Isaiah 34-41
February 24, 2008
The Joy of the Redeemed:
“They will enter Zion with singing, everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away” 35:10
A beautiful picture of the joy and victory when we enter into Heaven, and into God’s glory.
Chapters 36-38 tells of the victory of the Israelites over the Assyrians; how God delivered the cocky Assyrians into the hands of His people. It goes on to tell about Hezekiah’s illness. due to my lack of knowledge about Kings, i dont know what is the significance of this illness and whatever that is happening, but one thing that sort of surprised me was that initially, Isaiah prophesized that Hezekiah would die, but Hezekiah wept bitterly before the Lord. and the Lord saw his tears and granted Him 15 more years to live. it just surprised me because the Lord really is full of compassion to every single individual, and He sees each tear that is shed, and He understands. i didnt think that God would add 15 (!) years to his life, but truly, each life matters to Him.
Though the Lord punishes, He will redeem and restore His people.
I love the way it was described in chapter 40, how much tenderness our Lord has:
“He tends his flock like a shepherd, he gathers the lambs in his arms. He carries them close to his heart, he gently leads those who have young..” v11
I just felt really loved when i read that. to know that He carries me (yes me!) close to his heart with such loving tenderness. God is also a Shepherd that paces. For the flock (sheep, meaning mature christians), he tends. For the lambs (younger christians), He gathers them and carries them, being all patient and pacing their growth. He gently leads, and does not force a uniform kind of growth on all His followers, but leads each individual according to their growth.
The Lord is faithful, and these verses really encouraged me:
“He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not any one of them is missing” 40:26
I was really worried about some of the youths in church, but this verse reminded me that God loves each of them very very much, and none of their growth (including mine) will be overlooked. I need to be patient and wait in God’s timing, and to trust that God knows what to do, rather than trying to do stuff in my own strength, for “to whom will you compare me? or who is my equal, declares the Holy One”.
The Lord- The Helper of Israel:
“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. BUt those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint” 40:31
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; i will uphold you with my righteous right hand” 41:10
