Isaiah 42:12-14 "Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands. (13) The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies. (14) I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once."
The things we see in these verses and those to follow are predicated upon this
very thing: The Lord's glory being seen, declared, and praise being raised on
high. The Lord shows Himself strong and mighty when God's people begin singing
that new song of praise. He begins doing a new thing (though it is not new to
Him) in our midst when our hearts are turned to Him. There is great joy and
gladness in the hearts of people as God moves across the land. But we must be
careful to give "glory unto the LORD, and declare HIS PRAISE (emphasis
mine)." But be assured there is much resistance when God's people
turn back to Him and He begins to move. Isaiah describes it as "...
jealousy like a man of war." Satan does not give up easily and his roar
becomes louder and sounds even more fierce. But we can be assured God has said,
"... he shall prevail against his enemies." Though He may hold His
peace, even to the point that some may think He has abandoned them, God will
prevail. No matter how loud and fierce the enemy's cry may be, God will
prevail.
We read these words a few chapters ago, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." (Isaiah 26:3)
We have been talking about things of this life that cause us problems and
struggles, but let me take it to the final result of our Lord rising up to
defeat the enemy. Satan is described as a roaring lion, walking about
seeking whom he may devour. I read once that a lion roars the loudest when it
feels its food source is threatened to be taken away. May we find great comfort
and strength to know that there is One Who is much greater and whose roar is
the final one to be sounded. When we are fearful and wonder what's going to
happen, let be as John when "... one of the elders saith unto me, Weep
not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed
to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof." (Revelation 5:5)
Yes, be assured Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Lion of the tribe of Judah,
the Root of David has prevailed and we are secure through His shed blood.
Praise His Holy Name! Let us keep our minds stayed upon Him.