LISTEN ONLINEThe teacher led from the front, her excited pupils snaking along noisily behind her on the narrow footpath. The class were making the short journey from school to the seaside park. A moment’s distraction on this busy road could spell disaster, I mused. That was when I noticed another teacher at the back of the pack, vigilant of the inattentive, barking warnings to the unwary. With a guide to follow and a rear guard as support, the children could complete their potentially dangerous trip without fear.
After seventy years of captivity in Babylon the final remnant of God’s people were about to make the long journey back to Jerusalem. Soon they would receive the good news of their salvation, crowned with even better news: “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7). Their Deliverer had not forgotten them. He was keeping His promise of coming for His people, and He would do it publicly, “in the sight of all the nations” (v. 10).
Yet some still needed encouragement to leave (v. 11), and confidence to embark on the difficult journey. Isaiah’s words more than met any lurking anxiety: “the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard” (v. 12).
What a promise for them, and for us. Before, behind and every step in between, God brings us safely through the difficult places (see Isaiah 43:2) to the destination He has planned. He can be trusted.