Just as Isaiah would not keep still, we must break the silence for those in need
By Dean Collins
As we finish summer and embrace autumn, probably you’ll agree we’re doing better than our first pandemic September, in 2020— in some areas, at least. And in others, worse. As we navigate work, family, education, health, travel, and all the other aspects of our lives, we had hoped the pandemic was in the rearview mirror.
I suspect our situation is a little like those who had returned from the Babylonian exile and were back in Judah and their beloved city of Jerusalem. When they restarted their lives, things were hard. The infrastructure of the community was still in shambles. The temple was not yet restored. Farming had continued, but it wasn’t like the good old days they remembered or had heard about. Being home didn’t feel much like home.
Some see and hear Isaiah 62 as God’s voice speaking over the start of this restoration and prophetic about its end. Others see these words as Isaiah or one of his disciples positioning themselves as an intercessor, declaring they would not stop pleading with God until all is restored. I think from our perspective we could embrace both ideas.
We pray
We know from Scripture that as Kingdom servants and priests we have an intercessory role. We are called to pray for God’s Kingdom to come on earth as it is in Heaven. We have this direct assignment from King Jesus. So we cannot and must not keep silent. We must always be prayerful about everything.
Right now it seems that our everything list has become rather lengthy. We have hurricanes in the South stretching to the Northeast, and that is just the USA destruction. Have we forgotten Haiti and other people across the globe who suffer from natural disasters? And then there is Afghanistan with her political turmoil. Whatever your political views, we know there are Christians persecuted and killed there. We know of the devaluation of women and children. And these problems are not just In Afghanistan. Most of the Middle East and Asia have for decades experienced similar challenges. And, of course, we have the burden of grief from so many deaths from Covid and other diseases we’re trying to manage during the pandemic. In these challenging days, we can use Isaiah 62 as a challenge and example of intercessory prayer.
We act
But Isaiah 62 also reminds us that God is never silent or silenced. He may sometimes work in ways that are quiet, while other times his actions may be heard more loudly. Maybe, to borrow Isaiah’s imagery, the torch of the Lord is to be seen in us as our light shines forth for righteousness’ sake. Maybe the silence is broken when hammers sound out by believers who participate in the rebuilding of homes and churches wrecked by storms. Maybe silence is broken by the clanging of pots and pans where saints join hands with government to make and serve meals. Maybe the silence is broken with an ouch from a person who receives medication or even a needed vaccination.
For Zion’s sake, for all God’s people’s sake, and for the lost and hurting, we must not keep silent.
It is beyond amazing to consider that God calls us his delight. It is hard to imagine the ultimate wedding feast when we, the bride of Christ, see and experience full restoration and stand in the presence of our King, our redeemer, and feel his overwhelming love and glory. But for now, it is our job to go forth in the name of Jesus and, filled by his Spirit, to seek out those who feel—and likely actually are—forsaken. God’s voice rings out as we break the silence by our acts of service to all in need.
Your time with God’s Word
Isaiah 62:1-5 ESV
Photo by Juliana Romão on Unsplash
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