A Christian’s Response to Tragedy
Isaiah 6:1-9

Today, in the midst of tragedy, the world is looking for three things (1.) Those who have been called by God to be salt and light to the world. (Mat 5:14-16) (2)Those who have hope, (2) Those who have an answer.

I have been overwhelmed by how religious we can get in a state of national crisis. But yet our schools can not post the 10 commandments, we can not pray in public school, we can not hold adult led Bible Studies in our schools. It is high time America turned it’s course and turned back to God! America is a Christian nation!! The promise to Solomon is just as true today as it was when it was written: (2 Chr 7:14)

Isaiah prophesied for 60 yrs. during the reign of 4 kings.
1. It was a time of great crisis, chaos, moral decadence
2. Time when God’s people were turning their backs on him!
3. Unstable times, difficult times! Like these times.

I. CONFIDENTLY (Mal 3:6) For I am the LORD, I change not; (Heb. 13:8) Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

    1. GOD DOES NOT CHANGE

        A. People may change, Places may change, Churches may

             change, but not Jesus

    2. GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE

         A. We may ask where is God in all of this? Right in the midst?

         B. Why did this happen? God’s fault? No! (Rom 5:12)

    3. Because God does not change and is still on His throne we can

        have confidence

       A. IN HIS NAME

           1. Adonay (v. 1) “Lord” - expresses great reverence

           2. Jehovah (v.3+5) “LORD” - Self existent or eternal one

      B. IN HIS ACTIVENESS

          1. The throne is a place of action and ruling,

          2. The throne is not just of rest and relaxation and retreat.

     C. IN HIS MAJESTY

     D. IN HIS HOLINESS

II. EXPECTANTLY - GOD HAS TOLD US THE FUTURE

(Acts 1:11) Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

    1. The end of the world is near. It began after the death burial and

         resurrection of Jesus

    2. Jesus is coming soon!!!!

        A. All the prophesies have been fulfilled

            1. Next thing on God’s schedule is the rapture. (IThe.4:13-18)But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

    2. Jesus is coming to get His church

        B. Remember these verses

             1. (Lk. 21:28) (1 Th 5:9) (2 Tim 1:7-9)

II. PRAYERFULLY (1 Timothy 2:1-4)I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

    1. What and how do you pray in times like these?

        A. (V 1) - “For all men”

            1. That means for all of us in the United States of America and

                 the entire world

                a. Families who have lost loved ones.

                b. Rescue workers who will never be the same

                c. Children that are watching as this real life drama is

                    played out.

               d. Christians who have the privilege of being salt and light in

                    this dark world.
               e. Sinners on the broad way to hell in need of a savior.

           B. (V. 2) - “For Kings and all that are in Authority”

              1. President Bush to be spirit led in the in the days ahead

              2. All the presidents and kings around the world

                 a. Pray for their salvation

                 b. For wisdom as they try to lead us in these unbelievable

                     times.

        C. (V. 4) For Salvation of all of mankind

             1. That God’s desire be fulfilled (2 Pet 3:9-13)

                 a. The salvation of our land

                 b. The salvation of our leaders

                c. The salvation of some who lost loved ones

         D. God’s Kingdom. (Mat 6:10) Thy kingdom come. Thy will

             be   done in earth, as it is in heaven.

    2. Why pray these things? (V 3)

        A. "That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness

               and honesty

              1. The whole world is not living a quiet and peaceable life

                  today?

             2. WHY? FACE IT. We have not been consistently and

                  persistently praying DAILY "for kings and all in authority" in

                  the past!

An old seaman said, "In fierce storms we can do but one thing. There is only one way (to survive); we must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there."

Commenting on this idea, Richard Fuller wrote:

This, Christian, is what you must do. Sometimes, like Paul,

you can see neither sun nor stars, and no small tempest lies

on you. Reason cannot help you. Past experiences give you no

light. Only a single course is left. You must stay upon the

Lord; and come what may -- winds, waves, cross seas, thunder,

lightning, frowning rocks, roaring breakers -- no matter what,

you must lash yourself to the helm and hold fast your

confidence in God's faithfulness and his everlasting love in

Christ Jesus.