All He Asks

May 19

Isaiah, 54:1-5 is a precious exposition of the promise of God to His people—first to Israel and then to the Church. The Lord begins by telling His own that they shall forget the shame of their youth—when they were in bondage—and will also be brought back from their infidelity to the ‘husband’ who made them His own.

It is easy to see the historical pattern stated here of the nation of Israel which was rescued early in its existence from slavery in Egypt then bought back again and again from the consequences of its idolatry. We who are believers in Christ see ourselves, too, in the redemption He provided from our bondage to sin as well as the continual cleansing He supplies when we allow ourselves to be negatively affected by the world.

Why does the Holy One seek us when we’re lost in slavery to sin? Why does He allow us to return to the waywardness from which He has redeemed us only to cleanse us afresh and restore us to fellowship with Him when we have shown ourselves to be unworthy of His great love and sacrifice? Why does He ignore our utter unworthiness?

Perhaps the answer lies in Isaiah 54:5 where He says, “Your Maker is your Husband—the Lord Almighty is His name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of the whole earth.” He has given us His heart! The almighty loves us as a bridegroom loves his bride! We are beautiful in His sight! Therefore, He has brought us out of bondage to sin and death—and all He asks in return is that we love Him back.