Out of the Darkest Times
In the face of impending judgment, God's people can find hope and praise him in the midst of darkness.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the prophetic warning of Isaiah regarding the impending upheaval of the world, where sudden judgment will lead to widespread destruction and transformation. He highlights that attachment to material things may hinder one's acceptance of this prophecy, as it foretells a time of confusion and desolation for cities. Despite the chaos, God's people will rise in praise, singing of His majesty even in the darkest times, which serves as a testament to their faith and hope. Wilkerson encourages believers to strengthen their faith and quietly worship, as their songs will uplift others and proclaim God's sovereignty.
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The prophet Isaiah warns us that in the last days God is going to "turn the world upside down." He declares, "Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down" (Isaiah 24:1, KJV). According to this prophecy, sudden judgment is coming upon the earth and it will change everything within a short span of time. Humanity will witness fast-falling destruction upon a city and a nation, and the world will never be the same.
If you are attached to material things -- if you love this world and the things of it -- you will not want to hear what Isaiah has prophesied. In fact, even to the most righteous of God's people, what Isaiah says might be unthinkable; many would surely ask, "How can an entire world be stricken in one hour?" Scripture makes it clear: The world is going to change; the church is going to change; every individual on earth is going to change.
In Isaiah's prophecy, the city under judgment is cast into confusion: "The city of confusion is broken down; every house is shut up, so that none may go in" (Isaiah 24:10). The entire city is left desolate (see 24:12).
When the Twin Towers in New York City were attacked, the ominous fires and smoke could be seen ascending to heaven for miles. Isaiah does not indicate the city upon which destructive judgment will fall, but any major city in the world is vulnerable.
You may ask, "What about God's people in the midst of all this?" In the darkest of hours, a worldwide chorus of voices will sing praises to the majesty of God: "They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing; for the majesty of the Lord they shall cry aloud from the sea" (24:14).
This is the hope of our most holy faith: our Lord causes a song to come out of the darkest of times. Start now to build up your holy faith in him and learn to praise his majesty quietly in your heart. When you sing your song, it will strengthen and encourage your brothers and sisters and it will testify to the world: "Our Lord reigns over the Flood" (Psalm 29:10). Hallelujah!
Sermon Outline
- I. The Coming Judgment
- A. Sudden destruction will come upon the earth
- B. The world will change in a short span of time
- C. Humanity will witness fast-falling destruction
Key Quotes
“The world is going to change; the church is going to change; every individual on earth is going to change.” — David Wilkerson
“They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing; for the majesty of the Lord they shall cry aloud from the sea.” — David Wilkerson
“Our Lord causes a song to come out of the darkest of times.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We must build up our holy faith in God by praising his majesty quietly in our hearts.
- We can find hope in the midst of judgment by singing songs of praise to God.
- God's people will be changed, but they will also have the opportunity to praise God and testify to the world of his majesty.