Read Isaiah 4.
God never leaves us without hope. Even with the stinging indictment
against Judah in chapter 3 into verse 1 of chapter 4, there is hope for the
future.
Yes, the Babylonians would come and take most all of them away.
Everything would be lost with only a remnant remaining in the land.
The resettlement did not begin until after 70 years of captivity.
However, even a cursory reading indicates much more than a return of the
people. God is not through with His people, nor has He forsaken His
unconditional promises made to Abraham. There is a hope and a future for
the Jews. One day, as explained in Romans 11, "...all Israel will be
saved" (v.26).
A key indicator is the phrase "in that day." Most often, those
words move the prophecy to that future day when Messiah will rule and reign
over the world from Jerusalem. Other passages teach that reign on earth
will last for 1,000 years. What will "that day" look like?
1. Messiah will be glorified. (v.2)
In John 15, Jesus referred to Himself as the Vine. Here, and in Jeremiah
23:5 and Zechariah 3:8, Messiah is called the Branch. The latter speaks
to Messiah's lineage as He will be a branch of the family of King David (see
Matthew 1). This gives Him the legal right to sit on the throne as King
of Kings and fulfill the promises made to David in 2 Samuel 7.
2. The people will be holy. (v.3)
No longer will they be known for rebellion and sin. They will be and
behave as God's people, set apart just for Him.
3. The nation will be cleansed. (v.4)
Immorality and violence characterized the sins of the past. But "in
that day", the people will live in forgiveness and the land will be washed
from all "the filth" of their history.
4. God's presence will be visible. (vv.5-6)
Just as Israel experienced in the wilderness wanderings of Exodus, so "in
that day" the very personal and caring presence of God will be felt and
seen. Everyone in the world will know that once more the LORD has taken
up residence in Jerusalem. This has not been evident since the Temple
veil of the Holy of Holies was torn at the crucifixion (Matthew 27:51).
The flaming fire not only speaks of judgment but also will provide
comforting warmth and light in the cool of night. The canopy of a cloud
will provide protection during the heat of the day, "a refuge and a
shelter."
These same elements God wants to fulfill in each of us today. When we
allow Him to rule and reign as Lord of our lives, we experience His
forgiveness, cleansing from our past, and each moment enjoy His wonderful
presence. "You have made known to me the path of life; in your
presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
(Psalm 16:11)
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