Finding Freedom and Grace
Welcome back. If yesterday’s message felt like tough medicine, know that it wasn’t easy to write either. When I speak about sin or spiritual drift, I’m reminded of my pastor’s words: “If I’m pointing a finger at you, I’ve got three more pointing back at myself.”

We sometimes need warnings—especially when the consequences are sobering. But today, Isaiah 26–29 lifts our hearts with hope.
Open Gates, Open Arms
Isaiah speaks of a future moment, but one that could very well be unfolding in our present—the church age of grace:
“Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter.” (Isaiah 26:2)
Matthew Henry says this refers to a time when spiritual barriers are removed and all are invited in.
“That day seems to mean when the New Testament Babylon shall be leveled… The gates of this city shall be open. Let sinners then be encouraged to join to the Lord.” (Matthew Henry Commentary)
This isn’t exclusivity—it’s a divine invitation.
Peace and Freedom in Christ
We are told:
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3) “Lord, you establish peace for us.” (Isaiah 26:12)
That peace comes through grace—described clearly in Galatians:
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” (Galatians 5:1)
Before knowing Christ, I thought following Him meant giving up what I enjoyed. But now I realize—it’s not about restrictions. It’s about desire. Isaiah critiques the “do this, don’t do that” approach (Isaiah 28:10,13), but James reminds us:
“I will show you my faith by my deeds.” (James 2:18)
Faith transforms us from the inside out.
The Sword That Strikes the Enemy
Isaiah shares a vivid image:
“In that day, the Lord will punish with his sword—his fierce, great and powerful sword—Leviathan the gliding serpent… he will slay the monster of the sea.” (Isaiah 27:1, NIV)
The enemy himself is the target, not us. As Matthew Henry explains:
“The Lord Jesus with his strong sword… does and will destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil, that old serpent.”
So we rejoice—not because evil exists, but because Jesus has overcome it.
True devotion requires true surrender
Even as grace is offered, Isaiah issues a sobering reminder:
“These people come near to me with their mouth… but their hearts are far from me.” (Isaiah 29:13)
Yet he also reassures:
“The path of the righteous is level.” (Isaiah 26:7) “Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you… our hearts desire your name.” (Isaiah 26:8–9)
No one has been disqualified. The cross is level ground, and Isaiah echoes that truth.
Let Grace Do Its Work
Isaiah notes:
“Though grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness.” (Isaiah 26:10)
Change may be slow—but when you give Christ lordship, He walks with you. So if you’re weary—from resisting Him or trying to fix everything alone—pray today. Surrender. Allow Him to carry what you were never meant to bear.
Tomorrow, we will read Isaiah 30-33.
Citations:

Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Isaiah 26:2 (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1991).

Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Isaiah 27:1 (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1991).