Sun.’s Devo - Redemption Has Come

Read: Isaiah 51:1-53:12; Ephesians 5:1-33; Psalm 69:19-36; Proverbs 24:7 Isaiah called Israel to remember their roots in Abraham and Sarah and the promises given them of their nation. The same salvation that delivered them and gave them an inheritance would now save them and all the generations to come. God still had great plans for the remnant to return to Jerusalem with joy and gladness. He told them to not be afraid of mere humans who live and die, but to trust in the Lord who is from everlasting to everlasting. He is the one with the plan and it is a good one of life and prosperity. He asked them if they would always be in fear of human oppressors and their anger because it was gone. God stirs up the sea and causes its waves to roar and it is the stirring and the roaring of his army. But, now that the war is over and they are safe, God was calling them to rise up from the dust and take their place of honor. God had redeemed them. They had been captive in a land that blasphemed his name all day long but He has revealed his name to his survivors and he had good news of peace and salvation for them. He urged them to get out of the place of their captivity and return to Jerusalem. Isaiah 53 has to be the greatest, most detailed Old Testament prophecy about Jesus’ first coming. When I read it I can’t help but want to repent for selfishness and pride. Jesus was the ultimate picture of humility and obedience to his Father’s plan. In Ephesians, Paul tells them to imitate God by following Jesus’ example. Jesus was imitating his Father. Just like Isaiah prophesied for the children of Israel to wake up and go back to their land and leave Egypt, Paul was calling the church to wake up and leave their sinful lives and walk in the light of Christ. He explained the role of a Christian by using marriage. Christ is the husband and we are the wife. We submit to him and he loves us. Lord, may our lives be in submission to you and may we understand the love you have for us as your bride. When you return, may we be the spotless bride you so deserve. Thank you for redeeming us as your own.