A Current Bible Study:

Isaiah Chapter 12

     This little chapter (just 6 verses) has strong roots in chapter 11 where the prophet amazingly describes Jesus, thousands of years before He was born on earth, and the New Heaven and the New Earth, which we have not yet seen. The nation Israel, God's people in Isaiah's day, were in great trouble with God. Pride, corruption, and a mealy-mouthed religious hypocrisy had brought them to a point were God had to discipline, had to judge, their sins in order to preserve their nation. I'm sure old Isaiah wasn't enjoying having to bring all this bad news about the nation being overrun by the Assyrians. God's people were spiritually self-destructing, and without His direct intervention here there would have been no "Root of Jesse" left when the times got right for Messiah to be born in Bethlehem. This is were chapter 12 begins. Here God tells His prophet that the people need to be reminded of the the ultimate victory that His plan for them and this entire world will bring.
     Are you aware of God's hand in your life today? Do things sometimes seem harsh? I know I can say yes to that one. But, beloved, God is a great father. He puts all earthly fathers to shame. His judgments are true and righteous. Maybe you are hard pressed this very day. Maybe you are afraid to turn to family or friend. You can trust Him. The way of the Lord may lead us through a mixture of judgments and trials (and blessings) but we all need to be reminded that His ultimate purpose is to save us. Let's listen now to the prophet:

Verse 1: "And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortest me."

     This day, I think, could refer to the day you are born again, or a spiritual victory in the here and now, and/or your arrival in Heaven at the end of time. Please listen carefully if you are not a believer in Christ: I cannot describe the glory of the FREEDOM of allowing Christ to bear all your sins on the cross. For the first time in your life as a sinner, God's anger will be turned away from you, and you will remain in this state forever! If you want to know why believers can shout Hallelujah, seek Him today with your whole heart. Pray and ask Christ Himself to help you to trust Him. He went up on that cross with YOU in mind. This is no trick or game. If you really mean business with God, He is ready to bring you more comfort than you can imagine.

Verse 2: "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord  JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

     Salvation brings a Heavenly strength. This isn't the old grit your teeth or just keep a stiff upper lip. When the Master takes over you start singin'. It's a love song, and a duet at that. You see, He sings it back to you. He always was your salvation. He didn't change. When you let Him change your heart, then for you He becomes the Savior.

Verse 3: "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation."

     This is so perfectly stated that I don't know exactly what to say. Salvation is personal and intimate. God will deal with each one differently. But all will be lead to eternal joy. And there will be joy all along the journey with the Holy Spirit living in your heart.

Verses 4-6: "Sing unto the Lord... Cry out and shout... for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee."

     If obtaining salvation is so great, what is left after you've experienced it? The prophecy is clear in verses 4-6. Exhort others to turn to Him. Share the spiritual wealth with all who will hear. Tell the world.
May Jesus Christ richly bless you-JKD 3/26/00