A Mother Who Cares for Her Offspring

We have seen that in the greater fulfillment, the "woman" of the prophecy represents Jehovah's heavenly organization.  But after reading Isaiah 54:4, we may wonder how that organization of spirit creatures has ever suffered shame or reproach.  The ensuing verses say that God's "woman" will be rejected, afflicted, and subjected to attack.  She will even provoke God's indignation.  How can such things apply to an organization of perfect spirit creatures who have never sinned?  The answer lies in the nature of the family.

Jehovah uses family relationships-husband and wife, mother and children-to convey profound spiritual truths because such symbols are meaningful to humans.  Regardless of the extent or quality of our own family experiences, we likely have an idea of what a good marriage or a good-parent-child relationship ought to be.  (from what I have observed, there are too many  divorces  and too children/teens taking over that role for that to be true.  just being honest here) How vividly, then, Jehovah teaches us that he has a warm, intimate, and trusting relationship with his vast throngs of spirit servants!  And how impressively he teaches us that his heavenly organization cares for its spirit-anointed  offspring on earth! When the human servants suffer, the faithful heavenly servants, "Jerusalem above,"  suffer.  Similarly, Jesus said:  "To the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my [spirit-anointed] brothers, you did it to me." -Matthew 25:40.

Not surprisingly, then, much of what is said to Jehovah's heavenly  "woman" reflects  the experiences of her children on earth.  Consider these words:  " 'Your Grand Maker is your husbandly owner, Jehovah of armies being his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Repurchaser.  The God of the whole earth he will be called.  For Jehovah called you as if you were a wife left entirely and hurt in spirit and as a wife of the time of youth who was then rejected,' your God has said."-Isaiah 54:5, 6.

Who is the wife here addressed? In the initial fulfillment, it is Jerusalem, representing God's people.  During their 70-years exile in Babylon, they will feel as if Jehovah has rejected them and left them entirely.  In the greater fulfillment, the words refer to "Jerusalem above" and her experience of finally producing the "seed" in fulfillment of Genesis 3:15. 

Next time: Momentary Discipline, Eternal Blessings

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2001