Isaiah 52

Isaiah 52:9, 11 NIV

Burst into songs of joy together,
you ruins of Jerusalem,
for the Lord  has comforted his people,
he has redeemed Jerusalem.

Depart, depart, go out from there!
Touch no unclean thing!
Come out from it and be pure,
you who carry the articles of the Lord 's house.

Two things are going on in this chapter. First is a promise of restoration to Israel. They are to take hope in God's promise of future privilege. This chapter is a call to live and act as ones who will be restored. Too often we live and act as those who have no hope. We live as if we must be resigned to failure for eternity. We look as if there is no hope beyond this life and not much hope here either. We talk as ones destined to failure but we'll keep trying anyway. We often act as though Eeyore is our patron saint. This chapter is a call to joyful holiness because of God's promise. If we really understood what we have in Christ I am convinced that joyful holiness rather than mournful resignation would be the chief characteristic of our lives.

That brings us to the second thing going on in this chapter. The last few verses are a description of a suffering servant.

Isaiah 52:14-15 NIV

Just as there were many who were appalled at him—
his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being
and his form marred beyond human likeness—
so he will sprinkle many nations,
and kings will shut their mouths because of him.
For what they were not told, they will see,
and what they have not heard, they will understand.

When Jesus was beaten and nailed to the cross people were appalled at his appearance, but because of his death and resurrection he will "sprinkle many nations." The good news of God, which was primarily held by and for the Jews, is not just for them. The restoration that brings joyful holiness is available to all. And so we find verse 7:

Isaiah 52:7 NIV

How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
"Your God reigns!"

Father, I confess that I too often resemble Eeyore more than I resemble Jesus. Forgive me. Today may I live in the joyful holiness of hope in Christ, and my I be a clear testimony of your grace.

By His grace,
Rick Weinert