What's in a Name?

Read Isaiah 62. 

When Messiah restores Israel, the nation will shine as a light to the entire world and will serve as a crowning adornment to God's work in the world (vv.1-3).

Names in the Bible were given based upon their meaning.  Israel and the Jews in particular, have been described in many ways over the centuries.  Some of them such as "forsaken" or deserted (v.4 and v.12) were used because it appeared that God had left them.  That was not true, of course.  It was their sin that separated them from God.  But when Jesus establishes His rule in Jerusalem, they will be known by a set of new names.

Though these are prophecies to be literally fulfilled in the Millennium, there are direct spiritual applications to all those who personally know the LORD.

1. My Delight is in Her. (v.4)
Nationally, the visible, reigning presence of Christ in Jerusalem will be proof enough of this name.
Personally, the psalmist wrote: "He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me." (Psalm 18:19)

2. Married. (v.4-5)
Nationally: The word is actually "Beulah."  In that day, Israel will be a place of peace and joy.  People will flock to live in the land and be committed to it as a married couple is to each other.
Personally: The marriage commitment is to reflect our relationship with Christ (Ephesians 5:22-32).

3. The Holy People. (v.12a)
Nationally: Because of their personal faith in the Messiah, He  will set them apart to Himself as a sacred people.
Personally: The Apostle Peter declared concerning those who place their faith in Christ: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called out you of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9)

4. The Redeemed of the LORD. (v.12b)
Nationally: In the Old Testament, the law required a kinsman to buy back the person or property that needed to be delivered from an encumberment, such as a lien or even slavery.
Personally:  "Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot." (1 Peter 1:18-19)

5. Sought Out. (v.12c)
Nationally: Instead of being opposed and despised by the world, nations will flock to Israel to bring their wealth and to worship.
Personally: "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you; yet, do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15)