Scripture Reading(s)
Isaiah 62:1-5
62:1 For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch.
62:2 The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give.
62:3 You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
62:4 You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be married.
62:5 For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your builder marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.
Reflections
As Christians, we are called to set-apart from the rest of the world. This is not always an easy task and sometimes it is easier to just fall into step with what the rest of the world is doing and forget that as Christians our goal is to reflect Christ living in and through us. There are 3 main things that the Lord calls the nation of Jerusalem to be and that can be applied to us as well:
- Light in the Darkness (vs1): This passage is calling for Jerusalem to be a lighthouse in the dark world. They were His chosen people and He desired for them to be vessels to spread the Gospel. As Christians we are also called be different from the rest of the world. Matthew 5:16 give us that exact commandment “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” When the rest of the world looks at you, do they see a difference in you?
- To be made New (vs2)- Now that the Israelite’s had been restored once again they were given a new name. They were now His people and belonged to Him. In the same way, when we are saved conversion gives us a whole new identity. Our Identity is found in Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:27 paints this exact picture for us ” Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
- Reside someplace New (vs4)- Here the Lord is referring to them now occupying the entire city, not just merely being part of the city but taking over the city itself. In the same way, Christ wants to reside in our hearts and from that there be an outflow of how we live our life. Hebrews 3:4 confirms that thought “For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.”
Some people feel uneasy with the marriage illustration between God and His people but nothing better explains God’s love better than the sacred eternal bond of marriage.
Think of the time you had your first love. The emotions, the butterflies, the desire to always be with them and shower your love one them. This is God’s love for His people. The best part is that death will never “do us apart.”
Verse 62:1 reminds me of a time, many moons ago, when I had a close female friend getting harassed by a guy at school. He was not just verbally abusive but was threatening violence. Being a new Christian I was not sure how to approach the issue. I did not want to have to use violence or force but I also did not want her getting hurt. My pastor said one simple thing, “sometimes you have to defend a woman’s honor.” Thank God I never had to though. Verse 1 demonstrates that God will fiercely defend His people and raise them up in the midst of their enemies. He will fend off their enemies.
I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give. (Isaiah 62:1-2)