Behold, God is my salvation. Isaiah chapter 12 in HMP Hindley

We had a good, in-depth Bible study at HMP Hindley last Tuesday afternoon.

We were looking at Isaiah chapter 12 and I shared about the prophetic nature of this passage and how it pointed to the eventual coming of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. The phrase “And in that day...” refers to the period of grace we are now living in through the redemptive work of Christ. Though God was angry with us His anger was turned away from us and directed onto the Lord Jesus. When He died upon the cross He bore the wrath of God for us. I pointed out, however that this only applies to those who put their trust in Christ for forgiveness, cleansing from sin, and salvation.

We also saw how marvellous it was that it is GOD HIMSELF who is our salvation. He could not have sent Abraham, Isaac or Jacob, great men of God though they were. Nor could he send anyone else. As we often sing at Easter time -

God the Son had to do this! He alone was worthy to be the perfect, sacrificed Lamb of God because He alone is without sin. The guys in the group listened intently and received this Word readily! It never ceases to amaze me when I see the hunger and thirst there is for the Word of God in prisons. Some people may be cynical and doubt the sincerity of what is termed “prison religion” but I have to say there was a ring of truth about the reaction I got that day. Please pray for these men. They expressed a desire to return to the Lord of their childhood and live for Jesus upon their release.

Isaiah 12:1-2 And in that day you will say: “O Lord, I will praise You; though You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ ”