Isaiah 62

Today's reading in our daily plan is Isaiah 62. Take a moment to pray, asking God to speak to you from this passage. Then read, using the following notes and questions to help you get everything out of the passage.

SAY WHAT? (What is the passage saying?)

• Building off of the same feelings from the previous two chapters, Isaiah 62 brings additional words of comfort to the people of Jerusalem. God opens the passage by saying he will not stop his pursuit for his people's hearts until they are made righteous again. (Righteousness is a term that can be defined as living according to God's will). God points out that as a result of this newfound righteousness, the Gentiles will see it and take notice. 

• Since Jerusalem was taken into captivity by Babylon, they became known for feeling forgotten and destroyed. God said that they should forget those feelings and gives a command that a new name be given . He continues and calls Jerusalem "Hephzibah" and "Beulah" which means "my delight is in her" and "married".

• Starting in verse 10, God gives a command to prepare the way for his people because a Savior is coming.

SO WHAT? (What are the underlying principles?)

• God's divine care and relentless pursuit of his people is revealed. Even though his chosen people had continually denied him, God chose to bring them out of their sin and back into a relational life with him.
• God also mentions a Savior in verse 11. This is important because Jesus is the only person that can allow us to have a relationship with God.

NOW WHAT? (How will you personally apply this passage?)

• Do you understand how much God loves you and would love to have a relationship with you? Do you know that God wants you to be made righteous so that you can live a full, healthy life with him? If you've been exploring the idea of God, try taking some more steps and praying to him or talking with others about who God is.