fear Him, that have received it.

Isaiah was well aware of this idea of “fearing” God. In His vision where he was ushered into the presence of God, even though he was of God’s people, even though he was a member of the Old Covenant, he feared. The incredible purity and Holiness of God was so incredible, that He feared He was dead. He had no right to be there, in the Presence of the Almighty, Holy, all-powerful and everlasting God. He realized his sin, and the sin of his people. He didn’t belong, even considering the sacrifices, the prayers, the things he did and said. Matter of fact, all of those things, were the reason for his fear. The punishment for them was so great, it would cost him, the very life he lived.

Yet, God was merciful. Christ’s sacrifice, 700 years in the future, cleansed Isaiah. He did not die. He did not pay for his sins, for they were to be paid for by Christ. Instead, Isaiah was changed, and made a mouthpiece for God’s word, the very words we have read this evening. He went, from “how can I stand here in the presence of God”, to “I find myself standing, because of God’s mercy!”

You see, it is when we realize the depth of our sin, that we fear God, and are able to recognize the incredible gift of His mercy. We don’t deserve it, we don’t earn it, we can’t buy it, but we need it.

How incredible is the mercy of God! That is given to His people!

Because of Immanuel!

Look at the promises that are yours in Christ!

Death- Swallowed up

Tears – wiped away

Reproach/disgrace - removed

The depth of that grace is so incredible! The death, the penalty for sin, is swallowed up, just devoured by the cross. The mercy of God, which wipes away every tear. How incredible a picture is that, our Father in heaven, wiping away each and every tear.

And the disgrace, the reproach of our sins, being removed, by this man’s death, a man who lived, for nine months, plus or minus a week or two, in the womb of a poor, humble young lady. And died on a cross, to show us the ultimate picture of the mercy of God.

May that mercy, and the peace of God it brings, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, this advent.

AMEN