A War Cry!

Isaiah prophesied of the coming of Jesus and in chapter 42 described him as the Lord’s servant, who was full of his spirit. Jesus would bring forth justice to the nations and to the Gentiles in particular. “a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice” (Isaiah 42:3). God would confirm his covenant to his chosen people and Jesus would bring light to the nations, open the eyes of the blind and open prison doors to set captives free. Those things prophesied of by the Lord have come to pass and now God would declare new things before they spring forth. The people of God are commanded to sing praises to him in joy and thanksgiving.

Isaiah said that God goes out to fight like a warrior. God gives a war cry and a battle shout to show his power against his enemies. War cries have been used by warriors in a battle to give each other courage or to send fear into the enemy’s camp. Isaiah’s reference suggested that God sends a sound of war to encourage his people that he is fighting for us. This war cry also sends shock waves to the enemy, to give up territory that belongs to the children of God. “For a long time I have held my peace; I have kept still and restrained myself; now I will cry out like a woman in labor; I will gasp and pant” (Isaiah 42:14). God will destroy the habitations of the wicked and provide guidance for the righteous. Those who worship other gods will be put to shame.

Although Isreal was rebellious and faced God’s judgment, he promised restoration and help. “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1). Although we pass through water and rivers, God is with us so that we are not overwhelmed. When we walk through the fire of affliction, we will not be burnt or consumed. God will give his enemies as a ransom and restore his people. There is no god like our God who is able to save and deliver his people. He made a way through the sea for Isreal and destroyed the chariots and the rider who pursued them. God wants us to forget the unpleasant things that happened in our past, because he is doing a new thing in this season.

Despite our sins and wrongdoing, God is always ready to defend, protect and deliver us from our enemies. He is worthy of our adoration and worship for all that he has done for us. As we worship God and press into his presence, he fights our battles. He sends out a cry of war and a battle shout, as our enemies are scattered. Angels are dispatched to fight on our behalf, as we are restored and renewed in the presence of God. We have to press in the place of prayer, repair our altars and never allow the fire to go dim. Our worship and praise is our sacrifice as a sweet smelling savour before God, it rises to his nostrils. “I will remove the northerner far from you, and drive him into a parched and desolate land, his vanguard into the eastern sea, and his rear guard into the western sea; the stench and foul smell of him will rise, for he has done great things” (Joel 2:20).

A.P.-Y.