Isaiah

Isaiah 12: God becomes His people’s salvation

Begin in prayer

Before we read a song of salvation, let us ask God to teach our family what gives it joy. Pray that we would trust Jesus and praise the Holy One who saves and comforts His people.

Yah is my strength and song. He has become my salvation.

Psalm 118:14

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Help us understand the joy of Your salvation. Show us Jesus and teach us to praise You with hearts that trust Him. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

The promised rescue now becomes a song of thanks to the LORD. His anger has turned away, and He comforts the one who trusts Him. God Himself is the singer’s strength, song and salvation, so fear gives way to confidence. Drawing water from wells pictures the joy of receiving His salvation. The people call one another to thank Him and declare His deeds throughout the earth. Zion is called to cry aloud because the Holy One of Israel is great in her midst.

As you read Isaiah 12, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God turns His anger away and becomes His people’s salvation and song.

Chapter 11 ended with a highway of rescue like Israel’s road out of Egypt. The rescued people now sing, as Israel sang after the earlier deliverance. Their thanks begins with anger turned away and comfort given by the same Lord. God’s own saving presence replaces the fear that marked Judah under Ahaz. Water drawn from a well gives life and refreshment, so wells picture a salvation received with joy. That joy moves from the grateful singer to the gathered people. They call upon God’s name and tell the nations what He has done. Their deepest reason for praise is the great Holy One present among them.

How does Isaiah 12 show us that God turns His anger away and becomes His people’s salvation and song?

God gives salvation that turns fear into praise.

The singer thanks the God who had been angry and now gives comfort. God Himself is the strength the singer relies upon. Joyful water drawing shows how welcome His salvation is.

God’s mighty deeds deserve to be made known.

The people invite one another to thank the LORD and call on His name. His excellent deeds become their song before the earth. The Holy One’s presence gives Zion reason to shout for joy.

Memorise

Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust, and will not be afraid; for Yah, Yahweh, is my strength and song; and he has become my salvation.”

Isaiah 12:2

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, am I seeking salvation in Jesus and giving Him the thanks He deserves?

The singer confesses, “Behold, God is my salvation.” Anger has turned away, and the Lord gives comfort. This song answers the promise of the righteous King who gathers His people.

A cheerful song does not remove God’s anger against our sin. Christ faced that anger when He died on the cross for His people. He rose again, having secured their salvation by His completed sacrifice. His work is enough for acceptance with God, so believers can rest in the Savior rather than their own efforts.

Turn from your sin and entrust yourself to the Lord Jesus. He grants forgiveness to everyone who comes in faith. Those He saves are given a song, and they thank Him as this singer did. The Holy One who judges sin also comforts the people He saves.

Parent's note

Tell your children that this song belongs to people who trust God’s salvation. Call them to Jesus rather than treating the words of praise as proof of faith. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that He turns anger away and gives His people a song, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.

Luke 10:21

Lord, thank You for the salvation and comfort found in Jesus. Please give our family hearts that turn from sin and trust Him. Teach us to thank You for Your mighty deeds. Help us speak of Your goodness and praise Your name during this week. Amen.