Hope in the Lord
Last week we joined the crowds on the Downs to cheer on the
Olympic torch relay procession as it made its way across Bristol. The
prophesies in the following chapters of Isaiah continue the picture of
preparing a processional highway for the Lord coming to Jerusalem. The main
theme is the proclamation that God is about to restore the exiled Jews in
Babylon to their own land, which is ultimately fulfilled in the future coming
and glory of God in the New Testament.
In this familiar passage Isaiah describes the majesty of God
and then moves on to describe his goodness. Such a God is able to deliver and
restore his people if they will trust him and draw their strength from him.
V31 gives a promise to those who ‘hope in the Lord’. ‘Hope in
this context means to trust or to look expectantly. The Lord promises that
those who hope in the Lord will exchange weakness for strength. The Hebrew word
is used to denote a change of clothes (Gen 35 v2 Judges 14 v12) In the same way
that we get up in the morning and put on new clothes for the day, we can look
at God’s majesty and goodness and can choose to clothe ourselves with
Christ (Col 3 v 12)
And as we do God will
renew our strength to run the race he has set before us. ‘We will soar on wings
like eagles, will run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint’.
Take a moment to choose to ‘hope in the Lord’ and to allow
him to renew your strength.
(husband and wife)