“Break forth into singing and cry aloud!” That’s Isaiah’s exhortation to us after his prophecy of the sin-bearing Servant of the LORD. Sadly, it’s probably one of the most disobeyed commands in the Bible. For many proud church-goers, such boisterous exuberance is viewed with contempt. But God delights in it, and those who have tasted His grace will not be able to stay quiet for long. In Isaiah 54 the prophet uses three images to portray the surprising joys God’s people experience because of His great compassion. Regardless of past devastation or sorrow, a dramatic reversal is promised through the gospel. Like a woman whose heart breaks over the children she has not borne, the people of Israel had failed to bring new life to the world. But God is able to change this, and He promises to turn their barrenness into fruitfulness. Just as He blessed Abraham and Sarah with the offspring they longed for, His good purposes will accomplish in and through us what our own good intentions fail to produce. Because of Christ, the future is bright and His people can live with a spirit of expectancy, preparing for more people to be added to God’s growing family. Through the mission of the church, Christ’s reign will spread throughout the whole world. And this calls for loud, joyful singing! (v 1-3). Like a wife whose husband had left her, God’s people suffered His absence during their exile in Babylon. But a change is coming! He is returning with overflowing compassion and everlasting love. Even if our losses and regrets are due to our unfaithfulness, the LORD will not leave us in our dismay, for He is our faithful Husband. He is committed to the marriage and will draw us near to renew the joy and passion of a relationship now strained. Just as God’s wrath subsided after the flood of Noah’s day, He will bring an end to the Jewish exile and renew a “covenant of peace” with His beloved (v 4-10). Like a city that has decayed into a slum, God’s people have declined into a cheapened culture. But He will rebuild them, using the finest materials, and the transformation will be impressive. The storms will give way to peace. The oppression and terror will be replaced with righteousness and security. The LORD emphasizes His own all-sufficiency to complete the task. He brought about their discipline, and He is the One who will bring it to an end. Our own lives may tell a story of sin, defeat and ruin. But God is renovating us to the praise of His glory! And He promises to protect His people, defeating every enemy. Rejoice today that you are secure in Christ. Because of His power and grace, “no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed” (v 11-17). For further meditation: