Isaiah 54 Isaiah prophetically speaks words of encouragement to those of Israel and to the Church, those who carry the seed of faith in Jesus as Messiah. Paul, the Apostle, wrote a similar analogy to the Galatian believers referencing Sarah and Hagar, the free woman and the bond woman; or another analogy Mount Sinai and Jerusalem. Provocation didnt deter Sarahs faith; she stood in agreement with the Word and her husband Abraham for the child of promise. As a result, her prodigy became larger and more influential than that of the bond woman. Preparation is essential for the growth of the Kingdom that carries the seed of the faith Abraham, the faith in Christ. As Israel was encouraged then, the Church today (comprised of BOTH believing Jews and believing Gentiles) prepares through 1) enlarging the place of their tent - expansion, 2) stretching of the curtains - going beyond self-imposed limitations without reservation, 3) lengthening the cords - increasing capacity for those who have yet to place their faith in Christ and 4) strengthening the stakes - the Biblical and rock solid foundations of faith that are solid. For those who have the seed of faith, growth will occur, both numerically and personally. Again we see the heart of the Father for the nations, not just a nation. We also see that the Gospel is a message of restoration, make the desolate cities inhabited. The blame of shame is removed, there is therefore now no condemnation to those who belong to Christ; provided we walk not after the flesh (Hagar, Ishmael, Sinai, the Law), but after the Spirit (Sarah, Isaac, Jerusalem, Grace). God is now our husband, the One we are now in covenant relationship with. Part of covenant is His knowing us, caring for us, and embracing us. There was a time of divine abandonment by the Lord of Israel, but He also promised there would be a re-uniting as well. There are seasons when every committed believer will experience a season where it would seem weve been abandoned. In those seasons if we press into the Lord, if necessary repent. Repent? It has been said if we feel far from God, guess who has moved! It isnt God; Hes still where He was and will be; waiting for us to return to Him. Yes there are times when the enemy would have us turn inward and navel gaze to be introspective and engage in the common practice of self-pity; or to even attack us with condemnation. Rest assured saint of God, He will never leave nor forsake us in those seasons, He will never let go of us. But when weve moved from Him through rebellion, carnality and fleshly appetites, we will have removed ourselves from His covering and presence. Repentance is the only antidote to such a status. When its realized and fulfilled, He will gather us (literally grasps us, like a reunion embrace after many years) and will extend kindness and mercy on us. Isaiah pens the heart of the Father through an analogy of the flood endured by Noah. God hasnt withdrawn His hand from Israel; He does await their return to Him and placing their faith in the Seed of Abraham, the Messiah. Even though we go through affliction the Father sees us much as what John penned in Revelation concerning the Heavenly Jerusalem coming out of heaven. Revelation will come from a daily walk with the Lord resulting in wholeness in our children. Righteousness that is imputed by faith in Christ/Messiah, will establish us; oppression cannot stay; fear is vanquished; terrorism is defeated. Even when the enemy (Satan and his minions) will ultimately fall and fail when confronted by the Living Church. The closing verse in this chapter is one of the most often quoted in the entirety of Isaiah, vs. 17. As a result of receiving imputed righteousness, the Church now as Israel then, would not be destroyed. Paul reminds us that we are the righteousness of God in Christ. That is a reality, not to be boasted on through pride, but a place of security and confidence in Him. AMEN!
Posted on: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 12:58:08 +0000
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