The last chapters of Isaiah (40-66) are addressed to the people of God in exile. Today, believers in our nation are waking up to the reality of the church being in exile. If not exile, we could certainly say “in a strange land” as we witness followers of Jesus being marginalized as enemies in the cultural narrative.  Peter’s words seem to ring true, “I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul” (I Peter 2:11). I encourage men to view themselves as aliens passing through a foreign and hostile land.

Earlier chapters of Isaiah 40-66 can be an encouragement as we sojourn with Jesus through “occupied land.” Chapter 42 begins with God’s assurance of deliverance for his people.  Isaiah declares, “The Lord will march out like a mighty man, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies” (Is 42:13).  When God appears as a warrior, the victory of God over evil is assured.  Men, don’t be fooled by modern-day political correctness; God is a warrior who will finally set matters straight.

One day soon God will break his silence. “For a long time, I have kept silent, I have been quiet and held myself back.  But now, like a woman in childbirth, I cry out, I gasp and pant” (Is. 42:14).  “He had not made an appearance as a warrior for a long time, but that is about to change.  He is about to give birth to his righteous anger toward the enemy of his people” (CSB Study Bible).   

All of creation will be impacted by God’s appearance as a warrior.  No obstacle in society can stand in his way.  Amid this eruption God will miraculously lead his people through some turbulent times.  The Message says, “I’ll take the hand of those who don’t know the way, who can’t see where they’re going.  I’ll be right there to show them what road to take, make sure they don’t fall into the ditch.  These are the things I’ll be doing for them – sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute” (Is 42:16).  “This means that their worst fears – that God has either abandoned them or is helpless to come to their aid – are groundless” (Isaiah – Oswalt). 

Isaiah then gives this reminder: “But those who invested in the no-gods are bankrupt – dead broke” (Is. 42:17 – Message).  Men, we need to ask what the “no-gods” are that our culture trusts in for the future.  We are asked to trust in various institutions, ideologies, technologies, government policies, etc. All these, Isaiah reminds us, will fail. Our hope lies in Jesus and His kingdom. We will be considered a “remnant”; those who have separated themselves from foreign occupation.

Our great hope in the days to come, whether we can consider ourselves in exile or simply living in a strange land, is knowing God will one day be aroused and come forth as judge of all the earth. “Our God comes and will not be silent, a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages. He summons the heavens above, and the earth that he may judge his people” (Psalm 50:3-4). 

Lest we think God does not care, Psalm 50:21 tells us, “While you did all this, I remained silent, and you thought I didn’t care.  But now I will rebuke you, listing all my charges against you.”  Men, be vigilant during this polarized time.  God is about to act.    

Recently, while walking in the hallway of our apartment building, a widow had displayed outside her apartment a plaque which read, “God has not forgotten you.”  It caught my attention.  My wife and I continually ask the Lord for grace to be light for Jesus in our apartment building.  Among the many issues we sense among seniors is loneliness, especially those who have lost their mates.  As I walk by the various apartments, I often pray for the Lord’s presence to be with those who live there.

In our community of seniors, we live with the ever present reality of “nearing the eternal shore.”  We talk about “Jesus coming” not only in  his second coming, but also of his taking us home.  When people feel isolated , forgotten by their loved ones, a sense of abandonment can invade their hearts. It can cause doubt about God’s loving presence. They need to be encouraged that “Jesus will carry them” home as they near their final home.

At  our Thursday bible study, I shared the words from the plaque Miriam had on display, along with the following passage from Isaiah 49:15-16, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?  Though she may forget I will not forget you!  See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”  

The NET bible makes this comment about the passage.  “The Lord has an innate attachment to Zion, just like a mother does for her infant child.  But even if mothers were to suddenly abandon their children, the Lord would never forsake Zion.  In other words, the Lord’s attachment to Zion is like a mother’s attachment to her infant child, but even stronger.”  

Men, I don’t know where you are on your journey.  You could be experiencing loneliness, feeling forsaken, living in a disconnected culture without nurturing human relationships, not having a sense of belonging.  Jesus calls us a “little flock.”  He is aware of our vulnerable. But he promises his presence (the kingdom).  “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32).  He knows our sense of being forsaken in this confused world causing us to wonder if anyone cares.  The Psalmist declared, “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me” (Ps 27:10)

Men, there will be times when you will feel abandoned on your journey.  Here is a wonderful promise from Isaiah. “When you go though rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” (Is. 43:2).  The Application Bible has this note, “If you try to make it with your own strength, you will likely drown.  If you invite the Lord go with you, he will be in the river with You and teach you how to navigate the treacherous waters”

My encouragement is to keep your eyes on Jesus and let him carry you.  The psalmist describes the journey in these words.   “Happy are the people whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a source of spring water; even the autumn rain will cover it with blessings”(Ps 84:5-6 CSB).   

We grow stronger when the journey is intently toward Jesus, even though we must pass through “the valley of affliction” (NET).  “The joyful tears of the pilgrims transformed the source of sadness and grief into a spring of blessing” (CSB Study Bible).