 In his letter to the Galatian churches, Paul quotes from the incredible scripture of Isaiah 54. I share the whole passage in its entirety below to highlight its importance, especially now in these pivotal times of rapid change. The previous verse, (Galatians 4:26) reads as follows: "But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother." This verse tells me that even though I do not like many things that are going on & would have chosen differently if I was able to, I am free in my response. Isaiah 54 is God's bold declaration of assurance that its all going to be more than alright. Knowing this inspires me to keep noticing what's more than alright, right now. Noticing gives me courage & momentum to keep sharing God's eternal covenant of peace, amen.  The verse: "For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband" reminds me of Paul's advice regarding marriage in 1 Corinthians, chapter 7. While it is good to marry & devote oneself to God in service of spouse & children, one's attention will be divided. Paul encourages whoever is able, to remain as he is, single-celibate with undivided devotion upon the Lord. That said, having both options as honorable paths, means having "children", real ones, as being optimized & symbolically as "spiritual fruitfulness", maximized.  This is a principle shared with other religions, such as Hinduism as can be understood by Nityanada's statement: "As is your devotion, so is your liberation." Christ, thank goodness, doesn't just leave it up to us alone. Spiritually, He saves & sanctifies everyone who opens the door of their heart to Him. Tim Keller said: "We are all spiritually barren. We need supernatural intervention from God to be what we ought to be." In Galatians 4:6-7, Paul explains: "...God sent the Spirit of his son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father'. So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir." So, who is the "barren" woman that's having so many children, she must 'enlarge the place of her tent'? The Jews persecuted, scattered & in exile; Jews & gentiles coming to Jesus' Covenant & the Church, especially prior to the return of Christ, as in right now. In sum, those who know fragility & depravity first hand & thus are in desperate need of God (see Matthew 5:3 - "Blessed are the poor in spirit...") & those who have eyes to see & ears to hear. Who is "the one who has a husband?" Israel - those considered favored/ prosperous & safe/protected but under the works-based law of the Old Testament. While God of the Old Testament is our Husband, Maker & King, Jesus, God of the New Testament is our bridegroom - soon to be spouse! These quotes from Tim Keller came from this sermon: The Maker is your Husband
Thank you God for keeping your word; for telling us your promises & for working with us to bring about their fulfillment, amen!
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