GOD'S HOPE FOR HIS PEOPLE

Passage: Isaiah 54:1~8  

Key verse: 2

1. Prepare for a glorious future (1-4)

In Isaiah's time, childlessness brought shame. It symbolized hopelessness. That is how the people felt during the Babylonian captivity. But God encouraged the hopeless and brokenhearted to sing and shout for joy. God promised his people that they will spread out. One day their shame and disgrace will be forgotten. God urged his people to prepare for this glorious future by enlarging their tent and strengthening their stakes. They had to surrender their fear and despair to God, grow their faith and anchor their hearts in God.

2. The Holy One is your Redeemer (5-8)

In anger, God briefly abandoned his people and allowed them to suffer. But his underlying purpose was always redemptive. God is the LORD Almighty, the God of all the earth, who can and will redeem his people. God is like a husband to his people. He loves them. He has committed himself to them and has deep compassion for them. Our God shows everlasting kindness to his people.



Prayer: Lord, thank you for being kind and compassionate and giving us a glorious hope in Christ. Enlarge my heart and strengthen my faith in you.

One Word: Sing and shout for joy in the Lord