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We have all either said it or thought it at some point in our lives. And sometimes we might think it but be afraid to say it in regards to spiritual things. Let’s be honest. Those of us who read our Bibles regularly would say we believe in God. We also would likely say that we believe the Bible is trustworthy. We would even quote scripture to document our confidence in the authority of God’s word:

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

However, there are those times when we read scripture and feel momentarily comforted, yet we can’t imagine really behaving as scripture instructs us to.

Some of the chapters of Isaiah might fall into this category. Let’s review the context of the later chapters of Isaiah. The prophet’s audience was living in exile in Babylon. Times were hard, and the days and years were growing without any indication of their returning home or of a better future. Isaiah’s book of prophecy outlined the realities of their disobedience, but it was also a message of hope. God had not forgotten them, and they would see his faithfulness.

Isaiah called God’s people to sing! “Break forth into singing and cry aloud.” They might feel desperate and disconnected from God, but his word was for them to make big plans: “Enlarge the place of your tent for your offspring are expanding.” Don’t be ashamed or disgraced. And for good reason. In verse five, we see the first reference in scripture of God as the divine husband of Israel.

“For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called. For the Lord has called you like a wife deserted and grieved in spirit, like a wife of youth when she is cast off, says your God. For a brief moment I deserted you, but with great compassion I will gather you. In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord, your Redeemer.”

We can’t help but think about the references in the New Testament that tell us that the church is the bride of Christ. In Ephesians 5 we sometimes get lost in arguments about husbands and wives and submission. I won’t go down that rabbit hole but will point out that Paul clearly stated in verse 32:

“This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.”

The mystery is the same as what the prophet Isaiah was sharing. The Almighty loves, serves, provides for, adores, protects, and enjoys his children forever in a covenant relationship similar to marriage. In John’s vision in the book of Revelation, we discover that one day we will share in the great marriage feast in heaven, which solidifies that no matter how hard we might find our current moment, ultimately we do and will abide, and even feast, with the Divine in eternity!

As Isaiah concludes his thoughts in this passage, he reminds us that no matter what challenges come against us, God will provide and protect us all the way through our difficulties.

“No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.”

So today, Father, we come to you with grateful hearts and minds for the promises of your word. Thank you for reminding us that you love us completely and will never leave us. We submit to you now, fully trusting in your divine love and protection. We will stay surrendered to your love and your will until the day we enjoy your presence at the wedding feast in heaven. In Jesus’ name, amen.