Visions of Grandeur - Isaiah 52:1-2,7-12

Visions of Grandeur

Isaiah 52:1-2, 7-12

Lesson Setting

Isaiah ministered during the reign of four Judean kings, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah spanning the years, 740BCE to 686BCE.  Some scholars posit Isaiah may have had a royal heritage and been related to one of these kings.  Thus, his prophecy reflects a priest and prophet speaking God’s Word to sovereign kings.  In sharing God’s unequivocal Word with these kings, Isaiah equally shares reassurance of God’s counsel and guidance to Jerusalem and Judah.  He helps them navigate the treacherous waters of change and chaos as they surrounding world collapses with King Uzziah’s death and creates a more dynamic and frightening world.  Israel faces new adversaries.  Instead of living in fear, Israel can rely genuinely and faithfully upon God Almighty.

Lesson Outline

I.                 Isaiah 52:1-2 & 7 – Proclaiming Good News

II.            Isaiah 52:8-10 – The Lord Returns to Zion

III.        Isaiah 52:11 – Progressing Toward Purity and Piety

IV.         Isaiah 52:12 – The Lord is Your Rearguard

Unifying Principle

All people need to hear words of hope.  Where will they find hopeful words?  The psalmists and Isaiah tell God’s people that God, who reigns above, is their help, shield and salvation and that they can put their hope in God rejoice.

Introduction

Although comedy has been a longstanding career for many entertainers and performers, its recent proliferation is startlingly.  Several comedians enjoy the huge celebrity status of being a household name.  These persons enjoy large Twitter followings, have countless Facebook “likes” and innumerable hits on their websites.  What are the causes of this current ascension of comedy into the upper echelon of entertainment?  Several factors such as technology, rising pluralism, expansion of cable television, emergence of YouTube and other online viewing options and other forms of social media possibly explain this shift in American popular culture.  Perhaps, the increasing stress in everyday living motivates people to seek laughter and release from chaos.  After resolving myriad personal and professional obligations inclusive of juggling competing demands of marriage, family, finances and self-care, people would like to escape from emotional and mental busyness.  Listening to comedians who transform traffic jams, road rage, flat tires, broken copiers, rising prices and other inconveniences into jokes; people retreat to the comfort of childhood peace.

In despairing times, adults search for hope.  They welcome words of comfort from trustworthy sources.  Exchanging words of hope, adults also look for hope in unexpected places.  Psychics and palm readers offer hope to gullible people who seek definitive answers to their quandaries. “Experts” with resolutions to debt challenges, relationships, home ownership and other personal and social crises multiply as hopelessness and helplessness grows.  Misguided and well-intentioned persons seeking relief and wellness fall prey to hucksters and charlatans who exploit people’s existential fears and personal demands.  Nonetheless, these people want an encouraging and empowering word as they fiercely believe a brighter day will dawn.

Isaiah like his fellow prophets, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, pronounces the Lord’s comfort for Israel as they strive to rebuild their lives.  More especially, Isaiah helps Jerusalem and Judah to navigate the shifting political, economic and social changes in their world.  The nation will face new enemies of differing backgrounds without the previous security of Uzziah’s reign.  His successors have strong personal challenges which impede their leadership.  These fundamental challenges of a rapidly changing Ancient Near East and problems within the royal succession in Israel create paralyzing fear and substantial hopelessness.  In this context of despondency, Isaiah reminds the nation that they can rely upon the ultimate monarch, the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords,” Almighty God Himself.

Disciples turn their attention finally to God for deliverance from their suffering.  They learn to wait patiently on God without complaining as He orchestrates their deliverance.  They can rest upon the blessed assurance that Almighty God constantly manipulates the details of their lives to their maximum benefit and blessing.  As a consequence, disciples steadfastly praise and worship God at all times for His continual grace and goodwill.  Because of His salvation, disciples exult in heartfelt worship as they reflect on the Lord’s goodness to them.    

Exposition

Point I – Isaiah 52:1-2 & 7 – Proclaiming Good News

The opening verses of this chapter are a wake call to Israel to focus upon Almighty God as the nation’s deliverer.  The words, “Awake, awake O Zion” equate with the screeching sound of an alarm clock.  Usually, a person who slumbered peacefully bolts upward and jumps out of bed.  Startled awake, he proceeds immediately to attend to that day’s priorities.  Isaiah encourages Israel and Jerusalem to awaken to their spiritually malnourished state and seek God for nutrition and strength.   He instructs them to put on garments that are worthy of their inheritance as children of God.  Find moral and ethical character which equals strength and they rely genuinely upon God.

