Epiphany Week 2

Psalm: Psalm 36:5-10

Old Testament: Isaiah 62:1-5

Gospel: John 2:1-11

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

We have been in the New Testament and particularly the Gospel passages for a while, so I want to bring attention to the reading from Isaiah 62 this week. Some of you may know that this chapter is actually the Point Loma Nazarene University chapter. Phineas Bresee, the university's founder and first president, was drawn to this passage in a moment of crisis early in the university's history along with doubtless other times when the words provided hope. Currently, Bresee's Bible sits outside the president's office opened to Isaiah 62. Those who have seen this Bible testify to the presence of fingerprints and smudges particularly on this page. So what drew Bresee to this chapter and what can we take from it?

It is important to understand the context in which Isaiah was ministering to God's people. Isaiah ministered to the southern kingdom of Judah between 740-681 B.C. in the middle of which the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell--in 722. He died about 100 years before Judah itself fell and the beginning of the Exile to Babylon, so Isaiah knew what was coming if Judah did not repent and turn back to the Lord. In case you didn't know, Isaiah wasn't really active and ministering in a positive time in the history of Israel. Whatever differences Israel and Judah had, Judah could have been pleased when Israel fell and ancient superpowers kept threatening the Promised Land.

It is in the midst of that situation that words like what we read in chapter 62 become jarring and cause us to stop. Isaiah look forwards to a time of hope and restoration, interestingly even before the Exile even occurs. As we go through the verses, I want to point out a few observations. The chapter begins with "for Zion's sake..." These words remind me of the multiple times when the Lord says that he is going to either punish or then restore Israel "for his name's sake". (2 Kgs. 19:34,  Is. 48:9, Ezk. 36:22) Zion, Jerusalem, represented God's presence with the people and particularly the use of "Zion" rather than "Jerusalem" takes on an eschatological restoration-type vision. So the Lord is going to restore his people for the sake of his reputation and relationship with the people. In a sense this is actually a message of grace. The people didn't deserve or wouldn't have be able to earn any type of salvation from God, and so for God's own sake, he will restore the people.

Isaiah goes on to see a vision where the people and even the land will be a beacon and torch of righteousness and salvation. (vs. 1) The people will also be a royal crown and restored to the hand of God. (vs. 2) Verse 2 states that the Lord will give his people a new name, which, in verse 4, he states will be "My delight is in her" (Hephzibah) and "Married" (Beulah) in contrast to "Forsaken" and "Desolate," which they were known by. Interestingly, Hephzibah was the name of Hezekiah wife and Hezekiah was the last king Isaiah prophesied under. Isaiah has a tendency to use people's names in correlation to the message the Lord wants to give. (See, for example, his two sons named "A remnant shall return" and "Spoil quickly, plunder speedily".)

It is easy to see why Phineas Bresee and any others looking for hope from the Lord would be drawn to this passage. Bresee had a vision and calling from God and in the midst of the hardships, when it seemed like the university might fail, he drew hope from these words. My encouragement to you, and to myself, is to also draw hope from these words as perhaps you start something new or face hardships in something the Lord has called you to. Remember that the Lord is faithful to be with you and never leave you or forsake you.

The reading today doesn't call us to read verse 6, but I think it brings an interesting element in the message. It speaks of the watchmen the Lord has appointed to stay on the walls of Jerusalem. Being a watchman isn't too fun. You are exposed to the elements and it can be lonely and wearisome. They have a crucial role to play to warn against danger, but also the joyous privilege of announcing good news when it appears. God is still in the business of appointing watchmen to his cause--calling men and women to pursue his divine work. Let us not grow weary in the task appointed to us and let us draw hope from words of Isaiah 62--God is with us and will sustain us!

Grace and Peace.