The 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.
By Catherine Campbell
REFLECT & PRAY
When did you last experience God fulfilling a promise in your life? Which Bible verse encourages you when life’s journey is tough?
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your guidance, protection and companionship in all of life’s journeys. Help me to follow You with confidence, knowing You’ve got my back.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In the book of Isaiah, the prophet brings two distinct messages to the people of God. In chapters 1–39, he brings warnings of certain judgment because of their continued idolatry and rejection of God. In chapters 40–66, however, the prophet’s message becomes one of hope and rescue—continuing to offer many references to the promised Messiah. Bible teacher Warren W. Wiersbe wrote that this significant messianic component to Isaiah’s prophecy accounts for how frequently the New Testament cites this important book. The apostle Paul, a trained Jewish scholar, quoted from or alluded to Isaiah’s prophecies at least eighty times, and the Servant Song ( 52:13–53:12) is cited almost forty times by New Testament writers. As such, Wiersbe contends, “Isaiah is much more than a prophet: He is an evangelist who presents Jesus Christ and the Good News of the Gospel.”
Bill Crowder
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