Articles
The People of The Messiah
The People of The Messiah
We read in Isaiah 53 about the great suffering Servant who would save people from their transgressions. Such is fulfilled in the coming of Jesus, the son of God. He was despised and rejected. He was put to death but raised in victory. His death is the means for the forgiveness of the transgressions and sins of the people. At the end of this passage it speaks of 'his offspring' (53:10). Though he made his grave with the wicked yet he afterward would prolong His days. In the Resurrection of the Messiah we would find a new people of God. Chapter 54 continues to describe this 'offspring' of the Christ.
It begins: " '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" (vs. 1). Paul quotes this in Galatians 4:27 and applies it to the church, the people of God that follow Jesus the Christ. The people of God are not just the physical seed of Israel and are not restricted to one family but come from every nation, tribe and tongue. The gospel makes children of God from every nation (Matt. 28:18-19, Gal. 3:26-29).
With the increase in the number of the Lord's people they would enlarge their habitation (vs. 2-3.) No longer would they live in a small country in the Middle East, but would be from all of the earth. They worship God not in a particular place, but in every part of the world they worship in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:21-24).
This people would not be ashamed or disgraced (vs. 4). Though despised and rejected (like their savior was) they rejoice in the Lord (cp. Acts 5:41; 1Pet. 4:13-16; Matt. 5:12). Willing to suffer and be outcasts in this world because they are citizens of a greater kingdom. They gladly serve a more noble King with greater promises for His people.
Their Maker is their husband, the LORD (5). Though they were cast off and deserted, yet they would be restored and loved by the LORD their redeemer (6-7). They are espoused unto the LORD. He has loved them as a husband loves his bride.
God would make with them a covenant of Peace (vs. 10). This would be an eternal covenant that would never be removed. Such covenant would be based upon the steadfast love of God.
Though God would punish them (Babylon and the destruction of their nation) yet such would be 'for a brief moment' and then with great compassion He would gather them (vs. 7). This gathering would result in more children than before (vs. 1). This time they would be established and blessed for this time they would faithfully serve the LORD.
While the people of the first covenant were destroyed for lack of knowledge (Hos. 4:6), the children of this servant would all be taught (vs. 13; cp. Jer. 31:31-34, Heb. 8:8-12). They would be established in Righteousness and would be victorious over their enemies.
Brethren, WE are THIS PEOPLE! We are the offspring of the great Servant! We have been gathered from all nations and are now the children of God. We have a new covenant by which we have been reconciled unto God. Let us love the LORD as He has first loved us.
