Isaiah 12:1–6 (NIV84)

12 In that day you will say:

“I will praise you, O Lord. Although you were angry with me,

your anger has turned away and you have comforted me.

2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.

The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.”

3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

4 In that day you will say:

“Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name;

make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.

5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.

6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

Isaiah wrote, “Make known among the nations what he has done.” That can appear to be a daunting task in this world as we know it. There is opposition to just about any side. What is more, how many people feel that Christianity is the wrong side to be on? But you notice in Isaiah’s words, what is commonly referred to as his “First Song,” the Spirit didn’t inspire him to consider whether or not the world would always listen. In fact, from what we know about Isaiah, few if any of God’s own people listened to his message. Even still, that doesn’t diminish the truth of this message. “Surely God is my salvation. I will trust in him and not be afraid.”

We have a lot in common with Isaiah. It seemed like it wasn’t that long ago when people would be a little more receptive when we shared our faith and the glorious things he has done. It can be easy to become more silent and give in, just a little, to the opposing voices that seem to dominate the landscape. But what do we have to be afraid of? We can say with Isaiah, “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust in him and not be afraid… make known among the nations what he has done.”

And we can be so bold because we know that God accomplishes great things under the guise of humility and defeat. Look again at the Savior riding into the city of his death on a donkey? It would seem that all the praises and proclamations would be in vain. More than that! Such voices are foolish. But here we see God do his glorious things. Under the appearance of a normal looking man is the Son of God. Behind the sight of a man on a donkey is our Champion who would conquer our greatest foes. In between the lines of the shouts was the truth behind every word. He saves because he is our God. He is our salvation.

So, we do have something to say in our world today. Just as is true in every age, we have a message that is powerful enough to change eternity and transform hearts and lives regardless of the contentious landscape today. We can sing those Palm Sunday truths in Isaiah’s words, “Surely God is my salvation… make known among the nations what he has done!”

PRAYER: Dear Holy Spirit, through the message of salvation in Jesus, changes hearts and lives. Help me to grow more and more in understanding the grace I have been given. Move me to speak of Christ and his saving work whenever possible. Make me bold to speak of his salvation and give me opportunities to share with others, through Christ my Lord. Amen.