In today’s reading portion, the Prophet Isaiah, after speaking of the devastation of Judah (Verses 12-14), describes a future time of blessing in the land and of the people when God is ready to restore them  and also to a time of the millennial rule of the Messiah.  Our key verse speaks of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit which will revive and regenerate the nation.

Though judgment is pronounced on a nation that had become complacent as seen in the attitude of women (vs.9) the LORD has a way to reversing the disaster. The prophet told them that they should beat their breasts, tremble, put on sackcloth and shudder as they cry out to God in true repentance until He pours out the Spirit from heaven.  When the Spirit is poured out, they will have the same benefit of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit as do believers in the Church Age today. When the Spirit starts to work in them, they will have an inward desire to do the will of God.  

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Thus the revival leads into the following 4 results:-

 

First, justice will dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field (32:16). Judah’s relationship with Yahweh had been like a desert.  Righteousness and justice had withered away while the people had abandoned God’s ways and pursued after their own goals. But there is a reversal of judgment here when fruitfulness will again fill the land when Judah would live in relationship with God in holy living. Hebrews 10:10 says, “…… we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” We who are justified through Christ will be brought to a life of blessing in Him.

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Secondly, the results of righteousness will be peace, quietness, and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest (32:17-18). The fruit of righteousness is peace! The person who has received the grace of the LORD’s forgiveness is at peace with Him. Bible says “For He (Christ) Himself is our peace…” (Ephesians 2:14). 

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Thirdly, the destruction and humiliation of Judah’s enemies are seen. Though hail flattens the forest and the city will be leveled completely… (32:19).  The specific city that will be leveled completely and overthrown at the time of Israel’s restoration is the city of Babylon. Col. 2:15 says, “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he (Christ) made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” We too have victory over the enemy through Christ Jesus!

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Fourthly, we see material blessings coming to the land: How blessed you will be, sowing your seed by every stream, and letting your cattle and donkeys roam free (32:20). Even the animals will have abundant pasture because of the plenty. 2Cor 9:8 says, “……..that you, always having all sufficiency in all things…”    Our sufficiency is found in Christ who is our eternal Sustainer!

This is the picture of revival. When there is no revival and repentance in the hearts of God’s people, there is complacency and pride.  When the pride of person gives way to humility and repentance, the Holy Spirit is poured out in a revival of hearts and minds which brings cleansing, transforming lives, setting things right and bringing peace with God and reconciliation with others. We need revival in our own lives, families, church, community, and nation.

Prayer: “Oh Lord, that we would repent so that You may pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us in revival.”