Forsaken No More Series

ISAIAH 62:1-12

FORSAKEN NO MORE

[Revelations 2:16-17, 3:11-13]

God has a wonderful end in mind for His people. Long ago He purposed the redemption, righteousness, and restoration of the people of Zion. They may anger Him by their sin and hard heartedness, but God stands ready to save and make them holy.

Though the people had deserted God and His ways, He will not forget them nor forsake them. He will continue to speak to them and call them into a deep and meaningful relationship. One day the people of Zion will respond and become His holy, righteous people. God speed the day.

I. BECOMING GOD’S DELIGHT, 1-5.

II. BEING GOD’S WATCHMEN, 6-9.

III. BLESSINGS FOR GOD’S WORKMEN, 10-12.

In verse 1 God promises to continue speaking to and dealing with the people of Zion until glorious changes are wrought in their lives. For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not keep quiet, until her righteousness goes forth like brightness, and her salvation like a torch that is burning.

God has been actively working to bring about a bright day for His people. In the past God has been charged with not listening to the cries of His people (42:14; 45:15-19; 57:11; 64:12; 65:6) but He was working and will continue to work. The reason the people might not have seen Him working or benefitted from His working is because He is working for His people’s righteousness and salvation. They, like we, want Him working for our greatness and comfort instead.

Day and night our unresting Christ pleads for the people and city that crucified Him. It is in answer to His supplications that she will one day arise from her spiritual ruins. The righteousness of God will shine forth in the character of His saved people, for God has promised to bring to bring it to pass.

Is it not also true that He ever lives to intercede for us also? See Hebrews 7:25. Certainly God’s sifted like wheat Simons in His service would drift beyond hope, if He did not pray for us (Lk. 22:31). Every one of us are recipients of Jesus’ intercessions. Otherwise there would be no hope for our salvation and righteousness.

Verse 2 indicates what happens when His people shine with God’s salvation and righteousness. The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. And you will be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord will designate [lit pierce].

The work of God will no longer be hidden within the lives of His people but the nations and kings will see their righteousness and the glory it will bring them. The mention of kings implies even kings will submit to God’s people’s new condition and identity.

His people’s reputation will be so transformed that God will give them, each of them (sg. you) a new name (Rev. 2:17; Isa 56:5). (Similar to when God changed Abram, Jacob, Simon & Saul’s name). Their new name will reflect the new condition and character that God’s work of salvation provides for them. God will name His people in accordance to what they are.

Verse 3 contains another indication of the transformation of both the people and their condition. You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem (lit. turban) in the hand of your God.

A crown of beauty (glory) and a royal diadem are used to express the greatness of God’s handiwork in the life’s of those who shine with His righteousness. In His care and protection their royal beauty will formed. God will graciously bless those who dare to trust Him and believe His promises far beyond what they could do for themselves.

The long awaited change of condition is further expressed in verse 4 by a change of names. It will no longer be said to you, "Forsaken," Nor to your land will it any longer be said, "Desolate"; But you will be called, "My delight is in her," And your land, "Married"(Beulah); For the Lord delights in you, and to Him your land will be married.

The future will be entirely different for God’s people. They will no longer be forsaken nor desolate but they will be called "My delight is in her," (Hebrew Hephzi-bah). When the people stop trying to exalt themselves and turn to God through the Servan, He will bless them so that they become a fruitful delight instead of arrogantly desolate of His relationship blessings.

The conditions of choice, joy, commitment and covenant that come with marriage make it a good word for conveying what God clearly wants to say. When the people of Zion surrender their independence and commit themselves fully to God, God delights it them. So much so that the people of God will be as YAHWEH’s wife. The original blessing upon marriage in Genesis 1:28 was to be fruitful and fill the land. Now the promises is upon prospering [or indwelling - tibashel] the people and their place.