“If the church would only awaken to her responsibility of intercession, we could well evangelize the world in a short time. It is not God’s plan that the world be merely evangelized ultimately. It should be evangelized in every generation. There should be a constant gospel witness in every corner of the world so that no sinner need close his eyes in death without hearing the gospel, the good news of salvation through Christ” (T. S. Hegre).
Preaching to the poor and intense prayer transform lives and cities.
Preach Good News
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord anointed Isaiah to preach good news to the poor, sent him to bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom for the captives and release for the prisoners. He proclaimed the Lord’s favor and vengeance to comfort and provide for those who mourned and grieved in order to bestow a crown of beauty, oil of gladness and garment of praise instead of ashes, mourning and despair. They were called oaks of righteousness to display His splendor. They rebuild the ancient ruins and restored devastated places to renew ruined cities devastated for generations. They called them priests of the Lord and ministers of God to feed on the wealth of nations. God rewarded His people with a double portion. They rejoiced eternally in their land without shame and disgrace (Is. 61:1-7). Preach good news to heal the captives and restore ruined cities.
Delight in God
God loved justice, hated robbery, rewarded them and made an eternal covenant. Their descendants were known among the nations as a people blessed by the Lord. Isaiah delighted greatly in the Lord because he was clothed with garments of salvation and arrayed in a robe of righteousness like a bride adorning herself with jewels. God made righteousness and praise spring up before all nations (Is. 61:8-11). Delight in God because He plants righteousness in His people everywhere.
Pray Intensely
Isaiah would not remain quiet until righteousness, salvation and glory became like a blazing torch in Jerusalem seen by nations and kings. They were a crown of splendor and royal diadem in God’s hand. No longer would they be called Deserted and Desolate, but the Lord delighted in them with the land married. Watchmen called upon God without rest day or night until He made her the praise of the earth (Is. 62:1-7). Pray intensely day and night until your city displays salvation and glory.
Praise God’s Name
God’s people ate the fruit of their labor and praised Him. They build up the highway, removed the stones and raised a banner for the nations to prepare for the Savior’s arrival and reward. They were called The Holy People, Redeemed of the Lord, Sought After and City No Longer Deserted (Is. 62:8-12). Praise God’s name so the Savior redeems His holy people.
Ask God’s Help
God saved them with splendor, strength and righteousness. He trampled the nations with wrath. Vengeance was in God’s heart, but redemption came instead. Because He found no one to help or give support, His own arm worked salvation. Isaiah spoke of the Lord’s kindnesses and good things He did for Israel by saving them in their distress. After rebelling and grieving the Holy Spirit, His people remembered when Moses led them through the sea and God divided the waters. Why did their Father and Redeemer make them wander from His ways and harden their hearts so they did not revere Him? For a little while His people possessed His holy place but now their enemies trampled His sanctuary (Is. 63:1-19). Ask God’s help and support during distress remembering His power in former days.
Lay Hold of God
They asked God to make His name known to His enemies and caused nations to tremble. No one heard or saw any God except Him who acted on behalf of those who waited for Him. He helped those who did right and remembered His ways. Everyone became unclean and their righteous acts were like filthy rags. No one called on His name or strived to lay hold of Him. He hid His face and their sins made them waste away. They were the clay as the work of their Father the potter. His sacred cities including Zion became a desert and Jerusalem a desolation. Their holy and glorious temple was burned with fire and all their treasure lied in ruins. Would God remain silent and punish them beyond measure? (Is. 64:1-12). Lay hold of God in prayer so He transforms your life and city.
Ask God to put intensity and heart into your prayers so He can heal your life and transform you city. Find others to pray with.
