Day 28: Isaiah 4- The Branch

​And seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, “We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothes, only let us be called by your name; take away our reproach.”
The Branch of the Lord Glorified2 In that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and honor of the survivors of Israel. 3 And he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy, everyone who has been recorded for life in Jerusalem, 4 when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains of Jerusalem from its midst by a spirit of judgment and by a spirit of burning.5 Then the Lord will create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud by day, and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory there will be a canopy. 6 There will be a booth for shade by day from the heat, and for a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain.
 
 
Meditation
“The Branch” in Scripture always reminds me of Jim Branch, a Young Life leader who showed me God’s love when I was a teenager.  My Dad had forgotten my birthday and I was sitting around wondering how my sadness over this reality could be remedied. Jim Branch heard of my circumstance, bought two milk shakes, and came to sit and share with me.  His intentional love and presence transformed my circumstances.
 
“Take away our reproach!” (1) This is the cry of people who want judgment abated and their circumstances transformed. But how can a Holy and Just God show mercy and steadfast love, ceasing His just judgment? There must be a substitute, a representative, someone who can pay the price for sin and restore God’s loving presence with His people. Isaiah 4 introduces a savior, “The Branch,” who would intentionally show redeeming love and transform circumstances.
 
In the day of restoration and renewal for God’s people (3) there is a removal of reproach, washing for all who have been “recorded for life.” (4) The Branch, later explained to be from the root of Jesse (11:1), a King greater than king David (Jeremiah 23:5), and a servant of the Lord (Zechariah 3:8), will save.  The Branch will exalt God’s glory over everything (5) as a tabernacle for shade and a shelter from the storm (6).
 
The Branch is HOPE, salvation from the Lord. The Branch is One who transforms our circumstances with God’s intentional love.
 
Richly Dwelling
-God sends a Savior to take the judgment of His people, to “wash away our filth.” What filth do you need to confess and experience forgiveness for?
 
-God’s love is shown in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). This is clearly an ancient plan with powerful implications for your present circumstances. Who in your life needs to know this love? Pray for them and look for Divine appointments to share this love with those He puts in your path.
 
Key Verse
2 In that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and honor of the survivors of Israel.