Isaiah 61

Redemption, acceptance and the presence of God.

This is the joy expressed in this Psalm.

The people have been redeemed by God. They are coming back from Exile.

They are finally acceptable again. God has welcomed them back and they can feel the security and comfort of His acceptance.

As they return they can rest in the presence of God. That presence that will give them great joy.

Very descriptive of how we live our lives.

We all stray.

When we turn back we know we can because of Jesus redeeming us on the cross.

When we turn back to God, and He opens his loving arms to us, we can rest in safety and comfort in His acceptance. Something that research has shown is vital for our health from childhood.

Being in the presence of God if a source of true joy.

Of course, like the Israelites, we never seem to stay there long.

There are myriad temptations and distractions to take us away from God.

But this psalm reminds us that redemption, acceptance and God’s presence are always there.

And the reward for opening ourselves to them is joy.

Isaiah 60

This chapter is so amazing to read. It speaks of the time when Israel is restored and feels such joy at reunions, at returning to their spiritual home, at God’s blessings being upon them.

It is a redemption for those in exile.

This is a promise of redemption.

Of the joy that will be felt at redemption.

There will be peace and righteousness.

There will be a deep understanding that God is God of all. That God is our saviour, redeemer and champion.

We won’t always have that heady experience. But there will be times when that redemption will be experienced. And the result will be great joy.

Isaiah 58

You want God’s Joy. You want the buzz of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. But it is not coming. Sometimes that is because God has other plans for your journey just now.

Other times it is more.

This chapter of Isaiah spells out why Israel were not getting the attention from God they expected.

God described them as being busy worshipping. Lots of worship services. Several on a Sunday, maybe one mid week, bible study groups, prayer groups. You name it, they were doing it.

He also described their love of studying about God. They could do Bible studies, diploma courses, bachelor degrees and so on. They could set themselves the target of reading commentaries and attending lectures.

They were doing all the right things externally. 

They appeared to be following God’s law and honouring God.

They even asked God what to do.

They were having a wonderful time.

That is what many Christians today are doing.

Following the rules, living the external idea of a good Christian life.

But they were not happy. They fasted and humbled themselves and God didn’t seem to notice.

God gave his answer.

You fast, but you are thinking about your profits. 

You employ people and you expect them to work and work and work for your benefit.

You say you are fasting but you are bickering with your fellow fasters. And the fights!

You say you are fasting, but it won’t be enough for your prayers to reach Me.

You say you are fasting and you put on a humble face and the look of one who is piously denying oneself. And you are very pleased about it.

But God does not want that.

God’s idea of a fast day is to seek justice for those who are unjustly treated. To treat workers fairly and give them a fair wage. None of this employing people cheaply picking your fruit, working in your convenience stores. Stand up for the rights of those whose rights are denied. 

God also asked the people to share their food with those who had none. To care for the homeless and provide them with housing. To share your clothes with those who had none. To give time and love to your families.

Further, God told the people to stop their unfair practices. To quit blaming victims.

And to stop gossiping about other people.

Giving to others with generosity and no thought of any reward was the way for God to notice. Because them He would see the true state of your heart and be pleased with your service in His name.

And finally, giving time to God. Spending time with Him, instead of living every hour of every day as a pursuit of personal advancement, was important. Because then you would have the ability to actually enjoy being with God.

That was the way back to knowing God was present, to feeling His Joy.

This is the way for us too.