Isaiah 55:12-13 – Joy To The World
It is the joy and peace that sinners have when they hear and believe the Gospel of grace that we’re observing here. The picture is of people led out, not by collar and leash, but with a gentle hand and strong supporting arm, from a place of horror and strife. They are led out to joy and peace. That is exactly what happens to the world as the Gospel goes forth, the Gospel of the Person of the Servant- Saviour and his substitutionary atoning work. Those who trust in Him go out from grief, from pain, from pointlessness. They are led forth from guilt, from shame, from filth, from wrath. None of these shall they ever see again. What a joyful prospect! They are led forth, then, to peace. Being justified by faith in Christ, they have peace with God (Romans 5:1). No more is there any of that which is left behind. Rather, they have God as their loving and everlasting Father, the Saviour as their beloved and loving Husband and Friend, the Holy Spirit as their indwelling life. They have fulfilment, quieted conscience, new love to God and His Word. They have growing confidence that all, in the hands of their Saviour, is being done well in and for them, no matter how uncomfortable at the moment. This is peace, indeed. As all creation was put out of sorts by man’s Fall (Genesis 3:17-19; Romans 8:19-22), so all Creation now rejoices together.
In these verses, the view is wide! The joy of the redeemed and their peace transforms them, and nations and societies are transformed, too. We have a picture here of thorns – small, weak, useless, ugly, like man wasted by his fall. Since the Fall, thorns and thistles have come from the fields, and man is marred. But God raises up, by His grace in Christ, those who have been thorns by nature and transforms them to cypresses – tall, stately, strong, and useful. The brier, like the thorn, is changed to that which is beautiful to look on and has a pleasing aroma to it, delighting all around it. There is no sign that this is only for Israel. Rather, it’s far as the curse is found. God’s name, Jehovah, is exalted and praised. All see that He has done this, and He alone. He is glorified, and He alone.
Questions
- How do we have peace with God?
- What is the thorn a picture of?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for the joy and peace we have in Christ.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.