Nov 1989 - Editorial

How the Lord Jesus as Deliverer is majestically foreshadowed in the life and work of Moses is outlined for us in our main contribution' this month. Paul skilfully uses Isaiah's reference to the Redeemer (59:20) to show that in a future day of trouble, Israel will again be saved by the Deliverer out of Zion (Rom. 11:26). When applied to the Lord Jesus, this title presents Him as the Rescuer and the Preserver; seen in 1 Thessalonians 1:9,10. The living and true God's Son, who was raised from the dead, is our Deliverer from the wrath to come. Through His death, the Father is able to deliver all believers on Him out of the authority of darkness and to translate them into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Col. 1:12,13). There is also that present deliverance from every evil work and the mouth of the lion (2 Tim. 4:17,18) 50 beautifully seen in Moses' care for the people of Israel as they journeyed through a wilderness land.

Meanwhile, as the Deliverer awaits the signal from the Father to return, Focus shows how the word of God through Isaiah in chapter 28 is having fulfilment in the "scornful men that rule this people which is in Jerusalem" (v.14). The Lord of Hosts is doing His strange work and His strange act (v.21). Whoever receives the Lord's instruction and teaching (vv. 10,26) must acknowledge it to be wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom (v.29).

Before the Deliverer comes back, the fff5t stage of the going up, the gathering one by one (Isa. 27:12), which we suggest is now in progress, must give place to the second stage, heralded by the great (ram's horn) trumpet (v.13). Thus signalling the return of the outcasts and those ready to perish, to worship the Lord in the holy mountain at Jerusalem. The nearer we are to the trumpet sounds the sooner the Deliverer will come.

unknown | Nov 1989
Editorial