No More Deserted!
Names are a big deal in the Bible.
They are not just a handle to use to find someone on Facebook; names are intricately linked to character qualities, divine assignment or to historical events. Cities have names that reflect the builder, the geography around it, or the ruler-ship of it.
After the promised judgment of Jehovah God on the city of Jerusalem (founded on peace) (and indeed the whole nation of Israel) because of repeated and flagrant worship of idols and false gods, this city was known in the region as Deserted and the land as Desolate. In Isaiah 62, God promises to return to the city He had once chosen for His Name to dwell, and to change its names to reflect His compassionate tenderness and delight: His Delight is in Her, Married, the City No Longer Deserted. His presence there will transform and restore everything that has been lost or stolen!
We have a similar picture of the restoration of God’s people in the last few chapters of Revelation, where Jesus wipes all the tears from the eyes of His beloved people, getting rid of death and sickness, and inviting them to the great wedding feast that has been prepared for His Bride. Festive garments are prepared for those who have gone about in rags for Jesus’ sake. Out of the dimly lit path of faith those who have walked, stumbled or crawled in the footsteps of Jesus are welcomed into the healing brilliance of the City where there is no night. It is no coincidence that all the materials from which the City is constructed are those produced by heat, pressure or persistent irritation…gold, gemstones and pearls.
This month’s song grew out of the promises of these passages. I hope you enjoy and are blessed by the hope and promise of seeing our Bridegroom face to face!
Following Jesus everyday in the everyday!
Christi
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