by Katrina
Today and Tomorrow's readings cover chapters 51-53. I'm going to break them up a little differently in order to keep the flow of the passages.
LINK: Isaiah 51:1-52:12
BACKGROUND
In this section, the Lord speaks to His people in captivity in Babylon. (Remember, at the time Isaiah wrote/spoke this message, they hadn't even gone into captivity yet.) God tells His people what will happen at the end of their years of captivity when Cyrus, as God's human agent, will set them free.
God begins with a reminder of where they came from as descendants of Abraham. From a single man, God had brought forth a great nation. This same powerful God will restore the people and the land. (51:1-3)
Next is God's reminder that there will be judgment for those who have wronged God's people. But while the earth and sky will one day be no more, the salvation that God provides will never end. God's righteousness and His salvation will endure forever! (51:4-8)
Then there's another reminder from God: This is the same God who brought them out of Egypt. Not only that, but this is the Creator God. He is very, very powerful! And this same God is the one who comforts His people and will soon set them free. He is their protector and provider. (51:9-16)
God comforts His people next when He tells them that they have experienced His wrath, but they will experience it no more. Instead, God's wrath will be upon those who have tormented them. (51:17-23)
God's people have been slaves in Egypt, oppressed by Assyria, and captives in Babylon. But God will show Himself by bringing His people back to Jerusalem. They will not have to pay any ransom in order to leave Babylon. Here God announces the good news that the exiles will return to Jerusalem. (52:1-10)
This section concludes with God exhorting His people to leave Babylon and return to Jerusalem. They will not be chased out of Babylon in haste, but the Lord Himself will go before them to prepare the way and come behind them to guard them. (52:11-12)
REFLECTION
We can be saved from many things in this life. We can be saved from financial disaster or rescued from a burning building. We can be saved from a dangerous situation or even resuscitated in an emergency room. But these are all temporary "salvations." But I noticed some things God said about His salvation to us in 51:6-8. "My salvation shall be forever and My righteousness shall not wane." And, "But My righteousness shall be forever, and My salvation to all generations." Our spiritual salvation is available only through Jesus, and it's the only salvation based on the righteousness of God. It is the only salvation that is offered to all generations and lasts forever. What an amazing salvation we have!!
APPLICATION
Hebrews 2:1-4 says that we need to pay close attention to what we have heard lest we drift away from it. And if "every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?" The gospel message has been fully confirmed as true. We must live it ourselves and continue to spread it. Our salvation is a great one! It is way too valuable to be taken for granted. Ponder your salvation today, and really thank God for it.
PRAYER
Lord, what a great salvation You offer us by redeeming us from our own sin! Thank You for providing Your own Son to purchase our salvation! Help each one of us to live today worthy of the salvation You have given us. For Jesus's sake, amen.
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