Isaiah 62. Sparkle Like a Flame and Shine Bright!

Posted on by richlyspeaking
An ancient oil lamp burns in a cave in the Galilee. Photo: liv.gracefully.

Because of the importance of Israel and its people, and my personal love for The Land, I’m inviting you to join me through the key Old Testament book of Isaiah. Each day I’m posting some simple thoughts about this complex prophet.

Isaiah 62.

A Savior is coming!

God proclaims a special love in His heart for the city of Zion and her people. He promises to protect her until she sparkles “like a flame.” (v1, CEV).

This reminds me of the very words of Jesus in Matthew 5, the Sermon on the Mount. And yet, Jesus tweaks this word picture to suggest that we are the light on the hill.

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14‭-‬16, MSG).

Is Jesus referring to the prophecy in Isaiah? I think He is. He knows what’s ahead for Him, and for us. And with Jesus, who is The Light of the World, in us, we will be that Light for all to see! Let’s let our Light for Him shine bright!

Later in the Isaiah chapter, the prophet assures the people of a promise from God: “Never again will I give to your enemies the grain and grapes for which you struggled.” (v8, CEV). God says those who grow the grain will eat the bread. Those who harvest the grapes will drink the wine. This is an amazing promise and a nod to the Passover Meal in John 13 and His instituting Communion… to always remember Him when we eat the bread and drink the wine together, to remember His body and His blood, given and shed for us.

Finally, all of Israel today continues to have great hope for this promise:

“Here is what the Lord has said for all the earth to hear: “Soon I will come to save the city of Zion and to reward you. Then you will be called, ‘The LORD’s Own People, The Ones He Rescued!’ Your city will be known as a good place to live and a city full of people.” (v11-12, CEV).

What a joyful day that will be when the New Jerusalem will be here!

If you’re new to this journey through Isaiah, you can start here.
(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.

Isaiah 60. Zion, a Source of Joy for Every Generation.

Posted on by richlyspeaking

Because of the importance of Israel and its people, and my personal love for The Land, I’m inviting you to join me through the key Old Testament book of Isaiah.  Each day I’m posting some simple thoughts about this complex prophet.

Isaiah 60.

It’s happening! Soon! This is when exciting things begin to happen. Isaiah is describing the New Jerusalem. It’s such a rich chapter full of hope and a future when all God’s children will return to Jerusalem to worship Him! The glory of God is shining on His people.

“Get out of bed, Jerusalem! Wake up. Put your face in the sunlight. God’s bright glory has risen for you. The whole earth is wrapped in darkness, all people sunk in deep darkness. But God rises on you, his sunrise glory breaks over you… Open your eyes! Look around! Crowds are coming… When you see them coming you’ll smile—big smiles! Your heart will swell and, yes, burst!” (v1-2,4-5, MSG).

God rises on His people! Isaiah is prophesying that everyone will return back to Jerusalem. Do you know that this is happening even today? The Jewish Virtual Library reports that:

“As of December 2019, Israel’s population stood at 9,136,000.  This is a more than 10-fold increase compared to when Israel was founded in 1948.  And the Jewish population makes up 6,772,000 (74.1%).” (Source: https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/latest-population-statistics-for-israel). That’s roughly the same number who live in the United States today.

All that to say that Jews are returning to their homeland! Personally, I believe that is great news for Jews and Gentiles alike.

What great joy!

How about this: “Although once you were rejected and despised, undesirable for anyone to pass through you, I will make you majestic forever, a source of joy for every generation.” (v15, TPT). Zion will be a source of joy! It is a source of joy.

Finally, Isaiah shares a common vision with John, in Revelation: “Your sun will never set or your moon go down. I, the Lord, will be your everlasting light.” (v19, CEV).

“And the city did not need the sun or the moon. The glory of God was shining on it, and the Lamb was its light.” (Revelation 21:23, CEV). The Lamb is Jesus, the Passover Lamb: “The next day, John (the Baptizer) saw Jesus coming toward him and said: ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!'” (John 1:29, CEV).

Isn’t it so amazing how many dots are connected here in this passage?

If you’re new to this journey through Isaiah, you can start here.
(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.