Your Maker is Your Husband

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Your Maker is Your Husband

Date: Dec. 31, 2023

Passage

Isaiah 54:1-8 (ESV)

1   “Sing, O barren one, who did not bear;
    break forth into singing and cry aloud,
    you who have not been in labor!
  For the children of the desolate one will be more
    than the children of her who is married,” says the LORD.
2   “Enlarge the place of your tent,
    and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out;
  do not hold back; lengthen your cords
    and strengthen your stakes.
3   For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left,
    and your offspring will possess the nations
    and will people the desolate cities.
4   “Fear not, for you will not be ashamed;
    be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced;
  for you will forget the shame of your youth,
    and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.
5   For your Maker is your husband,
    the LORD of hosts is his name;
  and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer,
    the God of the whole earth he is called.
6   For the LORD has called you
    like a wife deserted and grieved in spirit,
  like a wife of youth when she is cast off,
    says your God.
7   For a brief moment I deserted you,
    but with great compassion I will gather you.
8   In overflowing anger for a moment
    I hid my face from you,
  but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,”
    says the LORD, your Redeemer.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 54:5

  For your Maker is your husband,
    the LORD of hosts is his name;
  and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer,
    the God of the whole earth he is called.

Sing, enlarge the place of your tent, and fear not! These are the commands of God for the people of Israel. In the Old Testament, the relationship between God and the nation Israel is compared to that of a husband and wife. Unfortunately, though, Israel had cheated in this marriage by worshiping other gods. As a result, they would be sent into captivity in Babylon and experience much shame and disgrace. However, God commanded them to sing because this was not the end of their relationship. They could sing because he promised to multiply their offspring. God commanded them to enlarge the place of their tent because he would restore their inheritance and expand their territory. They would possess the nations and populate the desolate cities. Furthermore, they were to fear not because God would completely remove their shame and disgrace. Their situation was hopeless, but God was their husband and he would redeem them. Israel suffered His wrath and anger for a brief time, but his love and compassion are forever.

What a tremendous reversal of fortune! If the Lord is your husband, what do you have to fear? What do you have to be ashamed of? You can rest in the hands of your Maker and Redeemer. It is time for you to sing and rejoice in him as well.

Prayer: Prayer: Father, your love and mercy never end.

One Word: One Word: The LORD is your Redeemer

A Powerful Prayer

Acts 4:23-37

Key Verse: 4:29-30

And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

Today's Question

What does the fourth commandment require?

See answer and references