The Lord Will Restore
BRD REFLECTION 2025
(Ng Su-Ran from Discipleship & Nurture)
READ:
Isaiah 54 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
The prophet speaks to the Israelites in exile in Babylon – dispossessed of their land, their temple destroyed, living in shame and disgrace as captives in a foreign land. In their desolation, the prophet brings the message that God’s anger and punishment is only for a moment and that the Lord, with everlasting kindness and deep compassion, will call them back (v6-8). He assures them of God’s unfailing love that will not be shaken and the covenant of peace that will not be removed (v10).
He tells of a future where their descendants will be numerous and possess the nations (v1-3), their children will be taught by the Lord and be at peace, and where they will not fear tyranny or terror (v13-17).
He declares that this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and that their vindication is in the Lord (v17).
APPLY:
This passage tells of God’s deep love and compassion for His children, and that it has always been His plan to bring His children back and restore them.
While this passage was written in the Old Testament times and spoke of the future time of Christ and the church, its message of hope and restoration resonates with me.
In the current climate of uncertainty and turmoil, it is easy to be caught up with work and be distracted by worry and other demands. We lose ourselves to the world and stray from God, pushing Him away from our lives and end up living lives without His peace. However, we are not without hope or help. While we are lost and helpless, God Himself takes steps to bring us back to Himself.
It is a great assurance and comfort to know that when we disobey and stray from God, He does not abandon or reject us. Instead, by His grace, He will call us back to repentance and restore us.
DO:
I will set aside time daily to spend with God, to be still and know Him better, and to keep close to Him.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your everlasting love and compassion for us, and Your plans to restore us. I pray that those of us who disobey and stray from You will hear Your call and return to You. Amen.
