“For I, the Lord, love justice.
I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering and make an everlasting covenant with them.”
Isaiah 61:8
This chapter contains amazing promises. I was reminded God never makes a promise without keeping it. Many times, it takes time for the promise to come to pass, and there are many examples in His Word of such promises -Abraham, Noah, Joseph, to name a few.
In this chapter the promises were made to the Jewish people who had just returned from captivity. God had promised to settle them each in their own land. That’s what was happening now although this was meant for that time period. God still planned to extend the same promises to us His church. He still gives us the same hope and promises during times of difficulty and devastation.
God had just brought them back to their ruined land, but with a promise; He was making a covenant with them. This place had become a wasteland. God was going to let them rebuild. He was promising to raise up and rebuild the waste cities which were destroyed and had laid bare. This was miraculous. They never thought God would do this for them, but He did just like He does with the devastated places in our lives. He lovingly brings us back what was destroyed and rebuilds it but only better!
God was reminding them that He loves justice. We learn this from the story of Abraham. "I have chosen him so that he will direct his children and his family after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just. In this way I, the LORD, will do what I have promised Abraham," Genesis 18:19.
God was letting him know, He Himself was with him to do what He promised. Abraham was to do and teach what was right and just.
In the story of Noah. We see all sorts of evil taking place. "So God said to Noah, 'I have decided that all living creatures must die, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. Now I am about to destroy them and the earth,'" (Genesis 6:13). In this story, we see the righteousness and holiness of God, what was right and just even though the whole world was destroyed. God restored and rebuilt everything that was lost from the devastation.
In the story of Joseph, “He said to his brothers, "I am about to die, but God will certainly take care of you and lead you out of this land to the land he solemnly promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." (Genesis 50:24)
God restored the broken relationship between Joseph and his brothers. God brought His people back from slavery and devastation to a place that flowed with milk and honey. God hated the injustice of slavery.
In all these three stories, we find God prevails in justice. He loves what is right. He is faithful and will reward His people. He makes everlasting covenants with us, and He keeps His promises.
"Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments; 10but repays those who hate Him to their faces, to destroy them; He will not delay with him who hates Him, He will repay him to his face." (Deuteronomy 7:9-10 NASB)
What is a covenant? It’s an agreement between God and His people. God makes a commitment to do something. He makes a pledge to carry out a promise. It’s a strong bond between God and His child.
This passage is a beautiful promise between God and His people. It still stands today for you and me. When injustice seems to have prevailed in our lives, it’s not true. It’s for the moment. God takes the injustice done to us and rebuilds; He restores better than our former days. This is a sign of His great love towards us. Whatever you're facing, know He hates it, too. He sure will put a stop to it. Most importantly, He will turn the wasteland into a fertile and fortified land, stronger than it was before. Instead of shame, there will be joy.
So, what were the cities? They represented their homes. They would rebuild their homes to raise their families. Their land would produce good and plentiful crops for food. Wells of fresh, clean, and drinkable water would be dug and everything else they needed to be successful in the land they were living in.
Be assured today, no matter what you have faced, or are facing, the same God of Abraham, Noah, and Joseph is making a covenant with you. He will bring you back to the days of joy, peace, and plenty. Regardless, of where you were sent to, He is bringing you back. This is His promise to you. It’s personal to you and your situation. “I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering.” Whatever you're going through, He will be faithful and give back to you what was stolen. He will reward you for the years of what the locusts have eaten. It shall come back with no more delays.
Dr. Teresa Allissa Citro
Founder and President