BEAUTY FROM ASHES

We continue the roller-coaster ride of these early chapters of Isaiah. After the depths of the previous chapters (‘woe,’ ‘abandoned,’ ‘judgment’), we are now ratcheted up into the heights, with views of breathtaking beauty. God’s ‘strange’ work of judgment1 includes the creation of something ‘beautiful and glorious’ (v. 2) following the purging of evil.

John Oswalt explains, ‘The Israelites and Judeans thought, as many moderns do, that judgment and hope are contrasting elements. But Isaiah shows that they are complementary … there is hope, but it is through judgment.’2 Even severe judgment leaves survivors (vv. 2, 3, literally ‘people who escaped’). The implication is that they are few, but they will be called ‘holy’ with their names written in God’s book (v. 3). Deluge and fire will wash clean and burn away impurity (v. 4). God often prunes in order to promote growth, making the results of his work at times seem small and vulnerable. Terrifying judgment and reduction to a remnant could be a disastrous strategy if it were not for God’s overarching protection, creating a refuge for his people (vv. 5, 6). He is, after all, the God of the Exodus, still present to lead, guide and safeguard. Without that promise, we would never persevere.

The Greek Island of Evia suffered devastating fires in the summer of 2020. Visits there show entire hillsides of blackened, burned-out trees and vegetation, a lunar landscape where livelihoods have been ruined. However, in 2022 masses of wildflowers in vibrant reds, yellows, and purples brightened and beautified the otherwise-dead landscape. There is life, not just existence, but extravagance of color, brightness, and beauty. Just as God spoke and brought creation out of chaos, so he will speak again.

Have you lost hope of change in some area of life? Does this passage shed any light on it? Perhaps even a flicker will remind you that God is at work.