‘They Shall Not Be Ashamed’

… for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

Isaiah 49:23b

God reveals His Character throughout the Scriptures.  He does so by His words and works. The Old Testament is replete with these revelations.  For the next little while, we will contemplate the statement, ‘they shall not be ashamed who wait for me.’  Some translations put this, ‘those who hope in me will not be disappointed,’ or ‘those who trust in me will never be put to shame.’  Today, we dwell upon the first word: ‘They.’ Who are ‘they,’ who shall wait for God and not be ashamed? In the immediate context, it is the faithful in Israel, who hoped in Jehovah.  In the broad context, it must include all in history who have put their trust in Jehovah. The one great overarching hope which God guarantees to those who trust Him is the redemption which is the result of the saving work of Christ.  Who has hoped in this redemption? Eve gave evidence of her hope in redemption based upon the first articulation of the Gospel. Abel, Enoch, Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, and all the ancient prophets, along with a host of people throughout history, have put their hope in Christ.  We join with them in resting by faith in Christ and in His redemptive work. We include ourselves in the ‘they’ who wait for God and ‘shall not be disappointed.’

Our Glorious and Unfailing God,
we rejoice that You are ever faithful.
We praise You that You have always been,
and will always be,
as good as Your Word.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning