“Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff.” Isaiah 41:15
The history of America is a miraculous one. It began in the hearts and spirits of those, who throughout the ages, have longed for liberty and freedom from tyranny. We often think of the Europeans, especially those who were affected by the Reformation, when the Spirit of God began to move mightily throughout nations, blessing the word of God which finally was written in the language of the people. The contrast to what was written in the Book, with that which sinful man devised was radical. It would be then that some men would turn away from the writings of men, to embrace the edicts of God. The spiritual conflict, which had always existed before that time, since Adam’s sin, would be magnified, touching nations, and changing the course of history. Out of that period of conflict and turmoil, the battle raged in opposition to that which was new and fresh, the concept of true liberty and freedom. In this conflict, the consideration of the kingdom of God was foremost. The idea that true freedom was first and foremost a spiritual freedom from the tyranny of sin and Satan, began to lay hold upon many. That freedom, by the power of God, was given to believers, enabling them to embrace the concepts of true freedom, opposing the tyrannical oppression by sinful men. Prayer was made, and the God of liberty, intervened in history. Many would thus set sail from the oppression of the kings of Europe, to find liberty of conscience in the new world. A seed had been planted in the hearts and minds of those who were, not only seeking liberty, but willing to lose their lives in the pursuit of it. God had planted it, and God would cause it to come to fruition.
In the history of Israel, the nation was made the slave of Babylon. She had refused the authority of God upon her life, so that God could not bless her with protection from her enemies. Her bonds were more than physical, but by that which was physical, she became a prisoner in mind and heart of another, even an enemy that did not believe in her God. She would remain a prisoner for seventy years. However, even before here captivity, God gave her a promise: “Thus saith the Lord, ‘That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon, I will visit you, and perform My good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.'” (Jer. 29:10) God would go on to reveal to Jeremiah in prison during the siege by the Babylonians, that He would not only bring the people back out of captivity, but bless them, forgiving their sins, and manifesting His goodness and prosperity to them. (Jer. 33) It would be a long and difficult passage, and path, but it was certain that God would accomplish His word to them. How would He do this?
God began by comforting them, telling the people that their “warfare had ended.” (Is. 40:1-2) He then would reveal to them His means and way of restoration. His Word, and adherence to it, would be the basis of His working. He would reassure them again and again of His favor towards them, promising them the necessary strength, and His upholding might. (40:31,10) He would also begin to reveal to them what He would make them to be by His grace and power. “Behold, I WILL MAKE THEE…a new sharp threshing instrument.” (41:15) The Christ who would build His living church, would make Israel to be a nation again, one where His glory would be revealed. Essential to this endeavor was the God’s call to Israel to forget the past, according to the revealed will of God, and to live in the present moment, by His power, for His glory, being a witness, a beholder of God in worship, and a proclaimer by word and life of the glory of God. Jerusalem would be built, and the temple’s foundation, laid.
Dear Father, Fill us with Thy zeal and power to glorify Thee. In Jesus’ name, Amen.