Isaiah 34-35

Read Isaiah 34-35

Verses chosen for meditation: Isaiah 34:8, 35:4 ESV:

For the Lord has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion.

Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”

Reflect

Do we sometimes feel that God is not acting for us? It is especially so when others, who are without God, seem to be faring better than us. More so, if they have either wronged or hurt us.

During such times, do we get discouraged, resentful, or even fearful, perhaps? Or do we take matters into our own hands?

What do we know of God from these two chapters that could encourage us?

Relate

Chapters 34 and 35 form what is called a redactional diptych. That means the contrasting prophecies of the two chapters complement each other. They are part of the literary style called palistrophe that spans chapters 13 – 39 of Isaiah where there is a reversal of order. 

As seen from the above two verses, destruction will come upon the nations who have lorded over God's people (Isaiah 34: 8) and God's people will see the day of restoration when he comes to save his people (Isaiah 35: 4).

Life, too, can be a diptych or palistrophe. There can be a sharp contrast of situations followed by an acute reversal of situations.

Therefore, whoever says that life is unfair could not have heard it from the Lord. Although it's hard to imagine life when it is tough going, life actually pans out fairly at the end. It is supposed to tip in favour of the righteous, that is if we view life over the long haul. The way forward is then to stay righteous whether rich or poor, strong or weak, known or unknown. 

Remember that our Lord is a God of justice. He wouldn't have asked the same from us in Micah 6: 8 otherwise: 'He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God.' 

He wants us to know him that way as well as Jeremiah 9: 24 reminds us: 'but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'

Still, many of us have been discouraged at one time or other, with some becoming even bitter and resentful. This is largely because the disparity is too much to bear when our failure is contrasted with someone else's success, and our plight with someone else's good fortune.

The two chapters remind us then that there will be a day of reversal. It is as sure as the sun that rises when the Lord will come to save his people, his chosen ones.

On that day, the destruction will be devastating and complete for those who have dishonourably rejected him, enjoyed wealth and success at the great expense of others, and boasted shamelessly of their own strength, wealth and wisdom. 

While, on the other hand, the restoration will be splendorous and glorious for those who have waited on him and who are his, though for a while, they had to suffer trials and tribulations of all kinds.

Know that the day of retribution and the day of restoration are sure to come.

Therefore, do not envy. Do not take matters into our own hands. Do not be discouraged nor resentful. Instead, observe justice, practice love and show kindness. Continue to walk humbly and trust in the Lord. And place our hope in the Lord as we know him more.

For this is the way of the righteous.

Rest

Lord, you are righteous in all your ways and kind in all your works. You are near to all who call on you, to all who call on you in truth. You fulfill the desire of those who fear you; you also hear their cry and save them. You, Lord, preserve all who love you, but all the wicked you will destroy. My mouth will therefore speak the praise of you, Lord, and bless your holy name forever and ever.

Naville Chia