Scripture Reading: Isaiah 54:7-8
Review and Explanation: God chose the nation of Israel as the nation through which He would fulfill certain unconditional promises made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and others. However, when God formed the nation in history after the Exodus, He clearly indicated that His blessing on any specific generation of Israelites would be conditioned on their obedience. Over time, the spiritual condition of Israel spiraled downward, until God finally withdrew His presence and blessing from them. Much of the writings of the OT prophetical books warn Israel of this judgment on their nation. However, much is also written about a time in the future when God will completely forgive and restore the nation. This is the time Isaiah speaks of in 54:7-8: "'For a brief moment I deserted you, but with great compassion I will gather you. In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you.' says the Lord, your Redeemer."
In the rest of the posts for this week, we're going to see just how spectacular the restoration of Israel to a place of blessing will be for that nation and the world. In the meantime, we can learn from Israel's experience with God. We too cannot expect God to bless us if we are spiraling downward in sin and disobedience. The New Testament speaks of Christians living in sin and disobedience in terms of "quenching" and "grieving" the Spirit. Quenching the Spirit refers to putting out the fire of the Spirit's presence in our lives and ministry. Grieving the Spirit refers to the strong negative emotions the Spirit feels when our lives are governed by the flesh rather than by Him and the Word.
God's willingness to redeem Israel in relation to the unconditional promises He has made should encourage us to return to the Lord whenever we stray from Him. He has made similar unconditional promises to us and is willing to redeem us too, to have compassion on us, to draw near to us, and to bless us once again.
Reflection Questions:
1. Read Isaiah 59. What specific failures contributed to Israel's downward spiral spiritually?
2. What parallels do you see in society today? Among Christians?
3. Is there something in your life right now that is hindering God's blessing on your life? If so, now is the time to confess and forsake it.
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