June 26, Don’t Forget to Sing!
Burst into song and shout for joy.
Isaiah 54:1
Pastor and author Ray Ortlund, Jr. has commented that this verse may be one of the most disobeyed commands in the Bible. He then explains why:
“Our exaggerated sense of decorum is the last bastion of pride holding out against the gospel. Some churches make it a virtue. But God doesn’t. He is creating a new world of boisterous happiness through Christ. We must rejoice with Him, or we may risk making our hearts impervious to salvation, because that holy but raucous joy is salvation.”[1]
Whether you agree with Ortlund’s appraisal or not, the truth remains that we do have a reason to celebrate with every breath: our salvation. So, while man may bemoan the headlines, God’s people should be rejoicing. And this is why.
The above verse represents a context within Isaiah, chapters 40-55, that focuses upon God’s restoration and release of His children from exile in Babylon. These chapters further pronounce that God saves us from our deepest captivity through Jesus Christ, and that He will one day make all things new through the return of Christ.
Now, pay close attention to this imagery. As chapter 54 opens, we hear the imperative, “sing out barren woman . . . for, more are the children of the barren woman than of her who has a husband.” Among cultures as reflected in ancient Israel, a woman’s barrenness brought shame. So, although Israel’s failures were before her, she could sing out, for God “relocated her happiness from herself (and that which was lacking) to Jesus Christ (and all that He fulfills).”[2]
Paul quoted this message from Isaiah in Galatians 4:21-32 when teaching the church that by faith in Jesus we are no longer enslaved by the law (referenced in Hagar the slave woman) but are free in our covenant with God (referenced in Sarah, the free woman). In Christ, there is freedom from the law and from condemnation caused by sin. Jesus has brought redemption, and we can indeed rejoice, even as Israel was called to rejoice:
“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,”
says the Lord.
Because God would permit Israel to have many children (many who will live for Him through faith in Christ), His people could indeed rejoice.
Today, you and I are called to rejoice in like manner over the salvation from our God. He has sent Christ to redeem all that is broken, and we can indeed “burst into song.”
If you have placed your faith in Jesus, then take a moment to look within and celebrate your salvation. But, also, take a moment to look around you. Do you see people other than yourself living for Christ? Do you see churches other than yours growing and making a difference? Then celebrate! This is the work of our Lord. And, because of your relationship with God through Jesus, you are a part of this. So, celebrate. Burst into song. I realize that many people struggle to feel excitement with something they are not directly involved. But, if you are a part of the Body of Christ, then any experience with the gospel directly involves you. So today, look around at the move of the Kingdom of Christ, and be excited about what God is doing both in our world and close to home.
Burst into song. Be glad and rejoice. Pray over the headlines and rejoice over the Gospel at work in our world.
Blessings.
Read Isaiah 54:1-17 and rejoice in our God who redeems and saves.
[1] Ray Ortlund, Isaiah – God Saves Sinners, (Wheaton: Crossway, 2005), 363.
[2]Ortlund, 365.
