The Book Of Isaiah. Day 126, A New Covenant For The People, Part Two

In our current chapter the Lord has been speaking about the Messiah. He has referred to Him as the "Servant" of God and as a new "Covenant" for the people. This next section speaks not only of the captives' return from Babylon but of the return of many from all over the world during the eternal kingdom of the Messiah.

"They will feed beside the roads and find pasture on every barren hill. They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside streams of water. I will turn all My mountains into roads, and my highways will be raised up. See, they will come from afar---some from the north, some from the west, some from the region of Aswan." (Isaiah 49:9b-12) 

Throughout the ages since the northern kingdom of Israel was conquered by Assyria and since the southern kingdom of Judah was conquered by Babylon, descendants of Jacob have returned to the nation. But not all of them have returned; in our day there are Jewish people living in various places around the world. In the book of Revelation we will see them returning joyfully to the land in numbers such as never before, an event which is often referred to as "the ingathering" by Christian scholars. The imagery in the verses above reminds us of how the Good Shepherd leads the sheep to green pastures and still waters. (Psalm 23) It is intended to depict the way the Lord will remove every obstacle from their path (turning mountains into roads).

This is to be a joyful occasion and a cause for celebration. "Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones." (Isaiah 49:13) When Isaiah's people from the land of Judah are captive in Babylon, such a time of celebration will be difficult for them to imagine. During the eras when the Jewish people have been persecuted by various enemies, such a thing was probably difficult to imagine. That is why we find them saying this: "But Zion said, 'The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me." (Isaiah 49:13)

Have you ever felt that way? During times of intense hardship, have you ever felt like the Lord didn't see your troubles or hear your cries for help? When we are overcome with sadness or fear, it can be difficult for us to feel the presence of the Lord. I know I have certainly felt that way when in deep distress. That is why it's so important for us to remember that we are not to live by our feelings but by what the word of God says. The word of God promises He will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) The word of God tells us that He is close to the brokenhearted and rescues those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18) The word of God tells us that His ears are always open to the prayers of His children. (1 Peter 3:12)