“Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it [even] to the end of the earth; say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob.” (Isa 48:20 AV)
What a verse! Isaiah looks forward to the time when the 70 years of captivity to Babylon are over. Cyrus the Persian declares Israel can return to Palestine and rebuild the temple. Artaxerxes the Mede decrees that Nehemiah can return to repair the walls of Jerusalem. It is actually a sad thing to learn how many returned compared to how many remained dispersed. A fraction of those who gained their freedom returned with joy to fix what they had done wrong. How like today’s churches, Israel was in the past. Only a fraction who truly appreciate what God has done for them in deliverance from sin will go forth and praise the name of the LORD to a lost and dying world. Having gained their freedom, Israel sings with joy. They flee from their captors. They want nothing to do with those who used an and abused them. At least a few of them did. The rest were content to remain in pagan lands under the influence of pagan people. They abandoned their heritage and calling. At least to the degree that they were not fully committed. Sure, they still remained orthodox Jews while dispersed throughout the world. But they never stood for God among a hate-filled world. Only those who knew what God had done for them, appreciated it, and took advantage truly fled the influence of their captors for a chance to praise God and live according to His word!
Just about this time of year, there are students running from school buildings throwing papers, notebooks, or tests in the air. Held captive for almost ten months, they have a few months of freedom to do as they please. No teachers. No homework. No schedule. No studying. Nothing but warm summer days, bike rides, a day in the park, or a dip in the pool. Free at last! Just about this time of year, there is an auditorium filled with your people wearing square hats on their heads. These hats have only one function. They are a onetime use item. Years of hard work point to this single day. The student counts down the years. He or she counts down the days. Commencement day arrives. Now the student is dressed in a robe. He or she sits through an hour or two or four of educated people droning on about how important life-choices will be. They give hope and dreams to the young men and women who will venture into adult life. That is not where their mind resides. Only one thing in on their minds. It is not a career. It is not marriage. It is not a new place to live or an apartment of their own. The only thing on their mind is when the announcement of the class of whatever year it is presented by the chancellor is made, hats will fly! The celebration of accomplishment and freedom commences.
Jesus has delivered us from far worse than Babylon or a biology class. Calvary has freed us from far worse than living in a foreign land or having to take finals. The offering of Jesus Christ has delivered us from sin, hell, and the fear of death. We are free indeed. If that is the case, I think a celebration is in order! There should be a natural reaction to the understanding of how free Calvary has made us. Isaiah looked ahead. He saw what would transpire when Israel was set free. And here is another thought. The fact that the extreme minority was the one rejoicing at their divinely sent deliverance did not take away from the degree of that celebration. Yes, all Israel should have returned in rejoicing and praise. But Isaiah saw a few. And a few were so impressive in their gratitude and praise that it made all the difference. So, if you are one of the few, keep it up. You are making a difference. The man of God notices. God is pleased and grateful. The world will take note. God’s work will get done. If you are in the majority and do not feel especially grateful for what God has done, why not? Get excited. Show your appreciation. Tell others what God can do for them! Praise be to God.
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