“In a surge of anger, I hid my face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord your Redeemer. Isaiah 54:8 NIV
In the previous chapter, Isaiah prophesied the coming of the Lord Jesus and God’s will to offer him as a sacrifice for transgressors. Chapter fifty-four offers encouragement to Israel which is considered the wife of God just as the Christian church is considered the bride of Christ.
Although patient and slow to anger, Israel’s sins, disobedience, and idolatry culminated in a surge of anger from the Lord. God made his displeasure evident to his chosen people, allowing the Babylonians to overcome the descendants of Jacob and to hold them in captivity.
Israel’s exile in Babylon presented a strong contrast to their happier days in their own country. Saying, “I hid my face from you,” the Lord highlights the consequence of their sinful acts which is separation from the goodness of God.
After his anger subsided, God revealed his continued love for his people saying, “but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you.” In his anger, God displayed the traits of a jealous husband toward an unfaithful wife. In his reconciliation statement of redemption, the Lord reveals his love.
I Am a Jealous God
God forewarned the nation of Israel of the consequences of idolatry in the second commandment. Exodus 20:4 says, “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me. NIV”
God’s displeasure with us is certain when we sin. The Lord is righteous and does not tolerate sin. He is loving and corrects those he loves with righteous discipline. He is, however, patient and forgiving.
Even before the Christian era, the prophet wrote in Isaiah 55:7, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. KJV”
As we read in 1 John 1:19, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. WEB” God is at odds with sin, but for all who forsake sin and seek God, there is salvation. Through God’s grace, with everlasting kindness, the source of our salvation is Jesus Christ.
Prayer: “Father God, you are righteous and true. Thank you for loving me with everlasting kindness, Forgive me for falling short of your glory. Give me wisdom and strength to live my life in accordance with your commandments. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Abound In Love
