Good News brings Rejoicing

November 30, 2014 Background Scripture: Isaiah 52:1, 2, 7 – 12; Psalm 33 Lesson Passage: Isaiah 52:1, 2, 7 – 12 It was the custom of the time to use runners to carry good news from the battlefield to the rulers back home. When the watchman of the city spied a single runner coming their way, it was clear that the person was bearing good news and bringing it in haste. A single runner coming was a beautiful sight to behold. The swiftness of their feet would not delay the celebration for the families who were waiting in anticipation of news from the battlefield. The watchman would shout to the gatekeeper so that the gate could be opened to receive the runner. The prophet, Isaiah, used the imagery of the runner to describe the prophetic word as the delivery of good news from God to His people. Isaiah had good news from the Lord and he wanted to ensure that Israel understood it as such and celebrated it. The nation of Israel was in captivity in Babylon but God was about to deliver them from exile. Our lesson today exhibits one of the characteristics often found in prophetic writing. It contains a message that has more than one interpretation. First, the text of today’s lesson provides an encouraging note to the Israelites in Babylonian exile. They were encouraged to praise God and shout for joy because their long anticipated deliverance was at hand. Israel would be returning to Zion. They would not have to rush because God would be their rear guard and escort them. In other words, they would not be rushed or fear for their safety because God had their back. They were admonished to purify themselves and separate from anything unclean as they ceremonially prepared for the arrival of their God. The nation that claimed the Lord as their God would be blessed. The completeness of their deliverance is indicated by the assurance that no one who was outside of the covenant family would again enter the Holy City, Jerusalem. The uncircumcised Babylonians had razed the city and destroyed the temple as well as the wall around the city. However, the day was coming when Jerusalem would again be a citadel for physical protection. The purity of the temple and the sanctity of the city would be protected by God. As one continues to examine the content of the good news of the text, it becomes clear that there is another interpretation that will not be fulfilled until Christ sets up his earthly kingdom. The very presence of mortal people will defile the Holy City. Only after the presence of sin is banished forever will the church be glorified. At that time, the redeemed, who will have glorified bodies, will populate Jerusalem and the city shall be pure. The beautiful sight of the swift feet of the runners of old caused celebration to break out in the city. The prophetic word of Israel’s deliverance from exile and return to Zion was reason for celebrating God’s goodness. Today, we can celebrate everyday because we know that Jesus will return and set up an earthly kingdom. This good news should cause rejoicing. Robert C. Hudson November 24, 2014