Rev. E. Anderson
A PROMISE OF RESTORATION
Isaiah 1-5
This major prophet, Isaiah, is called upon to declare and affirm some very important messages to God’s people over a long period of time. He is raised up by Jehovah at a crucial period and sent to make known the true, spiritual state of the people and to give revelation concerning God’s intention. The Lord is by no means pleased by what He beholds and makes known that definite action will be taken. There is to proceed great and awful judgements because of the evil that is being practiced in the land. He cannot be restrained any further because He has been driven to justice by the appalling wickedness. If He did not act He would have to apologize to the former inhabitants ofSodomand Gomorrha. Even though this be so, hope and assurance is to be extended with regard to the ultimate future – Isaiah 4: 2-6. There is the promise and prospect of a fantastic restoration from the Lord.
1/. THE BRANCH OF THE LORD WILL BE FRUITFUL - v2
This will be a very significant factor in the light of what is spoken in chapter 5. The Lord gives a revelation of his labours to produce a very fruitful vine in the land. He had made every endeavour to produce a beautiful and bountiful people and had certainly made all the provision for the creation of the best – w1,2. Instead of harvesting a rich and sweet produce, He is disappointed and so has to expose it to severe judgement – vv5-7. But His final hope is that there is going to be a lush and fruitful bough in the land – see Joseph -Genesis 49: 22; Hosea 14:5-7. He will not be disappointed in the end.
2/. THE REMNANT WILL BECOME A HOLY PEOPLE – vv3,4
Two things are assured with regard to the people: firstly, there will be a people that will be saved out of the judgement. They will be an elect and chosen people whose names are written down by God who have not believed and behaved in an evil fashion. They have dared to be different in spite of the prevailing wickedness. This people are a righteous root that is destined to produce good fruit. Secondly, the Lord will cleanse by washing the moral filth that has been created and by His burning presence and power remove all the effects of sin. Holiness is to characterize people and the land.
3/.THE LORD WILL BE THE SECURITY – w5,6
The great end result is that both people and land will be under His preserving order and hand. The Divine Cloud indicates His watchful eye and at the same time provides a shade and shelter thus all exists under His security. The developments for good will become possible because of His vigilance and superintendence. There will be no need to fear.
CONCLUSION
The Lord always lives up His promises and this will surely be as declared.
