Prepare The Way

O. T. #1711  "Prepare The Way"
June 12, 2020
Isaiah 62-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Look at these promises God has made in verses 8-9:

• Strangers will no longer ravish and plunder the land of Israel. He swore this by His right hand and strong arm. He will never again hand them over to their enemies.
• They will raise the corn and get to eat it, praising the Lord, and give a drink offering, which the priests could have.

God's mercy is giving plenty, and peace to enjoy it-the earth yields her increase, there are hands to be employed in gathering it in, and they are not taken off by plague and sickness, or employed in war. Strangers and enemies will not come and gather it for themselves or take it from them when it is gathered. Israel will have a heart to honor God with it. They enjoy this mercy.
We must gather what God gives, with care and industry; we must eat it freely and cheerfully, not bury the gifts of God's bounty, but make use of them. Bless the Lord and give Him thanks for the bounty to us; serve Him with our abundance, use it in works of piety and charity.
God confirms it by an oath, that His people, who trust in Him and His Word, may have strong consolation (Heb. 6:17-20). [Resource: Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah]

Are we trusting in our own strength and abilities or upon God's?


LET IT GROW

Read verses 10-12. What was Israel instructed to do on their journey back home?

• Leave the gates of the heathen cities to prepare for their journey;
• throw up the road or prepare the highway for those returning;
• smooth out the stones, boulders for the road;
• lift up a standard, banner, above the nations.
• Their salvation was coming, Jesus Christ.
• In the millennium reign, Israel will be called The Holy People, The People Redeemed by the Lord.
• Jerusalem will be known as The Desirable Place and The City No Longer Forsaken. 

Are we preparing others for the return of Jesus? Have we removed the things that hinder our witness?
Are we holding up the standard for life-the Word of God?
Are you a holy person that is redeemed by the blood of Jesus?

LET IT GO

Prepare our hearts for Your return, Jesus.
This is not the end, but the beginning of eternity.
You will change everything when You come back, Jesus.
We are trusting in You, Savior.