Divine Service
Isaiah 60:1
Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
Where are we in the Bible?
Our Bible verse for this sermon begins the final section of the book of Isaiah, chapters 60-66, which looks ahead to the glorious kingdom that the Messiah will establish when He returns. This hope stood in sharp contrast to what the people of Israel had experienced. After the Babylonian captivity, those who returned found a war-torn land, broken walls, burned gates, and a temple in ruins. Their circumstances offered little reason for celebration. But Isaiah looked beyond what was immediately visible. He saw a future filled with God’s glory and the fulfillment of His promises. Chapter 60 begins with that hope of a new day dawning.
Summary:
In a world of sin, falling is a reality. The key is not to stay down, but to rise again with God’s help. Through the power of the risen Christ, who reaches out His hand to lift us up, we find new life and strength to arise and shine. As Christ, the light of the world, transforms us, we are called to reflect His light in every area of life and become a source of hope for others.
Foundational Reading
Scripture: Isaiah 60
Catechism: 1.4, 3.1.6
Services held in both Houston locations