Isaiah: God Reigns!

Isaiah 51:1—52:12 

As we head down the home stretch in our study of the book of Isaiah, our focus will center on our relationship with God and how it works in real life. One scholar notes that the emotional tone of this section changes as Isaiah begins to tell us about Jesus, the Servant. He adds that this part of the book is marked by an unusual number of imperatives that call us to listen up (51:1, 4, 7, 21; 52:8), wake up (51:9; 52:1) look up (51:1-2, 6), and leave the former things that drag us down (52:11).[1]

This section begins with three admonitions from God. While the targeted audience was in Babylonian captivity, these instructions are directed to us as well.

Look back to see what God has done! (Isa. 51:1-3)

Isaiah 51:1-2
Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the Lord: look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him, that I might bless him and multiply him. 

Judah is instructed to reflect on what God has done; consider their history characterized as “the rock from which you were hewn.” God set apart a man and his wife, who were unable to have children. But when he promised them that they would become a great nation (Gen. 12:2; 15:5; 17:6, 22:17), they believed God’s message (Gen. 15:6). Just as God blessed Abraham and Sarah, he will continue to bring joy, gladness, and thanksgiving to his people (Isa. 51:3).

When we go through challenging times, the first thing we should do is reflect on all that God has done in our lives. Make a list of his past blessings. And remember, the best is yet to come.

Look ahead to see what God is going to do! (Isa. 51:4-6)

This list describes God’s future actions:

• “My justice” will be a light for the people.
• “My righteousness draws near.”
• “My salvation has gone out.”
• “My arms will judge the peoples.”[2]
• “My salvation will be forever.”
• “My righteousness will never be dismayed.” 

Look within to see what’s holding you back! (Isa. 51:7-8)

God instructs those who know him to “listen up.” I love the way God describes his people: “in whose heart is my law” (Isa. 51:7, see Jer. 31:31-34; Heb. 10:16). He reminds them not to trust in the temporal. Instead, stand in awe of the eternal God whose “righteousness will be forever,” whose “salvation [is] to all generations” (Isa. 51:8).

In Isaiah 51:9-11, the Jews pray for another “exodus.” Just as God dealt with Egypt, they pray he will deal with Babylon. They are yearning to go home.

Isaiah 51:11
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. 

In response to Judah’s prayer, God reminds them that he is their Creator and their God. We can always be encouraged when we know that our God is the One who “stretched out the heavens and laid the foundation of the earth…” (Isa. 51:13).[3] He is our “Maker” and “the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” God affirms that our identity is in him. “I am the Lord your God” (Isa. 51:15a) and “You are my people” (Isa. 51:16b). In Christ, we are significant, secure, accepted, forgiven, and empowered.

When God comes to us, it’s time for us to “wake up” and “stand up” (Isa. 51:17-23). It is time for God’s people to return home. They have experienced “devastation and destruction,” but now God will plead their cause (Isa. 51:22). He will place the bowl of wrath that Judah has experienced “into the hand of [their] tormentors” (Isa. 51:22-23).

Now is the time for God’s people to take on their true identity. They are called to put on new clothes and renew themselves by God’s strength. We don’t have to live under the weight of the past. Therefore, God told Judah, and tells us, “shake yourself from the dust and arise…loose the bonds from your neck” (Isa. 52:2).

God is sovereign overall (we keep learning this significant truth in Isaiah!). He was in charge of leading his people into Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon. Now, it’s time for God’s people to go back home. His people know his name. They will “know that it is I who speak; here I am” (Isa. 52:6).

As is often the case in Isaiah, we move from real time to the future kingdom. One day Jerusalem will be the “holy city”, and no enemy will ever invade it again (Isa. 52:1). When Jesus returns, he will establish Jerusalem as the joy of all the earth (61:4-11).[4]  Jesus is coming again! This should be anticipated and celebrated. The long-expected message of peace is on the way!

Isaiah 52:7 [Today’s Anchor Point]
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” 

One day, God’s peace will spread to the ends of the earth! (Isa. 52:10).

Today’s passage reminds us that God is the Maker of heaven and earth. He has demonstrated his power in the past. He will deliver his peace in the future. He is the One who transforms our hearts. So, how do we respond? Four key ways:

1. We need to leave our past lives of slavery to sin (Isa. 52:11a).
2. We must strive to live a life of obedience (Isa. 52:11b)
3. There is no reason to live in fear or panic (Isa. 52:12a).
4. We can live in confidence that God has us covered—front and back (Isa. 52:12b).

Isaiah 52:12b
For the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Isaiah 51:1—52:12. Reflect on our Anchor Point—Isaiah 52:7. Does your life reflect the joy and gladness that God provides?

Talking to God:  Thank God for the things he has done in your past and for the truth that he will go before you and behind you. What protection and security!

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Every day is a day of spiritual renewal as we follow hard after Jesus.