Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"You will not be put to shame"
Text: Isaiah 54:4
BATTLING THE FEAR OF SHAME
Israel had lived with shame for a very long time. Firstly, the nation had become broken up into two kingdoms. They were involved in many wars and had suffered numerous defeats. Israel was conquered by the Assyrians and Judah went into captivity when it was overwhelmed by the Babylonians! They were afraid concerning the future. Would they experience more shame?
“Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed;
Neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame;
For you will forget the shame of your youth,
And will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore.”
Isaiah 54:4
1. “Do not fear”
a) This was a necessary word to hear.
b) Israel must find new courage and boldness.
c) The nation must return to God.
2. The following were common fears:
a) The fear of shame and humiliation.
b) The fear of being disgraced.
c) The past history of Israel was pock-marked with shame.
d) The fear of failure was very high.
3. Negative feelings.
a) Israel felt like a widow in deep mourning.
b) It remembered the years of shame as a youth:
i) In rebellion.
ii) In disobedience.
iii) In forsaking God.
iv) In the worship of idols.
c) The nation suffered great reproach:
i) From their neighbours.
ii) From their conquerors.
iii) From the LORD!