Isaiah 62:1-12
Jerusalem the forsaken, the barren and desolate woman, the widow of Isaiah 54:1-17, will yet be Beulah – "married" – v. 4, "sought out, a city not forsaken" (v. 12). The LORD her Husband will be able afresh to take pleasure in her. Meanwhile, vigilant watchmen are placed on the walls with the injunction, "ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence". Faithful to this command, believing Jews at the end of the age will cry to God, "Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old . . . thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed . . ." (Psalms 74:2).
Christian friends, each of us has likewise been put by the Lord into this or that place and has been given a comparable mission, which may be summarised in two words: "Watch and pray" (Matthew 26:41; 1 Peter 4:7). Our prayers are expected above, and rich answers are prepared for them. We too have important matters to lay upon the heart of our heavenly Father – for example, His world-wide Assembly and those in our towns or villages who form part of it. Let us not keep silent since we have the privilege today of being those who put the LORD in remembrance. It is a very touching thing that God speaks as if our prayers were necessary for Him to remember His promises. What grace on His part!