In the second verse, Isaiah reminds the people that they cannot liberate themselves.  He facetiously tells them to free themselves knowing its impossibility.  Their futile attempts will leave them in bondage.  Accordingly, they must ask for divine help and strength.  This image of a yoke upon the neck of God’s people depicts the uselessness of self-righteousness, religiosity and presumptuous personal piety.  Humankind experiences some mental, emotional and psychological ills that only God can resolve and heal.  A popular recovery group posits “No human power could relieve our alcoholism.”  They proceed to acknowledge, “God could and would if He were sought.”  Centuries earlier, Israel and Judah learns the spiritual significance of unconditional, humble, sincere and steadfast reliance upon God.  The person sitting on the throne is a non-entity in many ways as the confluence of circumstances often overwhelms the personal and intellectual resources of the king.  As God is the Infinite Sovereign, His kingdom will never end and His wisdom will last eternally.  To prosper in present and in posterity, Israel must ask for God’s help.

In the seventh verse, Isaiah encourages Judah and Jerusalem to respond with songs of joy and praise.  This verse equates with the opening lyrics of a hymn of thanksgiving to God for His deliverance from the Babylonian captivity and exile.  The feet of the runner, a messenger, who rushes through the mountains declaring the Lord’s liberation and salvation are beautiful as they bring the good and great news of the fulfillment of the Lord’s promises.  Once again, the God of Israel keeps His word and removes their oppression and subjugation.  Overwhelmed by the Lord’s faithful goodness, the nation responds with songs of exaltation reflecting the thanksgiving and joy in their heart.

Point II – Isaiah 52:8-10 – The Lord Returns to Zion

The watchmen who stand on the walls of protection of the city of Jerusalem begin to shout aloud that they see and hear the messengers and their favorable message.  Though they are on the wall to sound the alarm about an approaching enemy, these watchmen lift their voices and share this outstanding news with their fellow brothers and sisters.  They have the privilege of delivering the news of burgeoning abundance, prosperity, peace and security.  The most significant aspect of the watchmen’s pronouncement is the Lord return to Jerusalem.  This news parallels Ezekiel’s vision of the return of the glory of the Lord to the temple to sanctify the building and purify their worship.  With the return of God’s glory to the holy city, the people will enjoy a considerable rejuvenation in their return from exile.

The people respond to this great news by joining in the song of exaltation to the Lord.  Seemingly, even the ruins begin to sing about the Lord’s deliverance of His people.  They praise the Lord because He comforts His people and redeems their pain and suffering during the captivity and exile.  They simply give thanks to God.  Contemporary disciples begin their weekly worship services with a period of praise and worship to Almighty God in appreciation for His faithfulness in the preceding week.  Sometimes, the volume, drama and length of this services rise to a crescendo as the depth of gratitude erupts as a volcano.  Our current experience helps us to understand Israel’s exuberance many centuries ago as they received God’s goodness through their return from captivity and a lengthy period of exile that spanned three generations.

The tenth verse specifies the Lord’s enduring intentions of protecting Israel from any future adversaries.  He will not permit a repeat of the colossal damage and wholesale ruin of the nation.  Never again will a foe like Babylon raise her hand against Israel.  The Lord will stretch forth His mighty and righteous right hand to prevent an assault upon His people.  All the nations of the earth will observe with utter amazement God’s deliverance of Israel and His unwavering and unequivocal protection.  Watching the care of Israel will motivate other nations to abandon their polytheism and its concomitant paganism; they will turn to the Lord as the One True God.  Thus, Israel again will fulfill her purpose as a light to the Gentiles to reveal the glory of God Almighty.  In fact, Isaiah contends that people will hear of this special relationship between Israel and the Lord to the ends of the earth.  Enthusiastically, the people sing for joy about the salvation of the Lord.

Point III – Isaiah 52:11 – Progressing Toward Purity and Piety

Upon her return from captivity and exile, Israel must learn from her previous mistakes.  Her protracted sin and rebellion ignites the Lord’s wrath thereby causing their extreme judgment and punishment.  Over generations, Israel committed infidelity by serving other gods.  Relationally, they intermingled the beliefs and practices of their neighbors and foreigners with the commandments to obey God’s Law, the Torah.  They were guilty of whore-mongering with myriad superstitious beliefs and foreign gods.  In addition to succumbing to polytheism, they surrendered to syncretism, the practice of blending incompatible faith and religious systems to accommodate self-serving purposes.  The cumulative result of these faulty religious practices was Israel monumental offense against the holy and righteous character of Almighty God.  Lest they repeat these errors, the Lord warns them to forsake their past sin and rebellion.

