Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"You shall be named the priests of the LORD"
Text: Isaiah 61:6
FURTHER GLIMPSES OF GOD’S WORK
The rebuilding of the devastated land was not all that God was planning to do. We have more glimpses of the work God was planning to do:
“But you shall be named the priests of the LORD,
They shall call you the servants of our God.
You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles,
And in their glory you shall boast.
Instead of your shame you shall have double honour,
And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion.
Therefore in their land they shall possess double;
Everlasting joy shall be theirs.”
Isaiah 61:6-7
1. God’s work in building lives.
a) The people would be called “priests of the LORD”.
i) This is not a reference to the Aaronic priests.
ii) Nor is it a reference to the Levites.
b) God would help the people become “priests”.
i) They would be holy.
ii) They would seek to serve the LORD heartily.
c) They would be greatly appreciated as:
i) Faithful servants of God.
ii) Effective ministers of the LORD.
2. Fears dismissed
a) Some people fear that if they serve the Lord, they will miss out.
b) God allayed these fears and gave a word of encouragement.
i) The wealth of the Gentiles would be given.
ii) Those who serve faithfully will receive the benefit of the glory of the Gentiles.
3. The Past would not be remembered.
a) It was clouded by shame.
b) There was also much confusion.
c) Those experiences need not be remembered or repeated.
d) The challenge was to reject that which was wrong and sinful.
e) And to begin and sustain a strong relationship with God!
4. The future of the faithful.
a) Double honour would be given.
b) A great portion would also be provided for.
c) In fact, the faithful would receive double.
d) They would also be blessed with joy that is everlasting.