READ: Isa. 54:1–17: … And great shall be the peace of your children …
Now that Zion—the church—hears of God’s redemption through the Messiah, there is every reason for jubilation and rejoicing. There is no more cause for fear, punishment, or mourning. After the return from exile, Israel will become greater than ever before: even nations will now be included in the church-gathering work of the Servant (vv.1–3).
For this glorious promise the LORD gives firm grounds: verse 5—For your Maker is your Husband, the LORD of hosts is His name; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He shall be called the God of all the earth.
God Himself is the guarantee of this glorious future; He who created His people for His glory points to His covenant with Abraham: He will make him a great nation and a blessing to all the families of the earth (Gen.12:2,3). The grace, love, faithfulness, and omnipotence of the LORD are the foundation of the church’s comfort.
Yes, the Lord is also just: verse 8—“In a flood of great wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; but with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,” says the LORD, your Redeemer.
The LORD points to the steadfastness of His covenant of peace by referring to His covenant with Noah (vv.9 ff.). In His faithfulness, power, and mercy, He ensures that the church will stand firm.
Then follow in verses 11 and 12 glorious promises extending even to the splendor of the new Jerusalem in Rev.21. The believers and their children will be taught by God Himself: the pure preaching of the gospel and the work of the Spirit (v.13).
The Lord Jesus cites this verse in John 6:45 to point people to Himself. In Him they will have peace with God. The faithful church will indeed suffer opposition from the world, but even the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (vv.14–17).
The LORD Himself will ensure that. There shall be justification for her in the time of judgment, based on God’s own work (vv.14, 17), says the LORD—that is, Amen.
Do we still need the Old Testament for our salvation?
Sing: Ps. 147:5, 7