DAY 17

Jerusalem Will Be a Crown of Glory in the Hand of the Lord

“For Zion’s sake I will not hold My peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, And her salvation as a lamp that burns. The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, And all kings your glory. You shall be called by a new name, Which the mouth of the LORD will name. You shall also be a crown of glory In the hand of the LORD, And a royal diadem In the hand of your God. You shall no longer be termed Forsaken, Nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate; But you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; For the LORD delights in you, And your land shall be married. For as a young man marries a virgin, So shall your sons marry you; And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, So shall your God rejoice over you.” Isaiah 62:1-5 NKJV

God unveils His passionate affection for Zion. He desires to see her righteousness shining brightly. He commits to working unceasingly until her salvation glows like a burning lamp. God will be so pleased with Jerusalem that He wants all the kings to see her glory. His great joy about her will not remain private; it will go public. He wants to present her to the nations like king Ahasuerus took pride in showing the beauty of his queen to all his guests of honor.

God promises to call Jerusalem by a new name. She will no longer be named “Forsaken,” but she will be called “My delight is in her.” Her land will no more be labeled “Desolate” but “Married.” Is not a love story – in all purity and holiness – the best way to describe this story between God and Jerusalem? The heart of a delighted husband radiates all through this scripture.

God bestows prophetic praises and life-giving compliments on Zion. He proclaims that she shall be a crown of glory and a royal diadem in His hand. God is exceptionally proud of Jerusalem. He declares her beauty and treats her like a queen. He rejoices over her as the bridegroom rejoices over his bride!

Prayer

Our Father,

We bless your Holy Name. We praise You for Your desire and commitment to see Jerusalem’s righteousness shine brightly. We thank You for changing her name from “Forsaken” to becoming “My delight is in her.” Your love gives her a new identity.

We pray for the righteousness of Jerusalem to go forth. We pray for her salvation.

We pray for the Jewish people who feel that You have forsaken them. Open their eyes to Your love. Let them know that You delight in them. Show them that You work tirelessly for their salvation.

In the Name of Jesus. Amen.