How does Isaiah 62:12 affirm our identity as "the Holy People" today? Text of Isaiah 62:12 “They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the LORD; and you will be called Sought Out, a City Not Forsaken.” A New Name That Defines Us • In Scripture, names reveal nature and destiny (Genesis 17:5; Revelation 2:17). • God Himself assigns four titles that shape our identity: – “Holy People” – “Redeemed of the LORD” – “Sought Out” – “Not Forsaken” Set Apart—“Holy People” • “Holy” (Hebrew qadosh) means “set apart for God’s exclusive use.” • Just as Israel was separated from the nations (Deuteronomy 7:6), believers today are called out of darkness into light (1 Peter 2:9). • Our holiness is both positional (in Christ, 1 Corinthians 1:2) and practical (lived daily, 1 Peter 1:15–16). Redeemed—Freed to Belong • “Redeemed of the LORD” points to a price paid to liberate. • In the Old Testament, redemption involved blood and a kinsman-redeemer (Leviticus 17:11; Ruth 4:1–10). • Jesus fulfills this picture: “In Him we have redemption through His blood” (Ephesians 1:7). • Because we are bought, we are secure: “You are not your own; you were bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). Sought Out—Pursued by Grace • God does not wait passively; He pursues the lost (Luke 19:10). • Being “Sought Out” means our value is defined by the One who seeks us, not by our past failures (John 4:4–30). • This pursuit continues: He “who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). Not Forsaken—Secure in God’s Presence • The promise reverses exile and abandonment (Isaiah 54:7–8). • Jesus echoes it: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). • Assurance empowers bold living; we serve God from acceptance, not for acceptance (Romans 8:31–39). Living Out This Identity Today • Reflect holiness: shape choices, media, relationships around God’s character. • Celebrate redemption: approach God with confidence, knowing the debt is paid (Hebrews 4:16). • Embrace pursuit: respond to His ongoing work—prayer, Word, fellowship (Colossians 3:16). • Rest in security: resist shame and fear; stand firm in the promise “Not Forsaken” (Psalm 27:10). Isaiah 62:12 lifts our eyes to see who we really are—holy, redeemed, sought, and never forsaken—so we can live out that divine identity in a watching world. |
    |