A Place of Promise

So to follow this post best, you really just need to read all of Isaiah 54 and Galations 4.

I'm going to try to explain the really cool things God showed me with these passages, but it will be difficult if you don't read them.

God gave me the passages of Isaiah 54 and 55 for the Peace Place form its birth. In fact, that is where it got its name.

Isaiah 54:10

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54:13

All your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be your children's peace.

Isaiah 55:12

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

However, Isaiah 54 and 55 are prophetic and use the words "you" and "your" a lot making it difficult to know who the verses are actually supposed to be applied to. The last verse of ch54 does say "This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD". So it seems is could apply to anyone who is or is going to be God's servant.

Another thing I've had trouble understanding is the concept of the "Barren Woman" described at the beginning of the chapter. I've applied it to the people of Jordan Loop and their spiritually barrenness and neediness being replaced by intimacy with God and fruitfulness. And more recently as I have struggled with not being married and desiring family I have applied it to myself - that the Lord will give me children that are not my own and the He is my husband(v5). But, I was so excited to find Galations 4 because it quotes this part from Isaiah (Gal 4:27) and gives me some biblical explanation. Sarah was a barren woman who in fulfillment His promise, God made the mother of innumerable descendants. Not just physically, but spiritually - those of us who have been born into the promise and freedom of Christ. Like Isaac we are born of a promise and like Isaac our lives have also been substituted for by a lamb. And guess what precedes ch54? Ch53 is all about Jesus and his death for us, ending with, "For he bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors". That is why the barren woman can rejoice! Christ has made a way for us to be children of promise. Which finally tied together for me the one other part of ch54 that I didn't understand - v9 about Noah - How does Noah fit in? God made a promise to him not to destroy the earth and now He has made a promise to us - the new covenant in Christ - the covenant of peace that covers our sin with His love! How incredible! Oh yeah, and guess when God showed me this. The day after I decided to make the first children's room that would be used for the Peace Place rainbow themed. :O) Haha - He is funny and awesome and good and faithful!