Isaiah 54

What is the hardest conversation that you have ever had? In a book that I was listening to this week, these are the words that a man used to described the conversation with a lady he was hoping to marry. His teens and 20’s were noted for jumping from one relationship to another. Over and over again he pursued intimacy and security in a relationship. He had given away his purity many times. God had been awakening him to the vanity of this pursuit that had replaced Christ, and now he was going to tell who he hoped was his potential wife about his past. He knew she had kept herself for her future husband, but he had not kept himself for her. He was prepared for her to tell her it was over after he told her his past.

When he finally told her she was very heart-broken, but her response was more than he could imagine. She said in that moment “a wave of grace fell on her that moment like never before.” She described God’s presence as indescribably near. She then expressed her hope in Jesus for him.

Her response led him to see the gospel as never before.

“It was as if I had been looking at ocean all my life enjoying all the colors of blue, loving the rhythms of peace and violence, occasionally spotting a sail boat or even a dolphin. And then suddenly I could smell the fresh sea water, and taste the salt in the air, and hear the waves crashing and the sea gulls flying overhead, and i could feel the sand, and the water rushing over my feet. I had known the gospel, had believed the gospel, and even loved the gospel. But now I was immersed in the gospel, neck-deep, and waiting deeper with my best friend and future bride.

I don’t know to what degree you can recognize or feel the shame of your sinful behavior. I don’t know to what degree, you attempt to hide, ignore, or fight the shame of past choices.

Do you live with the shame of having lied to your parent, child or spouse?

Do you feel trapped with the addictions of pornography, food, media?

Is the destruction of relationships that you have handled with anger a heavy burden that you carry around?

How do you carry around the weight of wrong that has been done to you? Do you feel you have been tricked, cheated, used? Do you expect that life can now only be less than the good life you could have had?

How then do you live? Isaiah 53 is so important for this topic. We saw that the Servant experienced our pain and sorrow- He cares. The Servant bore my sin- I am no longer under his wrath. Condition of lowliness will not be forever- He was cut off, but has many sons.

Though this work is essential, it does not seem to erase the embarrassment, dishonor, and regret that can easily plague us.

Do we do the best we can to forget. Do we take on the “pen name” of someone else?

Continually look to the estimation of the Honorable one, for your worth

While in this life, we will regularly look to other sources for worth- friendships, jobs, money, and skills not realizing the barren condition that will result. When we come to the realization that we have been used and tricked, we will face the lie that we are now a victim in the shameful condition.

You see his estimation in the commands that He gives you (v.v 1-4)

He called Israel to sing, make room for growth, and do not fear future shame

When is He telling them to do this- in their barren condition

Does He pretend like failure did not happen- no, he says that it will not affect the future relationship

Does He call them to sing, when the final results are accomplished. No it can be done right in the middle of the consequences of the shameful behavior.

This follows the work of the Servant- many share in His work. Many shall be made righteous.

Illustration of child listening to the voice of one

You see His estimation in the relationship that He has chosen to have with you. (V. 5)

* Verses 1-4 declare God's promise of the reversal of their condition. These verses declare the nature of the God who promises

* The people of God are seen as ones restored to the loving relation with their husband

* As maker He knows the children who He has made. He knows how to remake them

* He has complete control of all circumstances. Nothing can stop Him from His creative and redeeming purposes.

* As the Holy One of Israel. This combines His greatness with his tenderness. His highness with his lowliness. His ability coupled with his care.

* As a redeemer He has committed Himself to a helpless people to raise them up.

You see His estimation by what He calls permanent (v.v 6-10)

Illustration of my sister getting hit with baseball bat. The dentist did not see a permanent condition)

The distressed wife is restore to the ever-loving husband (v. 6)

* 50:1-3 the husband came calling but Israel did not respond.

* Now that the servant's work is done, the separation has ended. He has called.

Strong compassion replaces brief abandonment (v. 7)

Permanent love conquers brief anger (v. 8)

Covenant favor in place of wrath (v. 9)

Permanent love and wholeness will be forever provided (v. 10)

You see His estimation by what He does to your enemies (v.v. 11-17)

Pictured in a beautiful and secure city

The citizens have obedient heart and righteous souls (v. 13-14)

Threat may come, but God controls the threat and outcome (v.v. 15-17a)

God’s children have a secured portion, title, and position.

Illustration of child playing in the dark