OH, WHAT A DAY

Isaiah was a prophet of Israel when they were in captivity in Babylon. Chapter 51 was probably written near the end of the captivity around 540 BC. This means about five to six hundred years before Christ. Much of the language used by the prophets for waiting Israel seems very applicable to the ‘waiting Christian’ who feels tired, captive, discouraged world weary from the assaults of sin and unrighteousness. The beginning promise is certainly comparative to our desires:

“Indeed, the Lord will comfort Zion;
He will comfort all her waste places.
And her wilderness He will make like Eden,
And her desert like the garden of the Lord;
Joy and gladness will be found in her,
Thanksgiving and sound of a melody.” (51:3)

The promise of Eden and ‘the garden of the Lord’ are similar to waiting for the ‘new heaven and new earth’ that will be Eden re-made for our future existence.

Then Isaiah tells the people:

“So the ransomed of the Lord will return
And come with joyful shouting to Zion,
And everlasting joy will be on their heads.
They will obtain gladness and joy,
And sorrow and sighing will flee away.
‘I, even I, am He who comforts you.’ (51:11-12)

Here is the promise to Israel and by comparison for us:
‘Joyful shouting’
‘Everlasting joy on our heads’
‘We will have gladness and joy’
‘No more sorrow and sighing’
‘I, the Lord will comfort you’

Oh, what a day that will be…and what a day it is now.

“I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” Jesus