Isaiah: The Best is Still to Come

Isaiah 12

What’s your favorite worship song? Is it a song that calls you to praise the Lord for his work in your life? Maybe it’s a hymn you learned as a child or a song that declares the Person of God. Perhaps you have a special song because it was meaningful during a challenging time. Certain songs evoke such emotions that I can’t hear or sing them without tearing up. Isaiah records one of Israel’s favorite worship songs in today's passage. 

Isaiah 12 begins by explaining that these are the words God’s people will say, “in that day.” The phrase “in that day” is repeated in Isaiah 12:4. These exact words appear in Isaiah 10:20, “In that day the remnant…will lean on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel…” and again in Isaiah 11:10 when God’s “resting place shall be glorious.” 

Israel has experienced God’s discipline, but now his blessing has returned. It is time to give thanks (Isa. 12:1). Here is today’s Anchor Point. 

Isaiah 12:2
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. 

The Hebrew word for “salvation” is yeshuah. It means “to help, to receive, to be victorious.” This word bookends the verse. “Behold, God is my salvation” is a statement of position. Through Jesus, God has provided the way for us to be saved. Additionally,

God “has become my salvation.” This speaks to our need for deliverance throughout our spiritual journey. God saves us and continues to save us “all the way home.” Early this morning, I received a text that a friend had passed from death to life. God was her salvation and remained her salvation until she met her Savior face to face. 

We can declare the following four truths from Isaiah 12:2 because God is, and continues to be, our salvation. First, “I will trust.” I rely on God; he is my confidence even in the most significant challenges. Second, I “will not be afraid.” I trust in the One who is always in control. Third, I find my strength in him. The Hebrew word for “strength” means “to take refuge with.” God is my place of protection on normal days (whatever normal is) and stormy days (whatever the storm is). Finally, he is “my song.” He is the One I praise with my hands lifted or tears in my eyes. 

The truths in Isaiah 12:2 were among Israel’s favorite promises to declare. They sang a similar song by the Red Sea after being delivered from Egypt (Ex. 15:2) and at the rededication of the temple in Ezra’s day (Ps. 118:14). This song will be sung again when Jesus is recognized as Israel’s Savior and King. God’s salvation has been experienced and will continue to be experienced. Isaiah says, “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation” (Isa. 12:3). It is a well that never runs dry. That’s why we say:

Isaiah 12:4
Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples, proclaim that his name is exalted. 

I love the NET Bible’s translation of this verse: “Praise the Lord! Ask him for help! Publicize his mighty acts among the nations.” That’s a synopsis of the Christian calling. We praise God for all he has done, is doing, and will do. We continually need and ask for his help and seek to tell others who Jesus is. This leads us to more worship:

Isaiah 12:5-6
“Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”

The kingdom of God is a debated topic, and godly theologians disagree on many aspects. My viewpoint is that the passage above speaks of a future kingdom on earth where Jesus will reign. Additionally, I hold that the kingdom of the Holy One of Israel is present among us now, best expressed by saying the kingdom is “already, not yet.” Jesus speaks of this when he said the “kingdom of God is in the midst of you” (Luke 17:21). He also stated that the Holy Spirit “dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:17). We are experiencing kingdom living today because God is with us. Furthermore, there is a coming day when Jesus will establish his kingdom and reign supreme, and every person will proclaim him as Lord (Isa. 45:23; Phil. 2:10-11). 

For the believer, every day embodies kingdom living. We experience God's presence now; one day, we will be in his presence forever! Each day is a day of spiritual renewal. And… think of it… the best is still to come!

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on the coming kingdom described in Isaiah 12. Focus on our Anchor Point: Isaiah 12:2.

Talking to God: Thank God for being with you today, tomorrow, and forever!

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