The judgements of God are for the salvation of mankind and are centered around the redemptive acts of God in and through the Messiah, Jesus. Thus, they are unto an ultimate victory and cleansing of the failure and sin of man. This care is clear in these passages, as it is God who initiates man’s salvation. Jesus speaks in Isaiah 62 that until the salvation of Israel comes, he will not hold his peace nor rest. This work in the nation of Israel and the Church, that is so often unseen or misunderstood by man, is upheld and worked out by Jesus. Even until they have a new name, “which the mouth of the LORD will name.” This is echoed in the New Testament in Ephesians 1, wherein all the acts of Gods redemption towards the believer is initiated and worked out by God and completed in Christ. Again, it is echoed in Philippians 1:6, “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Truly this good work, of the salvation of Israel, will be completed upon the day of Christ. (Rm. 11:26) Though the cooperation of man is required, it is truly God who initiates and works out, and completes the work that he started. And what is this work unto? Full union and reconciliation with the Godhead. As Isaiah 62 continues, the restoration of Israel is unto being “a crown of glory” and “a royal diadem” in the hand of God, even unified to, delighted in, and rejoiced over, in marriage to God.

Furthermore, God has brought the body of Christ into this redemptive plan by setting up intercessors for Israel (v. 6) and he proclaims his promises of full restoration. All of this is outside of the earning or deserving of Israel. This image of the Gospel is clearly evident as it is only by the blood of Jesus that one may receive reconciliation to God, and there is no adding to his work. This completed work in us, as in Israel, is unto a glorious end. His plans are good for us. He is intimately involved from the big to the small of our lives. When this plan of redemption culminates in the execution of judgement, again it is God alone who bares the weight of the work. Isaiah 63:5 states, “I looked, but there was no one to help, And I wondered
That there was no one to uphold; Therefore My own arm brought salvation for Me; And My own fury, it sustained Me.” Jesus is the only one worthy to execute judgement, and it is only because of his sincere love and care for his creation that he does so absurd a thing as to carry humanity through the ages and perform his miracles and acts of redemption, preserving for himself a remnant and a people until all wickedness is cleansed from the earth. Here is the mercy of God seen, in his patient perseverance for his creation who deserved none of his extravagant acts of forgiveness and salvation. God beautifully brings his dealings with man to his own remembrance in Isaiah 63:11-13, “Then he remembered the days of old, Moses and his people, saying: “Where is He who brought them up out of the sea With the shepherd of His flock? Where is He who put His Holy Spirit within them, . . . “ and his purpose is restated, “So You lead Your people, To make Yourself a glorious name.” (v.14b) Before the salvation of God, there is no boasting; God gets all the glory. He is called “Our Redeemer” and “Everlasting” (v. 16). How much more should we put our trust in him? Surely his desire is greater than our own, his plans better, his heart more sensitive and caring. For any movement of our heart towards him was first initiated by him. I am convinced that we will forever, even in the Millenial Age, be surprised each day with his mercy and his good will towards us as a loving Bridegroom.