“For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back".
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The metaphor for our relationship with God is marriage...for good reason. Marriage is the only human relationship that can approximate the endurance and intimacy God's desired in His relationship with us. When we cut our human marriages short we rob ourselves of the ability to comprehend the fondest dreams God may have for us
In any marriage there are times when we need some distance from our spouse. Things are said, or done, that freeze the relationship for a time but...in a good marriage...it always thaws out. And, God's relationship with his children is a "good marriage".
Another characteristic of marriage is that it seldom turns out as planned. Many years into the experiment we have a tendency to look back and wish things were different...better. Well, in this chapter, God promises they will be.
Historically, Israel was at a point of barrenness. She was disillusioned and disappointed that God had not come through on so many occasions. The fact this situation was not the consequence of God's shortcomings but, of Israel's, isn't particularly important because it didn't mitigate Israel's disappointment...even though it probably should have.
The GLORY of this chapter is God's promise to Israel...to you and me. He says “Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” If we could humanize this text we would understand it to say everything we have ever desired in marriage will eventually come to fruition...our wildest dreams will come true.
So...let's think about our disappointment with God. It's only temporary.
For a brief time God moved into the spare bedroom. It wasn't His choice but...things had happened that He couldn't countenance. We both know who was at fault...even if we tried to deny it. Then God, in His matchless grace, came back and brought with Him...complete forgiveness.
It didn't matter to Him whose fault it was. Instead, He says "all your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace. In righteousness you will be established...no weapon forged against you will prevail".
I covet this promise. In spite of my failures God is always in the business of redeeming our relationship. It gives me a hope and confidence to serve Him one more day. And, I'll bet, if I acted more like God in my marriage my wife might have the courage to try it one more day as well.
Live boldly out there today...
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