From Barrenness to Blessedness: Israel, The Church, the Bride of Christ

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WOMEN IN DISCIPLESHIP (sm)

WOMEN OF FAITH
FROM BARRENNESS TO BLESSEDNESS

WEEK SEVEN

Israel, The Church, the Bride of Christ

INTRODUCTION

We've been looking into the Scripture now for the past six weeks. These Women of Faith walked through their lives with a "story to tell to the nations." Their heritage, hope, and healing came from a merciful, holy, and loving God. Each woman had her own set of difficult circumstances. Yet over and over again God brought about a miracle birth and child of promise. God has a plan, and His plan will be carried out. With this thought in mind, let's explore our final lesson in this series, From Barrenness to Blessedness. Please stay with me in our study this week. I'm convinced the LORD will bless you as we explore Israel, the Church, and the Bride of Christ.

DAY ONE

A BRIEF HISTORY: In Genesis 32:28, we see that Jacob was given a new name by God. That name was Israel. In Genesis 35:10-12, God again confirmed Jacob's name as Israel and told him that a great nation would come from him. To this nation of 12 tribes, God would give a special land for them and their descendants.

In Exodus 4:22 God said, "Israel is My son, My firstborn." Later, God delivered Israel into the promised land. With Joshua in charge, God gave Israel, His chosen people, the Book of the Law which contained all the commands they were to follow. They were to meditate on it day and night. If they would do this, then their way would prosper, and they would have success. The people followed Joshua and agreed to obey the law. (Joshua 1:1-18)

Eventually Israel fell into a cycle of giving in to sin, suffering the consequences, repenting and following God, experiencing His deliverance, then falling into sin again. This happened over and over (see the book of Judges). Their sin eventually led to a condition of barrenness in the hearts and homes of the nation of Israel. Captivity and distance from God finally brought about a change of heart.

Isaiah 54

Read Isaiah 54:1-3, 62:1-5, and Galatians 4:21-31. Who do you think the "barren woman" is?
Read Isaiah 54:4-10, Jeremiah 31:18-20, and Ezekiel 16:59-63. Who do these passages refer to?
From Isaiah 54:5 list all the names for the "husband" or God. (Psa. 95:6-7, 149:1-2) You may want to write your thoughts as you meditate on this passage.
In verse 5, Redeemer is given as a name for God. Read Isaiah 1:4 and 41:14 and explain why a redeemer is necessary.
In Isaiah 54:9-10, God gave a promise to the Bride, Israel. What is it? (Psa. 46:1-3, 102:18-28; Jer. 33:17-22)

(Heb. 5:6-10, 6:19-20, 7:11-25)

The barrenness of Israel was complete. They had turned their backs on the Holy One of Israel. The Old Covenant of the Law condemned them. They rejected its commands and ended up in exile and barrenness. The Redeemer, however, has compassion on the barren and does not hold sin against them forever. The future of Israel will be fruitful. The kindness and mercy of the Husband, Maker, and God of the earth will bring His promises to fulfillment.

LESSONS AND APPLICATIONS

God keeps His promises and is filled with compassion. How expectant are you in the promises God has given you?
God is the restorer of the barren one. How has God restored you out of your barrenness this week? Have you shouted for joy in this blessing?
God's covenant of peace will not be shaken. (Isa. 54:10) Do you have peace with God? What can you do today to experience His peace?

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