Tuesday, December 31 – Isaiah 54, 55

1. What will happen to those who plot against God’s people and His children? (Isaiah 54:15)

2. What will happen to every weapon formed against God’s people? (Isaiah 54:17)

3. How are God’s thoughts and ways compared to ours? (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Commentary and Reflection:

The chapters for today are a remarkable display of the beauty found in the inspired writings of the prophet Isaiah. What a magnificent message for God’s people!

The Lord compares His relationship with His people to that of a husband and wife. Though He may have forsaken her for a little while during the captivity due to her unfaithfulness, He promises to forgive and gather her. Up to this point, she had been barren, but not anymore. God promises not only to forgive her but also to forget her transgressions and to protect and defend her.

“For your Maker is your husband,
The Lord of hosts is His name;
And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel;
He is called the God of the whole earth.” (Isaiah 54:5 NKJV)

I have known women abandoned by their husbands or widowed who have claimed this promise. They were not disappointed—God provided for them.

There are beautiful promises the Lord makes to His people in this passage. For example:

“All your children shall be taught by the Lord,
And great shall be the peace of your children.” (Isaiah 54:13 NKJV)

And this one:

“Indeed they shall surely assemble, but not because of Me.
Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake.
No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn.” (Isaiah 54:15, 17 NKJV)

A community of faith, families, and individuals can claim this promise. The Lord defends His children from conspiracies, harmful weapons, and unjust judgments. How beautiful is that, right?

Isaiah 55 is equally beautiful. It begins with an invitation from God to His people and other nations, showcasing His purpose of salvation not just for His chosen people but for all.

The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary describes this chapter as follows:

“The poetic beauty of this chapter is unsurpassed in Scripture. No more gracious invitation could be given for men to accept the blessings of salvation. None are excluded—“whosoever will” may come and “take the water of life freely” (Rev. 22:17). There is no room here for the idea that some men are created to be subjects of salvation and others of reprobation, some to be saved and others to be lost. God does not interfere with the free exercise of man’s power of choice (see Eze. 18:31, 32; 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9). In this chapter emphasis is placed on the ingathering of the Gentiles and on the success of God’s eternal plan to restore the earth to its original state of purity and perfection (see Isa. 55:5, 8–11; see pp. 28–30).” (SDABC, Isaiah 55:1)

In verses 4 and 5, God declares the mission He gave His people in relation to the rest of the world:

“Indeed I have given him as a witness to the people,
A leader and commander for the people.
Surely you shall call a nation you do not know,
And nations who do not know you shall run to you,
Because of the Lord your God,
And the Holy One of Israel;
For He has glorified you.” (Isaiah 55:4-5 NKJV)

Then He speaks directly to all nations with a tender invitation:

“Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6-7 NKJV)

Mercy and forgiveness are assured for those who turn to the Lord. “Turning” to the Lord is the definition of repentance. God promises not only to forgive but to do so abundantly. It is not a small or stingy forgiveness but a generous and comprehensive one.

God’s thoughts and ways differ from ours, far higher and more sublime. We must ask Him to transform our minds and align our thinking with His (Isaiah 55:8-9).

The chapter concludes triumphantly, envisioning the ultimate realization of God’s plan:

“For you shall go out with joy,
And be led out with peace;
The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you,
And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree,
And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree;
And it shall be to the Lord for a name,
For an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” (Isaiah 55:12-13 NKJV)

This is how it will be when the Lord establishes His kingdom on earth. The invitation at the beginning is for you—you are invited to that celebration. Salvation is free. Why spend your resources on what does not satisfy when God offers such a great salvation?

Seek the Lord today, He still can be found.