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Precious in My Sight

Text: Isaiah 43:4; Matthew 2:1-12
25 December 2006

(I) REJECTING WRONG IDEAS

1. Proud image of Self

“By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I am prudent” Isaiah 10:13

a) Arrogance displayed by the king of Assyria Isaiah 10:12

b) Arrogance that was punished by God Isaiah 10:12

2. Bleak Image of Self

“My way is hidden from the LORD, and my just claim is passed over by my God” Isaiah 40:27

a) Discouragement

b) Despair

(II) REJOICING IN GOD’S LOVE FOR US

“Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honoured, and I have loved you…” Isaiah 43:4

1. Remember the present (public declaration)

“Precious in My sight” Isaiah 43:4

a) Appreciating the fact that God cares about us at all

b) Appreciating this declaration that we are precious in God’s sight

“Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God” 1 John 3:1

2. Recall the Past

a) “You have been honoured”

“For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the LORD our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him?
And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set you this day?” Deuteronomy 4:7-8

b) “I have loved you”

“When Israel was a child, I loved Him, and out of Egypt I called My son” Hosea 11:1

“I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely” Hosea 14:4

(III) REACHING OUT TO PEOPLE

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!'” Isaiah 52:7

1. A Challenging Word to Proclaim the good news

a) A message of Peace

b) A message of Salvation

c) A message of Triumph (“Your God reigns”)

2. A Comforting Word to all engaged in proclaiming God’s word

“How beautiful… are the feet of him who brings good news”

a) Appreciation by those who hear and receive salvation

c) Acknowledgment by the Lord God Himself one day