Messiah and His Kingdom 4: Isaiah Devotional Journal 32-Praise!

Isaiah 11:1-12:6   Link to LXE

Praise!

But you dwell among the saints, O praise of Israel. (Psalm 22:(4)3, SAAS) (1)

The New Testament teaches that the risen Christ, the glorified Son of God, will marry his church (2). Now that’s a mystery, says the Apostle Paul (Ephesians 5:32).

Isaiah’s first peal of praise occurs in chapter 12. There God himself prophesies through his spokesperson Isaiah what his people, the church, will say “in that day.” This scene exemplifies what it means for Christ to be wedded to his church.

Why Church?

Why do I say Chapter 12 concerns the church? Simply because Isaiah writes repeatedly that God will save the remnant of his people and Gentiles (3). Jewish believers and Gentiles become one entity when Messiah comes bearing good news. This is also the understanding of New Testament authors, especially Paul. Luke verifies this understanding among the church fathers, primarily Peter (Acts 11:1-18; 15:1-31).

Isaiah 12

1 And in that day, you will say, “I will bless You, O Lord. Although You were angry with me, You turned away Your anger and had mercy on me.

2 Behold, God is my Savior and Lord. I will trust in Him and be saved by Him. I will not be afraid, for the Lord is my glory and my praise. He has become my salvation.”

3 You will draw water with gladness from the wells of salvation. [JOSV note: John 4:10]

4 In that day, you will say, “Praise the Lord; call upon His name. Declare His glorious things among the Gentiles and make mention that His name is exalted.

5 Sing to the name of the Lord, for He has done great things. Declare this in all the earth.

6 Exult and be glad, O inhabitants of Zion, for the Holy One of Israel is exalted in her midst.” (SAAS) (1)

Christians everywhere, rejoice in the Lord and his salvation!

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1 “Scripture taken from the St. Athanasius Academy SeptuagintTM. Copyright © 2008 by St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

2 See Revelation 19:7, 9; 21:2, 9; 22:17. See also Ephesians 5:32.

3 See Isaiah 11:10, 12, 14 and Isaiah 12:4. See also Journal 30 and Journal 31.

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