Isaiah's Psalm

ON THE WAY UP (16)

Isaiah's Psalm
(Chapter 12)

SOME of the prophets wrote songs which have no place in our Book of Psalms. This is a notable one. It is to be sung "In that day", a phrase often used by the prophet in his predictions. It frequently refers to some event in this history of God's earthly people, but since here it follows the announcing of the Child born and the Son given (Isaiah 9:6) and the Spirit-endowed Branch (11:1-2), we can confidently apply it to our times, the day of grace, and sing in celebration.

1. A Day of Comforting Forgiveness. The nearer we get to the Lord, the more we can feel of His anger against sin. Indeed, quite apart from God's feelings, we are angry with ourselves. Thank God, though, the anger has passed for ever, and His gracious comfort is sweet to our souls.

2. A Day of Saving Protection. To be fearful of the unknown future is natural enough and is a healthy matter of concern to those who know nothing of God's salvation. For us, however, who have found shelter under that very wonderful name of the LORD JEHOVAH, the Saviour Jesus, there need be no more fear. I will trust, and I will sing as I trust, but fear has no place in the lifestyle of a believer.

3. A Day of Joyful Renewal. God's grace is likened to a well, or more accurately to "wells of salvation". Even if we fail to let down our bucket, the water is there waiting for us. However empty the bucket may be when I let it down, it always comes up full, and even running over. I understand that Jacob's well is the one absolutely certain landmark in Israel. The Samaritan woman said, "The well is deep" (John 4:11). It needed to be to have lasted all these centuries. Christ's well is eternal and it is bottomless. It provides a joy that no man can take from us (John 16:22). But we must keep on drawing up its waters.

4. A Day of Triumphant Witness. "Let this be known in all the earth". Joy shared is joy multiplied, and to us is given the privilege of letting others know of these wells of salvation, and to sing as we do so. We are not here to proclaim how needy people are. By the aid of the convicting Spirit they can discover that for themselves. Our great privilege is both to call upon the Lord's name and to make known His doings among the peoples. His name is indeed exalted, but it is our glad task to mention that fact to all who will listen.

5. A Day of Glorious Indwelling. References to "The Holy One of Israel" abound in Isaiah's writings, but this song of his ends with appreciation of the wonderful fact that this Great One actually lives within us. "In that day", Jesus Himself affirmed, "In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you" (John 14:20). It is something to cry aloud and shout about! It is also something to be lived out in daily life. Isaiah has already said that the LORD JEHOVAH is not only his strength but also his song (verse 2). Even the least musical of us can have a part in the heavenly symphony, since the Lord Jesus lives in our hearts.

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