Day 39 April 10

Day 39  April 10

Passage：Isaiah 54：11-17

The theme of restoration begins to emerge starting from chapter 54. Let us remember when we mention restoration, there is actually a historical context of Israel. And talking about restoration, it is impossible not to leave the shame issue aside. The act of restoration is actually to vindicate the name of the Lord, as Israel has blemished the name of the Lord before the nations. But now God is coming to correct all these. We also need to understand that shame is actually a gift of God, for what comes forth will be restoration, compassion, commitment and forgiveness, to be brought in by God himself. And it is indeed the grace of God to enable people to admit their own sins or mistakes, and it is through such acknowledgement of wrongdoings that people will be open to receive renewal. God will enable His people to realize how vast is such grace, they will realise that despite their lack of faith, God did not totally abandon them.

How solid a city would be, is dependent upon the structure, material used, geographical location, and ability of the defenders with their technology. But Isaiah 54 pointed out that the city’s security is more than its beautiful look or structure, what is important is the people’s moral and spiritual renewal. Jerusalem shall become a city of substance, like a rich woman laden with jewels and accessories. Isaiah imagined the grandeur of the city and its gate and structure, beautified by the renewal of its residents. “All your children will be followers of the Lord” denotes that they will learn after God, in an ongoing mentor or coach relationship, and this is “shalom” which arises from the faithfulness of God. The grace of God brings forth His righteousness. Verses 15-17 proclaims that those who are decision makers in the community will be gifted to carry out their tasks. How the Lord has weakened the defenders of Ephraim and Judah in the past, now He would strengthen them. And the Lord will be their fighter and will strengthen the defender. This vision is realistic as Jerusalem has tons of conflicts and oppression, and there still will be enemies that will be a threat to their security. The Lord has turned around and has promised to provide the means of resolving their disputes and the strength to defend the city. “If anyone dares to challenge you, it will not be my doing! Whoever tries to challenge you will be defeated,” declares the Lord. (verse 15)

Prayer: Dear Lord, we worship you, as you are the One who brings forth restoration, compassion, commitment and forgiveness.

第三十九天 Apr 10

经文：以赛亚书 54:11-17

来到54章，“复兴”这主题开始出现。首先让我们记得，在论到复兴之前，其实以色列是有一个历史处境的。而提到“复兴”，撇开羞辱不谈是不可能的。耶和华复兴的作为是为了平反祂自己的名，因为以色列在万国面前让上帝的名被亵渎了（48:11），但此时上帝要来纠正这一切。羞辱也是神的礼物，因为接下来上帝愿意带来复兴、怜悯、委身与宽恕。是神的恩典促使子民承认自己的过犯，唯有经过认错才能让人敞开接受更新。神会使子民意识到这恩典的浩大。他们会发现他们不忠心，神却没有抛弃他们。

一个城的坚固在于内部的结构与建材、位置、包含防守的人与科技运用，但54章指出这个城需要的不只是外表的华丽，而是子民的道德与属灵更新。耶路撒冷将成为有实质的城，像盛装的贵妇人。先知想象的耶路撒冷城的城墙城门与建筑，都是富丽堂皇。而这城市的美化靠子民的更新。13节“袮的儿女必都跟从耶和华”，表示他们将成为耶和华的学徒，一种有延续性的督导关系--这就是神的信实所带来的平安（Shalom）。耶和华的恩典建立了他的公义。15-17节宣告群体的决策者必有足够的恩赐来办事。从前使以法莲与犹大脆弱的耶和华，不复如此。耶和华如今将亲自为它们征战，巩固守卫者，不再像从前刻意使他们无心保卫城池。这个异象极为实际，因为在耶路撒冷仍有大小纠纷必须摆平，敌人还是会威胁城池的安全。但耶和华现在要转过身来，提供解决纷乱的方法，和捍卫城池的力量。“若有人胆敢向祢挑战，一定不出于我!凡向祢挑战的，必被打倒”（15节）。

祷告：主耶和华啊，原来祢是愿意带来复兴、怜悯、委身与宽恕的上帝啊，我们崇敬祢。