Isa 54:2
The Context
• Familiar section Isa 52:13 – 53:12
• The emphasis  the suffering Savior
• A well-known text…one often read when we
gather around the Lord’s table for His Supper
• A “connecting context” Isa 54:1-8
Isa 54:2
The Context
• A “connecting context” Isa 54:1-8
• As a result of the “suffering Savior’s” actions,
and the redemption we can enjoy, there is to
be praise, joy, singing
• Also an exhortation to take full advantage of
these blessings found in the Messiah
Isa 54:2
The Context
• A “connecting context” Isa 54:1-8
• There is no doubt this passage is Messianic
• It does not discuss Israel’s return from
captivity, restoration of an earthly kingdom
• The apostle Paul quotes from it to argue the
supremacy of the gospel Gal 4:27
Isa 54:2
The Context
• The exhortation in Isa 54:2 is our emphasis
• One that encourages preparation, involvement
• The N.T. kingdom (universal church) is under
consideration
• However, this local church can benefit from
this passage and apply what it teaches
Isa 54:2
The Applications
• We must “lengthen our cords”
• A receptiveness to those interested in the
gospel of Christ, the N.T. church
• “Lengthened cords” = enlarged expectations
• The will of our Father 2 Pet 3:9 Acts 10:34-35
• The heart of our Savior Lk 19:10
Isa 54:2
The Applications
• We must “lengthen our cords”
• A “tent with lengthened cords” becomes a
“spiritual melting pot” cp. Jn 8:32
• For what Jesus did, we must “enlarge our tent”
• Consider Acts 2:36-41 9:26-28 10:47 11:18
• We must do as our 1st century brethren did
Isa 54:2
The Applications
• We must “strengthen our stakes”
• “Strengthened stakes” occur when we…
• …teach sound doctrine 2 Tim 1:13 Titus 1:5 2:1
• …are more resolved, steadfast
• Lengthened cords must be secured firmly
Col 1:19-23
Isa 54:2
The Applications
• We must “strengthen our stakes”
• It is not our tent, but one given to us in noble
stewardship 2 Cor 4:1-7 Jude 3
• A ‘strengthening” requiring steadfastness
1 Cor 15:58
Isa 54:2
Conclusion
• All of us need to be challenged by the
thoughts in this Messianic passage
• Leaders  set realistic, specific goals
• Members  strive to achieve those goals
Isa 54:2
Conclusion
• Consider another section of Isaiah’s
prophecy 33:20-21
• More information about the Messiah’s kingdom
• A “tent that will not be folded”
• Stakes never to be pulled up
• Cords never to be torn apart
Isa 54:2
Conclusion
• Consider another section of Isaiah’s
prophecy 33:20-21
• All these prophecies remind us of the enduring
nature of the kingdom Heb 12:28
• And of the durability of the word that describes
this kingdom Mt 24:35 1 Pet 1:22-25
Isa 54:2
Conclusion
• There was room made in this tent for us
• We all need to be busy in making room for
others
• “Lengthen her cords”
• “Strengthen her stakes”