Your Day of Independence {Isaiah 12-16}

The Day of Salvation

What better day, then when the United States of America celebrates it’s independence from Great Britain, to speak of our own independence! Do you remember that day; the day you chose freedom from the consequences of your sin and accepted God’s salvation? Do you still celebrate?

Imagine for a moment this young nation celebrating their independence. I’ve often wondered how the common folk back then must have felt. Were they elated, or nervous about how Great Britain would retaliate, or perhaps a little of both? Either way, there was no turning back now. I found a portion of a letter John Adams had written to his wife Abigail on July 3,1776 just one day after the Declaration of Independence had been approved:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

John Adams's prediction was only off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress” (Wikipedia)

Up until now in the Book of Isaiah, Isaiah has spoken of the day of coming judgment, but here in verse 12:1 he begins pointing to the day of salvation!

“And on that day you will say, “I will give thanks to You, O Lord; for though You were angry with me, Your anger has turned away, and You comfort me.”

Has there ever been a day when you were allowed to see and feel the full weight of your sin and how it harmed you, others, and especially God? Did you ever wonder how God could possibly forgive you? Do you also remember that overwhelming feeling knowing you’d been set free; forgiven and given the gift of salvation? Of being assured of spending all eternity in paradise? Isaiah is pointing to that day in this brief chapter,

“Behold, God, my salvation! I will trust and not be afraid, For the Lord God is my strength and song; Yes, He has become my salvation.”
Therefore with joy you will draw water
From the springs of salvation.
 
And in that day you will say,
“Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name [in prayer].
Make His deeds known among the peoples [of the earth];
Proclaim [to them] that His name is exalted!”
 
Sing praises to the Lord, for He has done excellent and glorious things;
Let this be known throughout the earth.

Rejoice and shout for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
For great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 12:2-6

What a moment of rejoicing is on display here, but not for Israel alone, for verse 4 speaks of all nations! And not just for a moment, but continuously! If we have experienced the joy of God’s salvation, there’s still proclaiming to be done. Still trusting, still rejoicing and forever giving thanks! 

Therefore, may I ask you, how are you doing in light of all that’s here? Are you still rejoicing and giving thanks in the gift of your salvation? Are you still trusting and still telling others of what Jesus has done for you?

Are you just as excited TODAY about your salvation as the day you were set free?

And if you can’t recall THAT day (the day of salvation), let me assure you that you can know for certain TODAY of where you’ll be spending all eternity! In fact, you need to know, for if you wait, it could be too late.

Are you certain (100% certain, no doubts whatsoever) that if you were to die at this very moment the next one you'll see is Jesus? 

If you aren't 100% certain that you have reason to celebrate the day of your salvation and independence from the controls of sin, I pray you won't leave here without nailing this down! 

I found a pretty simply, clear cut explanation on what we all must do to know for certain that our sins have been forgiven by a holy God, and all of heaven is waiting to welcome us home. Just click this link.   
And if you do nail down that assurance TODAY, please let us know so that we can celebrate as well!!

Blessings!

sue