Response to the Servant p1: The Covenant of Peace (Isaiah 54)
After the fourth Servant Song, Isaiah gives us a poetic call to response. When we have seen what God’s plan is, and seen the rescue provided us, it demands a response. Over the course of chapters 54 and 55, we see a twofold outcome: First, the people of God are called to rejoice in the salvation and prepare for the rescue of many and a future. Secon, the peoples of the whole world are invited to come and be a part of this people of God.
Sing!
In verses 1-3 of chapter 54, Isiah compares the people of God to a barren woman. Israel had been chosen to be a Kingdom of Priests that would draw all nations back to a restored relationship with God. They had failed to do that. They were like a woman who did not have children. Now, in light of the Servant’s success, they are commanded to sing and rejoice. They should expand their tents and prepare for the large family from every nation that God will bring back into his family.
Confidence!
In verses 4-10, Isaiah uses the picture of a marriage. Israel had been like a wife unfaithful to her husband. This had brough shame and punishment. Babylon, like Exodus before, would be a time of separation from God. But the rescue was inevitable. YHWH is who He is, and He cannot be unfaithful. He does not fail to recover what is His. It is His character to save.
In the very center of the poem contained in chapter 54, we get the phrase “Covenant of Peace.” This is the central point of the response to the Servant. He has established peace with God for all who will trust in Him.
Future!
In 54:11-17, Isaiah returns to one of his favorite pictures, the City. When humanity builds a city in their own strength, it is destined for chaos, ruin, and failure. But the City of God is established by the Creator. In it, humanity lives with God by His design. The people learn directly from Him and live as they were intended with every need, desire, and drive fulfilled as God designed it to be. It is secure. God not only controls the city, He is sovereign over any who would rise against it. Those who make devices to fight it are under His control as well, and they will not prevail!
Sing!
In verses 1-3 of chapter 54, Isiah compares the people of God to a barren woman. Israel had been chosen to be a Kingdom of Priests that would draw all nations back to a restored relationship with God. They had failed to do that. They were like a woman who did not have children. Now, in light of the Servant’s success, they are commanded to sing and rejoice. They should expand their tents and prepare for the large family from every nation that God will bring back into his family.
Confidence!
In verses 4-10, Isaiah uses the picture of a marriage. Israel had been like a wife unfaithful to her husband. This had brough shame and punishment. Babylon, like Exodus before, would be a time of separation from God. But the rescue was inevitable. YHWH is who He is, and He cannot be unfaithful. He does not fail to recover what is His. It is His character to save.
In the very center of the poem contained in chapter 54, we get the phrase “Covenant of Peace.” This is the central point of the response to the Servant. He has established peace with God for all who will trust in Him.
Future!
In 54:11-17, Isaiah returns to one of his favorite pictures, the City. When humanity builds a city in their own strength, it is destined for chaos, ruin, and failure. But the City of God is established by the Creator. In it, humanity lives with God by His design. The people learn directly from Him and live as they were intended with every need, desire, and drive fulfilled as God designed it to be. It is secure. God not only controls the city, He is sovereign over any who would rise against it. Those who make devices to fight it are under His control as well, and they will not prevail!
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