A New Name

O. T. #1709  "A New Name"
June 10, 2020
Isaiah 62

LET IT GLOW

Are you ready for a new change in your life right now? Who isn't? We talk about getting back to the normal life we had before the pandemic, but I hope it will be a better life.  I desire this to be a time in our lives that has changed our perspective on life, our way of dealing with people, our attitude toward our life as it is. I pray it has changed us into a more loving people, a stronger-in-faith people, a more compassionate people, and a more-praying-to-God people.

Tony Evans has this to say about this chapter, "This chapter is one of the crown jewels of prophecy in terms of the glorious future awaiting Israel when Jesus Christ returns and establishes His kingdom."

• In that bright future, Israel's righteousness will shine like a bright light and her salvation, like a flaming torch. (verse 1) 
• God will also give His chosen nation a new name. (verse 2)
• God Himself will announce this new name; therefore, we can trust that what it proclaims will certainly happen.
• In Isaiah's day, God called Israel Deserted, (Forsaken) and Desolate; (verse 4)
• Their name will be changed to Hephzibah (My delight is in her) and  land of Beulah (married) and the Lord's Bride. (verses 4 and 5)
• The Holy People, If and The Redeemed of the LORD, as well as Sought Out are other names by which Israel will be called. (verse 12)

The people will rejoice in what God has done (61:10) and God will rejoice with the people as He fulfills His covenant relationship on their behalf (verse 5). (Falwell)

LET IT GROW

Since Israel will be called by a new name, it indicates a new change. Their hearts will love God instead of idols. Gentiles will see the change. They will have righteousness and salvation.
Just as a Christian is a new creation in Christ so also Israel will experience a radical change from that which has been normal previously.

Have you experienced a change of heart? Have you repented of your sins and asked Jesus to be your Savior and Lord? When you do, your new name will be "Christian."
Are our actions and words demonstrating that we have had a changed name? If others are asked, would they say they recognize us as a Christian? Something to think about.

LET IT GO
Jesus, make me into a beautiful person, as my name means.
Make my heart as beautiful as You have purposed.
May others recognize me as a Christian.
Thank You Jesus for another year in which to live.