Read Isaiah 51.
It is good for us to stop on a regular basis and take stock of where we came
from and where we are headed. Granted, we all have things in our past for
which we are grateful for God's forgiveness and cleansing. While we may
not wish to dwell on all our history, we do need to honor our heritage.
God called on Israel to conduct a complete spiritual assessment.
1. Look back. (vv.1-2)
The people of Israel exist because of God's calling and unconditional covenant
with Abraham. They were to never forget their beginnings.
Personally, I
am grateful for the spiritual heritage of faith in Christ from my grandparents
on both sides of our family. In addition, there were those who taught me
and encouraged my spiritual growth at church. One's spiritual heritage
may not be found in a physical family but from others who pointed us to live
for Jesus.
2. Look ahead. (vv.3-8)
Next, God called them to focus on what He has planned for their future.
He will mete out His justice and make things right. One day, all we
have known here will be gone. But forever we will enjoy our deliverance
in Christ and our relationship with the LORD. In the meantime, the
Apostle Paul reminds us not to be discouraged with present circumstances.
"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight
of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but
to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are
transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (2 Corinthians
4:17-18)
3. Look Up. (vv.9-11)
Here the people respond to God. They call upon the One who destroyed
Egypt (Rahab) and Pharaoh (dragon), the One who dried up the Red Sea for them,
the One who ransomed them and will bring them home singing with everlasting
joy. Remembering past deliverances by God encourages us to pray for His
power to be displayed today.
4. Wake Up. (vv.12-23)
God's call to the people is "wake yourself" and "stand up."
Stop wallowing in your misery of what happened to you. God promises
to afflict the tormentors and offers His comfort to the afflicted.
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