Worship & Warfare: A Theology for Corporate Worship. Isaiah 42:10-13
Pastor Brad Abley: Biblical Educator and Religious Broadcaster
Pastor’s Corner: Worship and Warefare
Isaiah 42: 10-13
Song of Praise to the Lord
10 “Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them.
11 Let the wilderness and its towns raise their voices; let the settlements where Kedar lives rejoice. Let the people of Sela sing for joy; let them shout from the mountaintops.
12 Let them give glory to the Lord and proclaim his praise in the islands.
13 The Lord will march out like a champion, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies.”
Pastor Brad writes…
“Isaiah 42:10-12 is a call for corporate worship from the people of God throughout the earth. But in obedient response to that call, we see an immediate, forceful and powerful action from none other than Yahweh Himself on behalf of His own in v.13.
Therein lies an important principle and theology of worship; applied, when the people of God worship Him (in Spirit and in truth, John 4:24), they can readily expect His presence and His power on their behalf.
In any gathering of believers in Jesus, there will always be people weary from spiritual warfare in all its components. God knows this, and He has a brilliant remedy for it: the beauty and joy of praise and the reverential awe of worship – both designed to set people free from what oppresses them.
Given that He is enthroned upon our praise (Ps. 22:3), it makes sense that one of the things He is accomplishing for us during praise and worship is His warrior-like fight for us -- just as the demonic realm is fighting against us.
And that is a reason that we so often strongly sense His presence. Incidentally, the word translated "zeal" (v.13b) is "jealous." God is jealous for us and for our well-being – just as at the same time, Satan and his demons are seeking to “wear down” His saints (Dan. 7:25).
Our God is protective of us, but given that this is a partnership, we have our role and responsibility, just as He does as well.
There's one more thing in this passage to consider and that is the incredible doctrine of God's Providence -- a doctrine we would do well to be more familiar with and invest time in studying.
That He fights for us reveals His Providence. That is, He is intimately acquainted with all our ways. He receives our praise; He is attentive to our praise, and He responds to it. In fact, as we worship intelligently, one of the things that we can praise Him for is precisely that -- His marvelous providence in our lives.
This is a sober and encouraging demonstration of the importance and urgency of praise and worship. Consequently, as we pray ahead of time for a service, we can pray with faith and expectation, knowing ahead of time – from God’s Word – what He desires to do.
But knowing is not enough; we must also ask Him directly to do these things and more. Accordingly, it would even be good and wise to specifically quote Is. 42:13, petitioning Him to work according to His own promise.
In another document, we’ll explore the other part of a worship service and that is the proclamation of His Word – which is instructional, theological, devotional – and it involves spiritual warfare as well.”
Pastor Brad Abley: Biblical Educator
“A Heart After God, Bible Teaching Ministry!”
