Isaiah 40-42

The date was October 1, 1975. The location was the capital city of the Philippines. The event, later referred to as the Thrill in Manila, was the third and final heavy-weight boxing match between Joe Frazier and Muhammed Ali. After 14 rounds of fighting, Joe Frazier for the most part could not even see.

Going into the 15th and final Round, Frazier's trainer Eddie Futch had seen enough. Despite the objections of Frazier, Futch "threw in the towel", ending the fight, and changing history, and public perception forever.

What Frazier and Futch didn't know, and couldn't of known, was that to win the fight, to win the title, to change history and his legacy forever, all Frazier had to do was stand up. Ali was exhausted, unable to stand anymore, let alone fight, he was "finished". He told his corner "cut the gloves off" .

http://www.chicagonow.com/offhanded-dribble/2011/11/joe-frazier-was-better-than-muhammad-ali-in-and-out-of-the-ring/

This incident shows the use of the expression that seemingly originated in the boxing world- “throw in the towel.” This expression has come to indicate that one is admitting defeat and not going to put forth any more effort.

With that imagery in play, here is a question for those in Christ: “Should you ever throw in the towel?” That question begs further explanation; however a prior question that can be even more important is: “To whom does the ‘fight’ belong?” If there is one greater than us, than He alone has the right and perspective to declare and define what pressing on looks like and whether it should continue.

We often make false conclusions based on our interpretation of circumstances.

God’s comforting words and supreme work declare He has not “thrown in the towel.”

The false conclusion

The setting is those in or returning from exile in Babylon. Their circumstances indicate defeat. Such conclusions as God is done with us or failed us seem very logical.

This is captured in 40:27- God doesn’t see our need and he is not attending to our case (Prayer)

What circumstances do you look at to determine whether life has purpose or whether you should press on? Show the conclusions can be a range of responses not just one or the other.

My finances range in response from I don’t even open bills any more to our savings our building and we are giving.

My kids are listening or don’t seem to care

The church is growing or losing members

People are coming to Christ or don’t even seem to care

My work is a pleasure or a grinding chore

I enjoy being with certain people -people are so annoying

The conclusions can be.

God is casual, unseeing, uncaring,

Transition: The wrong conclusion from God’s transcendence is that he doesn’t care. The right conclusion is that He is too great to fail.

Help is on the way- God comes (40:3-11)

When He comes, nothing stands in his way. His Word will happen. His glory will be revealed. He will reward and shepherd his people.

How do the words “help is on the way” encourage in present crisis? We know that when certain ones say “I’m coming that can mean 10 minutes to 2 hours from now. Their promise of help can look like “Oh, I forgot, or I intended to get around to it but was not able.”

There are others who when they say they are coming, you interpret their delay with certain thinking: “ He is gathering an army; He is diligently preparing.”

The character of the one who gives the help is declared in the verses ahead.

He has the capacity to carry out His plan

His creative power

Illustration: On a scale of 1-10 how strong is your dad- 500!

His ability is unmeasurable (v.12)

His rivals are insignificant (v. 15)

His replacements are created (v. 18-19)

Transition: We will come back to v.v. 27-31

His ruling power- give the court scene

From the beginning he moves kings to establish his righteous plan (41:4)

The nations “dig in their heels” with self-preservation and empty words of be strong.

His accurate predictions before they happen (v.v 24-29)

There are all kinds of gods making superior claims. God shows his superiority to the false gods by predicting something before it happens

His choice of His servants assures the success of His servants

He will act righteously in every circumstance in personally strengthening his servants. (v.10)

As a Redeemer he works through weakness (v. 14)

As Creator He will create provision out of nothing. (v.v. 17. 20)

Illustration of first choice on the team

His choice of His servant provides hope for all the nations

He will bring God’s rule to all the nations. He will act faithfully. He will establish this reign of truth (v. 1, 3, 4)

He acts gently toward oppressed people (v.v. 2,3)

His honor hinges on this work (

His past action is precedent for his future action (v.9)

Application

Response to the interpretation of facts ranges from give up to you can do this. Looking at the comforting words and works of God declares, God is able and will do His righteous work- you can’t. So what do you do with the 2 competitors?

There is no competition

You will have to listen to revelation not propaganda.

God’s ways are not limited. He does not get weary. His ways are far beyond your capacity.