Isaiah 4 reminds me of the scenes of total devastation from the recent tornadoes. This is a continuation from the previous chapter and we see the aftermath of invasion and war on the survivors. In desperation, they are left clinging onto anything that could possibly bring protection. “Seven women will take hold of one man and say, ‘We will eat our own food and provide our own clothes; only let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace!’“. Many men had been killed; homes had been destroyed and valuables taken. Everything they believed would provide security is gone. Sometimes it takes desperation to finally turn to God. Have you ever been this desperate and helpless? The hope is the same yesterday, today and forever according to Isaiah, “In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel“. I believe Isaiah was talking to all of us that are out of options. Jesus gave us this promise, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing“. Isaiah continues, “Those who are left in Zion… will be called holy“. This spiritual truth is repeated over and over; even in devastation, God always leaves a remnant in order to rebuild. These times trouble can become a source of purification. “The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion“. The Holy Spirit of God alone can cleanse us completely.
In the rubble our priorities change. After we drop to our knees, God can begin His work, “He will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spiritof judgment and a spirit of fire“. Please understand that God does not send calamity to punish every disobedient person. Sin entered the world through Adam. God gave His law to His people as standard of perfection. Like a mirror, it reveals all of our imperfections “our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24). The consequences of sin can drive us toward repentance. In Acts 16, Paul yelled to the despondent jailer “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved you and your household“. There is healing and hope available right now.
Finally, the chapter closes with yet another picture of Christ the protector. Just as God lead His people out of Egypt, Isaiah says, God will create “over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night“. God often gave His people a clear sign of His presence. Our faith is so weak, like the Israelites of Exodus, we quickly turn to shiny idols if we don’t keep our eyes on the Almighty. Isaiah saw, “over everything the glorywill be a canopy… a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain“. Fire is a symbol of judgment, but this fire consumes itself. Your sin and mine were covered by the blood of Jesus. He took on our sin so that we could be restored. Whether you are in a storm or you see one on the horizon, there is one place to cling for protection and provision and restoration; the foot of the cross. Hebrew 3:15 calls to us all who are worn down and ready to give up, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion“. Be careful what you hold onto in times of trouble.