"On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have appointed watchmen; All day and all night they will never keep silent. You who remind the LORD, take no rest for yourselves; And give Him no rest until He establishes And makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth" Isaiah 62:6-7.
Most of us need reminders concerning things that are important. Daytimer appointment books saved the day for many people in a bygone era; now Google calendars has largely become the go-to tool in this internet age.
Surely our heavenly Father does not need to be reminded as we do, and yet Isaiah speaks of watchmen who "remind the LORD." Was the reminder for Yahweh's benefit, or for those who did the reminding?
The situation when Isaiah wrote was that God's covenant people were still captives in Babylon, and Jerusalem had not yet been restored as promised. The time was at hand, and yet the promises had not been fulfilled. Had God forgotten? If there was a momentary delay, it surely was for the benefit of those waiting for the promise. Patient waiting and watching were designed to create a sense of expectation and focus on the God of promises.
There is a secondary application of these words in Isaiah. Jerusalem is yet to become the ultimate praise in the earth in that the new Jerusalem has yet to come. With increased expectancy, we too tirelessly remind our Father of His promises. In so doing, we clarify what He has promised in our own minds, and thus more eagerly await what is to come.
Jesus taught us to pray, "Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10). That prayer is in perfect agreement with Isaiah's plea to remind God of His promises. As we daily yearn for the coming of the future Kingdom, we seek today that which aligns with this purpose and plan.
God has not forgotten His timeless plan to establish the kingdom of God on earth, but He challenges the people of God to bring their plans and pursuits in line with this great purpose. Is it possible that the coming of the kingdom has been delayed by a lack of passion for the kingdom by His people?
It is good to remind God of His promises today. He has not forgotten, but reminding Him of what He has promised will have an energizing effect on you as you do so. This promise focus will help direct all that you do and say today, for His glory and honor, and for advancing the cause of the kingdom.
©Steve Taylor, 2022 --Used by permission
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