Today, we’ll be looking at Isaiah 51-52. Chapter 51 begins with YHVH telling those who follow after righteousness to listen to Him. These are the ones who seek YHVH.
YHVH says, “Look to the rock from which you were hewn, And to the hole of the pit from which you were dug.” Man was originally made from the earth but he was also created in the image of God. We are to look to God, seek Him, and be like Him.
YHVH also says, “Look to Abraham your father, And to Sarah who bore you; For I called him alone, And blessed him and increased him.” At the time of this was written, those who were righteous were the true sons of Abraham. The same is true today. YHVH reminded the righteous that He had called, blessed, and increased Abraham. If this is the case, can we possibly doubt that He’s not capable of doing the same with us today? Not only that, YHVH was faithful to keep His promises to Abraham. Certainly, He is faithful to fulfill written prophecy!
By the time of this writing, Zion had wasted away; it had become like a wilderness. The land had rested during the time of the Babylonian captivity. YHVH promised to change that; He intended to transform it and make it like the Garden of Eden. He intended for Zion to be full of joy, gladness, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.
As YHVH spoke to His people, He explained several things:
- YHVH’s people are those who know righteousness; they will wait on YHVH and trust “on His arm.” They know what righteousness is because the law is in their hearts.
- YHVH’s righteousness is near; it will not be abolished; and it will be forever.
- YHVH’s salvation has gone forth and it is forever.
- The nations will be judged.
- The wicked are not to be feared. They will perish and their dead flesh will wither like grass and be eaten by worms.
YHVH stirred up the arm of YHVH to put on strength like in the ancient days. He says this is the arm that cut Rahab apart and wounded the sea serpent. Rahab is understood to be a reference to Egypt. YHVH’s arm also dried up the sea so the redeemed could have a road to walk on. This arm belongs to the one who gave power to Moses during the exodus from Egypt.
After the mixed multitude crossed the sea, Moses and all the people sang the words found in Exodus 15:1-19. Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron and all the other women began to play their timbrels, dance, and sing: “Sing to the Lord, For He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea!” (Exodus 15:21)
In a similar manner, God’s people will come to Zion with singing with everlasting joy on their heads. They will be full of joy and gladness. Surely, they did this when they left Babylon when Cyrus released them from their captivity. There is no doubt in my mind that something like this will happen again.
Revelation 15:3-4 tells us that John saw those who had victory over the beast standing on a sea of glass playing harps and singing. They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb. They sang: “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! 4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested.”
Before this time comes, things will not be easy.
In the past, God’s people and their enemies drank from the cup of YHVH’s fury and the cup of trembling. They will do so again. Two things will come to Jerusalem: desolation and destruction. Desolation will be caused by famine and destruction by the sword. At the predetermined time, those cups will be given to Israel’s enemies to drink. They will be forced to drink it. At this point, it’s hard to imagine it.
When YHVH’s wrath is past, God’s people will put on beautiful garments. They will be free of their enemies! Jerusalem and the people of Zion will be redeemed. They will know the name of YHVH. Salvation will be proclaimed. God will reign and that which is desolate will become like the Garden of Eden.
YHVH will bring His people home. They will depart from their places of exile. Those who will be carrying the vessels of YHVH are not to touch anything unclean. Instead, they are commanded to be clean. They will not have to flee quickly because the God of Israel will protect them by being their rear guard as in the time of the exodus from Egypt.
Thinking about this makes be thrilled at the thought of it.
What should we do in the meantime as we wait for end-time prophecy to be fulfilled? Times are tough. Many don’t realize it but America is experiencing the curses of the law. God’s people need to repent. That means they need to return to the Torah and start living as YHVH commanded them. Remember, YHVH’s righteousness and His law are forever. God’s people can’t change the hearts and behaviors of the lawless but they can change their own. Pray for selective judgment because it is coming. Pray for the wicked to turn to YHVH while there is still time.
Do not fear what lawless men can do to you. They will die and their bodies will wither away. Patiently wait for the “arm of YHVH” to come. Keep focused on Yeshua and the Holy Spirit to help you avoid or endure their wickedness. Ask Abba to supply your every need according to His riches in glory.
Highway to Holiness 