Isaiah 49:13-23 – The Family of God Restored
We see the true Israel of God, or as she is known nowadays, the church, raised up from the ashes in verses 13. Verse 13 is celebrating what God had promised in the first half of this chapter. It does make us joy that our God, through His Saviour, is redeeming the world. It is a joyful thing! Over the next couple hundred years from Isaiah’s day the remnant of God would see sad things. And they would say, or at least be tempted to say in their hearts, what we have here in verse 14. She has doubts that God is willing to do anything for her, and she fears that there is no hope. How familiar does this sound to you? She does not yet know her beloved as well as she should, or she would not ask that question. Nor do you and I, when we ask. Our Jesus never, never forsakes us. His love for us continues ever and always, and His care never ceases. Just as a man sees his wife, and he delights in her face and in her form, and she is beautiful to him — so it is that Jesus looks upon His bride and looks upon every one of you who are His, that is, a member of His bride. You are written on His hands.
We go on to read now in verses 17 through 21 of the return of Jerusalem’s children. In a way, the church here, the bride of Christ, is bereaved of children. It is only a remnant, you see. And those who returned from exile in Babylon were pretty few in number. But God is saying that a time is coming when Jerusalem, when the church, will be filled. In verses 19-21 the church is dumbfounded. Where did these come from? All these children round about her saying, “We’re out of room.” That which is barren and desolate is made fruitful. This is looking to the desolation and barrenness of the nations in idolatry and darkness, being brought to spiritual fruitfulness through Christ.
Where did these children come from? That’s what we see in the last two verses. You are living fulfilment of this prophecy! In the covenant of grace God has saved to Himself a vast number of people. They come from all over the world and they flock to God’s standard. Who is God’s standard? It is Jesus. And to Him all are called upon to look. But it’s not just that people come. We see here, interestingly enough, that they’re brought along. It’s like little children, too tiny to walk. But they are borne along here not by their own parents, but by kings and queens, because the powerful ones of the earth, don’t come merely as new believers, but as leading their peoples with them.
Question
- What are the promises of these verses?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that Christ will never forsake His people.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.