God instructs Israel to repent by withdrawing herself from anyone and anything that will defile her.  Unabashedly, He says, “Come out from it and be pure.”  Practically speaking, this means to separate completely and sever irreversibly the relationship.  He encourages the nation to emulate His holiness.  They are to devote themselves exclusively to Almighty God for His service.  They dedicate their lives to Him as living sacrifices and instruments thereby seeking daily and practical ways in which to advance His purposes and fulfill His will. 

Moreover, the Lord alludes to those persons who carry the articles of the house of the Lord.  Sacred items cannot be used within unholy practices.  It stands to reason that the persons who administer sacrifices and other duties in the house of God would keep their lives as pure and holy as the articles they use.  This phrase within in the verse is an especial admonition to the Levites, the tribe of priests who are not given an inheritance of land because the Lord will provide for them as they faithfully discharge their priestly duties in the household of faith.  Twenty-first century disciples receive this exhortation with fear and trembling as we are not to defile ourselves with permissive immorality, hedonism, narcissism and licentiousness of secular, corporate and humanistic society.  We must separate from those values which clash with biblical principles and God’s will.  We also resist syncretism by allowing the creeds and principles of secular humanism to invade the governance and practices of the Church.  As the Church, the ecclesia, a sacred and holy fellowship of believers who withdraw from the dominant culture in order to spread the gospel and advance the kingdom of Christ, we proactively sever our allegiance with the world and its systems.

Point IV – Isaiah 52:12 – The Lord is Your Rearguard

The Lord’s offer a comprehensive pledge of protection and provision with an eloquent and flourishing broad brushstroke.  He assures Israel they will never leave in haste as if they are running scared under impromptu attack by a strong opponent.  They will not have to sneak out of town in the middle of the night nor will they climb out of a window hoping to escape without detection.  In stark contrast, the Lord will go before them and pave a smooth road upon which they will travel.  Further, He will be their rearguard and prevent anyone from attacking them in the back.  Offensively, the Lord will provide for their future by preparing a safe and prosperous place for them.  Defensively, the Lord will ensure that their past cannot harm them any further.  He will prevent anyone from attempting to utilize any past vulnerability from harming Israel.  The rearguard protects the people as they depart.  They will leave in accord with God’s timing and orchestration.  They will not experience any harm as they depart.

This verse offers comfort and hope to anyone making a fundamental change.  There is no need to ear the future.  As an Infinite and Supreme Being, the Lord already exists in your tomorrow.  He directs the emergence of details to ensure you receive the very best results.  It takes time as you wait patiently on the Lord.  Still, He neither sleeps nor slumbers but continually ensures everything unfolds to your maximum benefit and blessing.  He even redeems your pain and suffering thereby transforming obstacles into opportunities.  As you leave a situation in order to transition to another possibility, He prevents anyone from harming you in the process.  A spiteful and vengeful former boss’ shenanigans will prove fruitless.  As your rearguard, the Lord will protect you from lies, rumors and half-truths.  He prepares your way and journeys with you as make necessary changes in order to grow spiritually and develop personally.  As your rearguard, the Lord protects you as He closes doors in your life.  You do not have to burn bridges.  However, the Lord will cancel the attempts and ploys of your nemesis to hurt you as you walk toward a brighter and more abundant life.

The Lesson Applied

“Music soothes the savage beast.”  A meaningful and sentimental song often cures depression, anxiety, loneliness, anger and other intense negative emotions and states of mind.  Songs mark milestones in our lives.  Practically everyone fondly remembers the music that was popular during their teenage years.  Hearing the first few lyrics and cords of such a once top-ten song immediately conjures feelings of youth, joy and a carefree life when  your dreams reached the sky and your goals seemed within an arm’s reach.  The words of at least one prom song linger indelibly in your mind.  The song for your first dance at your wedding remains forever on your heart.  Periodically, you play that song as a reminder of the purity of your love on that day.  Your reflection enables you to glance upon the maturity of your love like a wine that is now vintage though it was once new.  Similarly, Israel sings the grand and glorious hymn in today’s passage in gratitude for the monumental occasion of the Lord’s fulfillment of His promise to return them to their homeland and renew them with an unimaginable abundant and prosperous life.  Do you have any favorite songs, sacred or secular, that mark milestones of God’s faithfulness in your life?

Let’s Talk About It

1.     Recite songs of hope that reflect God’s deliverance of people in Scripture and in history.

2.   What is your favorite psalm that expresses hope in God for deliverance in tough times?

3.   Share a story of personal liberation from pain and suffering by God.

4.   What Bible verse would you suggest a fellow disciple read during a particularly difficult time?  Give a few reasons.

5.    Have you ever had a “wake-up” call from God during a time of indifference in your faith?