Many prophetic passages are filled with the wrath of God against His disobedient people. How refreshing, then, to find the hopeful and hope-filled word of Isaiah 54 that speak of the reconciliation God is forging with His covenant nation!
Like a husband to his wife, God expresses His love in this chapter. "For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called" (vs. 5). The prophet goes on in the next verse to continue this analogy of husband and wife between God and His people, one that will be greatly expounded upon in the New Testament with the Church as the bride of Christ.
In contrast to His moment of wrath, God's long-term disposition toward Israel is one of compassion and love. "For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great compassion I will gather you. In overflowing wrath for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you, says the Lord, your Redeemer" (vs. 7-8). Here there is an acknowledgement of the Lord's righteous anger, but it is viewed as only a "brief moment."
In the days of Noah, a flood of destruction came over the earth - but God followed that judgment with a promise to never flood the earth again. In verses 9 and 10, the prophet maintains that this is how God feels toward His people. He will not destroy them completely, and His time of wrath will come to an end. But His steadfast love is eternal. It will no longer depart from His people!
The good news of the return of God's love is that we can look forward to a state of blessedness rather than fear and judgment. Isaiah reveals God's heart for us - and it is one of love and peace. Praise the Lord for that!
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