A Forsaken or Grieved Woman

O. T. #1686  "A Forsaken or Grieved Woman"
May 8, 2020
Isaiah 54-Part 4
For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of Hosts is His name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall He be called. (verse 5)

LET IT GLOW

As believers, God wants to enlarge our place of influence. Also, we are not be ashamed of our past. Now in verses 5-10, God reminds Israel and us who He is:

• Maker (to do or make; appoint);
• husband
• LORD of Hosts
• Redeemer (to be the next of kin to buy back a relative's property)
• the Holy One of Israel
• God of the whole world

Israel's husband was the Lord, who had to reject His wife for a brief moment because of her sin and uncleanness (verse 7). His promise, though, has always been to take her back to cleanse and restore her. (Tony Evans)

Like Hosea had to do after his wife Gomer was unfaith, their lives illustrated Israel's unfaithfulness to God.

We are reminded of the story of Naomi in the Book of Ruth. God would bring life from Jerusalem's widowhood by restoring her children after the exile. (David Jeremiah)

Since the church is referred to the bride of Christ, are being faithful to our husband, Christ? Or have we wandered into the world, putting things before Him?

Jesus is our Kinsman Redeemer who purchased our salvation and made us children of God. Yes! Glory to God!

LET IT GROW

In verse 6, God feels like a wife who is forsaken and grieved concerning Judah. For such a woman, she could have lost a husband in death by his leaving her. She had been his wife for years from her youth. She was grieved and felt forsaken. Feelings of betrayal or abandoned must be a deep injury.

For a brief moment God abandoned Judah, but with great compassion He will take them back. In a burst of anger He turned His face away for a little while. But with everlasting love He will have compassion on them. (verse 7 NLT)

God promises to give Judah and us what?

• Great mercies,
• Everlasting kindness,
• His kindness will not depart from us and neither will His covenant of His peace.

Wow! Now that is so marvelous that we must keep going in our present day. Stay focused on our Savior, Jesus Christ. This is going to all work out for our good and His glory.

LET IT GO
Jesus, quite our soul. Everything we once held dear, we lay them down. Lead us into Your will with Your mercy and kindness and peace.

*Have a Happy Mother's Day, ladies!