“Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head.” Isaiah 51:11
Dear Ones:
It is a consistent occurrence in Scripture to find joy being expressed by singing. This pattern was first established after the creation in the Garden of Eden. Isaiah writes in speaking of Zion (Jerusalem): “He (the Lord) will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord: JOY AND GLADNESS SHALL BE FOUND THEREIN, THANKSGIVING, AND THE VOICE OF MELODY.” (v.3) Eden must have been a most wonderful place before the Fall. Adam and Eve must have known fullness of joy, and consequently sang as an expression of that joy. In Job 38:4,7, the Lord, in speaking to Job with respect to the creation of the earth, and the rejoicing in that moment, said: “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth…,” “…when the morning stars SANG together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” Singing and joy go hand in hand, especially when that joy is Divine, and those singing, are in harmony with God.
In Isaiah’s prophesy concerning the return of the exiles to Jerusalem, he speaks of joy’s expression: “…and everlasting JOY shall be upon their head.” (51:11) What is the great truth here? It is that when God works, with His blessing revealed, it is a subject of great joy. When Gabriel visited Zacharias, concerning the birth of John the Baptist he declared to him: “…And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.”(Luke 1:14) When the angel of the Lord visited Mary, in His declaration concerning Christ’s birth, he said: “I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” (Luke 2:10) The great point is that, when God works, and His blessing is upon the work, either in creation or the announcing of some grand event, there is cause for great joy.
The context of Israel’s return to Jerusalem from captivity, was a sad one. It was one of suffering and want. However, because of the heart of God, the God who forgives and cleanses, and restores, there was great HOPE. That HOPE was amplified by the declaration of the revealed blessing of God, and His work in bringing the people back. The result was “…singing and joy.” What should be our reaction to the intervention of God today, the blessing of God in Christ? What should be our reaction to the revelation of His heart towards His people? The Lord, through the prophet Jeremiah said the following to Israel, who would be returning from exile: “….I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you…For I know the thoughts that I think toward you..thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jer. 29:10,11)
Dear Father, give us to realize something of Thy heart, a heart that is perfect and good in all of Thy dealings with us. Open our eyes to see the exquisite joy that is ours in being Thine, and being the beneficiaries of all Thy blessings in Christ. Strengthen our hearts to ever sing joyfully unto Thee, for Thou doest only wondrous things, especially for those who truly wait for Thee. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad