A BRIEF HISTORY:
In Genesis 32:28, we see that Jacob was given a new name by God. That name was Israel. In Genesis 35:10-12, God again confirmed Jacob's name as Israel and told him that a great nation would come from him. To this nation of 12 tribes, God would give a special land for them and their descendants.
In Exodus 4:22 God said, "Israel is My son, My firstborn." Later, God delivered Israel into the promised land. With Joshua in charge, God gave Israel, His chosen people, the Book of the Law which contained all the commands they were to follow. They were to meditate on it day and night. If they would do this, then their way would prosper, and they would have success. The people followed Joshua and agreed to obey the law. (Joshua 1:1-18)
Eventually Israel fell into a cycle of giving in to sin, suffering the consequences, repenting and following God, experiencing His deliverance, then falling into sin again. This happened over and over (see the book of Judges). Their sin eventually led to a condition of barrenness in the hearts and homes of the nation of Israel. Captivity and distance from God finally brought about a change of heart.
Isaiah 54
1. Read Isaiah 54:1-3, 62:1-5, and Galatians 4:21-31. Who do you think the "barren woman" is?
2. Read Isaiah 54:4-10, Jeremiah 31:18-20, and Ezekiel 16:59-63. Who do these passages refer to?
3. From Isaiah 54:5 list all the names for the "husband" or God. (Psa. 95:6-7, 149:1-2) You may want to write your thoughts as you meditate on this passage.
4. In verse 5, Redeemer is given as a name for God. Read Isaiah 1:4 and 41:14 and explain why a redeemer is necessary.
5. In Isaiah 54:9-10, God gave a promise to the Bride, Israel. What is it? (Psa. 46:1-3, 102:18-28; Jer. 33:17-22)
(Heb. 5:6-10, 6:19-20, 7:11-25)
The barrenness of Israel was complete. They had turned their backs on the Holy One of Israel. The Old Covenant of the Law condemned them. They rejected its commands and ended up in exile and barrenness. The Redeemer, however, has compassion on the barren and does not hold sin against them forever. The future of Israel will be fruitful. The kindness and mercy of the Husband, Maker, and God of the earth will bring His promises to fulfillment.
LESSONS AND APPLICATIONS
1. God keeps His promises and is filled with compassion. How expectant are you in the promises God has given you?
2. God is the restorer of the barren one. How has God restored you out of your barrenness this week? Have you shouted for joy in this blessing?
3. God's covenant of peace will not be shaken. (Isa. 54:10) Do you have peace with God? What can you do today to experience His peace?
Week 6, Day 1
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3 comments:
In the past few months, God has shown me that he REALLY does keep His promises. It has been amazing seeing His blessings come from the most unexpected places. I am starting to realize how useless worrying is. It is very liberating.
:-) Christina
Lately, I've have been at extreme peace. I quit worrying and surrendered to God and let him bear the worry. It is, like Christina said, very liberating. Like pastor bil said this past weekend. It's so awesome when you come to a point in your life when you don't worry about what others think. In the past I always feel like I have to explain my vision or what God's calling me to do and why it's not working or things like that. Wow, I've learned that I just need to trust in the promises He has for ME, and really give it to Him. Thank you Lord for giving that peace, and allowing me to learn how to get it!
Elisa
Worrying is useless. It's hard not to, though. However, if I talk to God daily and stay in His word, I worry less. That's why I constantly need to stay reliant on Him. Thanks for keeping this Bible study going strong, Cris! Love ya.
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