Redeemer Church Mauritius
Redemption - Phil Kendon
This morning’s message focuses on the theme of Redemption based on some verses from the prophet Isaiah. This passage speaks of a portion of Israel that has been overrun by the enemy. It has become a place of anguish, of contempt, and of darkness. But the prophet speaks of a time when the land will be blessed with a great light – where hope will dawn instead of despair. His prophecy is a metaphor for the gift of redemption for a people living in darkness.
Locations & Times
Redeemer Church Mauritius
Mauritius
Sunday 9:30 AM
1. Calamity strikes
2 Kings 15:29 (NIV)
In the time of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came and took Ijon, Abel Beth Maakah, Janoah, Kedesh and Hazor. He took Gilead and Galilee, including all the land of Naphtali, and deported the people to Assyria.
2 Kings 17:24 (NIV)
The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Kuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns.
2 Kings 19:17 (NIV)
It is true, Lord, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands.
- The land is conquered and the people are in trouble.
2 Kings 15:29 (NIV)
In the time of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came and took Ijon, Abel Beth Maakah, Janoah, Kedesh and Hazor. He took Gilead and Galilee, including all the land of Naphtali, and deported the people to Assyria.
2 Kings 17:24 (NIV)
The king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Kuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaim and settled them in the towns of Samaria to replace the Israelites. They took over Samaria and lived in its towns.
2 Kings 19:17 (NIV)
It is true, Lord, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands.
- The land is conquered and the people are in trouble.
2. It becomes a place of anguish
- The enemy intimidates the people by displaying their failure.
- The enemy intimidates the people by displaying their failure.
3. It becomes a place of contempt
John 1:46 (NIV)
“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.
- Everyone knows the place is troubled and they despise it.
John 1:46 (NIV)
“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.
- Everyone knows the place is troubled and they despise it.
4. It becomes a place of darkness
2 Kings 17:29–31 (NIV)
Nevertheless, each national group made its own gods in the several towns where they settled, and set them up in the shrines the people of Samaria had made at the high places. 30 The people from Babylon made Sukkoth Benoth, those from Kuthah made Nergal, and those from Hamath made Ashima; 31 the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire as sacrifices to Adrammelek and Anammelek, the gods of Sepharvaim.
- A sign of darkness is worship of false idols that offer no hope.
2 Kings 17:29–31 (NIV)
Nevertheless, each national group made its own gods in the several towns where they settled, and set them up in the shrines the people of Samaria had made at the high places. 30 The people from Babylon made Sukkoth Benoth, those from Kuthah made Nergal, and those from Hamath made Ashima; 31 the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burned their children in the fire as sacrifices to Adrammelek and Anammelek, the gods of Sepharvaim.
- A sign of darkness is worship of false idols that offer no hope.
5. The land represents people
- People far from God can be overcome with anguish.
- People far from God can be despised by others.
- People far from God can end up in darkness.
- People far from God can be overcome with anguish.
- People far from God can be despised by others.
- People far from God can end up in darkness.
6. Redemption by God’s presence
Matthew 4:12–16 (NIV)
When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali—to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
- Jesus based himself in this very land that was overrun by the enemy.
Matthew 4:12–16 (NIV)
When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali—to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
- Jesus based himself in this very land that was overrun by the enemy.
7. Redemption by God’s love
John 3:16 (NIV)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
- God loves people who are despised.
John 3:16 (NIV)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
- God loves people who are despised.
8. Redemption inspires radical worship
- Jesus called his followers from this dark land and they became radical disciples.
- Jesus called his followers from this dark land and they became radical disciples.
Let's Apply It:
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:13–14 (NIV)
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:13–14 (NIV)
