OT: Isaiah 12:1-6

Reading: 

And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

Commentary: 

The LORD JEHOVAH is "become my salvation." Likewise aged Simeon said when he held the baby Jesus, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation…..A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." The true believers who lived in OT times, knew well God was going to provide salvation for them, in the Messiah, the Christ the Anointed One of Israel who would be the glory of Israel by being their SALVATION from sin. When sinners see their lost condition, when they are terrified at the thought of death and God's judgment against their sins, the name of Christ brings such the greatest joy, for in Christ there is forgiveness of sins. Note then how Isaiah was able to consider the great God above Him who is both Judge and Lord. "Though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me." It is Christ who through the cross turned away God's wrath forever, so in its place there was favor. The Holy Spirit then is called our Comforter, for He comforts us with Christ who is the God of our own salvation. "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things…"