Hope for the Hopeless

August 30, 2009 MW
Stockwell Road MBC
HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS
Isaiah 42:1-4

INTRODUCTION:
A. The Scripture is full of many things but one thing that it seems to contain a lot of is hopeless cases. Of course that would seem like a logical thing considering that the Bible was given to us to give us HOPE. Consider for a moment a few of the hopeless cases found within the pages of God’s Word. The woman caught in the act of adultery, the woman with the issue of blood for 12 years, Jairus and his daughter near death, Mary and Martha as they saw Lazarus die, Peter as he denied the Lord, the many paralytics, lame, lepers, mute and deaf that Jesus encountered and the list goes on and on. People who found themselves in the midst of what we would say are hopeless situations.

B. Notice the kind words of Isaiah 42:3, “A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench.” You see God desires that we be like the reed and/or like the flax, or a wick in a candle. He wants for us to be strong and sturdy standing tall and proud for His honor and glory firmly rooted in the riverbed of faith. He wants for us to be like the candle wick that burns brightly with the fire of faith and lightens the path for others to find their way to the Lord. However, the constant winds and the hard rains have bowed over and bent the reed and the harsh whip of the wind has unfortunately reduced the glowing flame to a weak ember that is about to go out. LISTEN, the Bible tells us that God has a servant that WILL not break off the reed and he won’t snuff out the smoldering flame. This servant offers the gentle fingers to straighten and not break. The firm touch to give hope not hurt.

C. Who is this servant that will give hope to the hopeless? Turn to Matthew 12:15-21. This servant is Jesus! LISTEN, our hope is found in the PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST! Perhaps, the passing of the one who was everything to you, the illness of a child, the grip of a terminal illness, the harsh words of criticism all lead us into this place of hopelessness. If the walls of your world seem to be crashing around you, I want to invite you to look to Jesus this morning.

D. It is in the PERSON of JESUS CHRIST that you and I can find HELP FOR our HOPELESSness.

BODY:
I. THE IDENTITY OF JESUS CHRIST v. 18, Matthew 16:13-16, Isaiah 11:2
note: Far too many people see Jesus as just a philosopher or Bible time preacher. In the end it doesn’t matter what others say, it matters what you say! Who is Jesus to you! If you want hope today, you will only find it in Jesus Christ!
A. Recognize He is the Messiah—chosen, beloved, well pleased

B. Remember His Ministry—the 7-fold Spirit of God—Isaiah 11:2

C. Realize His Majesty—the rejection, the cross, the Gospel

II. THE INTIMACY WITH JESUS CHRIST v. 19-20
note: I believe this is where so many of God’s people falter in their spiritual lives. I think this is the cause for us being less “spiritual” people. How intimate are you with Christ? Notice a few things about your relationship with Jesus Christ…
A. His Concern
1. is not popularity
2. is not people
3. is you!

B. His Compassion
1. to grant stability
2. to grant strength

III. THE INVITATION FROM JESUS CHRIST v. 21, Matthew 11:28-30
note: You and I are these Gentiles that are referred to here. He says that we SHALL trust in His name. The word trust means to hope! To trust in His name means…
A. To Trust in His Providence

B. To Trust in His Presence

C. To Trust in His Promise

CONCLUSION:
There is hope for the hopeless and there is hope for you today! This morning, will you look to Jesus Christ, the person of our hope? See, for yourself, who He is, what He does and what He plans to do!