Isaiah 62

More and more often as I read in the Old Testament I see Israel as a picture of myself. I am the nation of Israel, Jerusalem, the City, Zion. Yes, these are references to God’s people as a group, but I think they also apply to me, the individual.

This morning we read Isaiah 62 in church, and it struck me very strongly that Isaiah was referring to me as he said these things:

For Becky's sake I will not keep silent,
for her sake I will not remain quiet,
till her righteousness shines out like the dawn,
her salvation like a blazing torch.

The nations will see your righteousness,
and all kings your glory;
you will be called by a new name
that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.

You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD's hand,
a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

No longer will they call you Deserted,
or name your land Desolate.
But you will be called Hephzibah
and your land Beulah;
for the LORD will take delight in you,
and your land will be married.

As a young man marries a maiden,
so will your Builder marry you;
as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,
so will your God rejoice over you.

I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Becky;
they will never be silent day or night.

You who call on the LORD,
give yourselves no rest,
and give Him no rest till He establishes Becky
and makes her the praise of the earth.

The LORD has sworn by his right hand
and by his mighty arm:
"Never again will I give your grain
as food for your enemies,
and never again will foreigners drink the new wine
for which you have toiled;
but those who harvest it will eat it
and praise the LORD,
and those who gather the grapes will drink it
in the courts of my sanctuary."

Pass through, pass through the gates!
Prepare the way for the people.
Build up, build up the highway!
Remove the stones.
Raise a banner for the nations.

The LORD has made proclamation
to the ends of the earth:
"Say to the Daughter of Zion,
'See, your Savior comes!
See, His reward is with Him,
and His recompense accompanies Him.' "

Becky will be called the Holy People,
the Redeemed of the LORD;
and she will be called Sought After,
the City No Longer Deserted.

Is that not the most encouraging thing ever? I encourage you to read everything this way. Make it personal. See what God is saying to you!