Image generated by ChatGPT (OpenAI) using the DALL·E model.
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
Isaiah 54:10 NIV
It’s always refreshing when God points us in the direction of the prophets, as we get an opportunity to hear His Word directly.
In this statement, God begins to speak to His people through the prophet Isaiah by making a comparison they’d be familiar with. Mountains and hills dominate the scenery of much of Israel, and here God is giving His people an image of stability, of things that do not change over time. The landscape of modern-day Israel would probably be recognizable to one of God’s people in the 8th Century BC when Isaiah was prophesying, and that is 2,800 years ago!
God is making a point; even if something seemingly eternal and unchanging would suddenly be transformed, His love would remain constant. Psalms 46:1-3 uses similar imagery to emphasize God’s unchanging nature:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
Regardless of what happens, God’s unfailing love will still be there. This is the same love described in the Old Testament as חֶסֶד (ḥeseḏ), the faithful loving mercy and kindness of God toward His people.
God goes on to give His assurance of “my covenant of peace”, His promise of peace. This is the same promise found in other prophecies, including Ezekiel 37:26:
“I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put my sanctuary among them forever.”
The same covenant is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), who established a new covenant with believers through His sacrifice as described in Hebrews 9:15.
A doubting person might ask the question “Why are there still wars when God has promised peace?” Good question, and it’s one that GotQuestions.org can answer:
The world will continue to have wars and interpersonal conflicts until Jesus comes to establish true, lasting peace (see Isaiah 11:1-10), but God will give His peace to those who trust Him. Jesus took the chastisement of our peace (Isaiah 53:5) and has made it possible for us to have peace with God. Once His peace rules in our hearts, we are able to share that peace with others; we become publishers of peace (Isaiah 52:7) and ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18).
As followers of Christ, our faith gives us peace with God. Also from GotQuestions.org:
Believers have an obligation to “let the peace of God rule” in their hearts (Colossians 3:15). This means we have the choice either to trust God’s promises (letting His peace rule) or to rely on ourselves and reject the peace He offers. Jesus gave His disciples peace based on the truth that He has overcome the world (John 14:27; 16:33). Peace is a fruit of the Spirit, so, if we are allowing the Spirit of God to rule in our lives, we will experience His peace (Galatians 5:22-23). To be spiritually minded brings life and peace, according to Romans 8:6.
Are you letting God’s peace rule your life?
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Heavenly Father, in a world of uncertainty I rest assured in one certainty — that Your unfailing love will never depart from me. Thank You for the covenant of peace that remains unchanging when all else seems to constantly vary. Teach me to trust in Your mercy, walk in confidence of Your promises, and to live each day with the hope of Your eternal faithfulness. AMEN.