The Lodestar

Offending the authorities is a risky affair because they have the power to retaliate against our actions. Most would retaliate to harm, though some would ignore; very few would offer peace terms so that the offender living in fear of wrath may have peace. God belongs to the last category; he opts to bring the offender back to him rather than destroy him.

In this passage, the Lord offers peace terms to humanity that has offended him with their sins. He provides that the two aspects of his compassion, namely, steadfast love and covenant of peace, are eternal and unshakable as the mountains.

The Hebrew word (hesed), translated as “steadfast love,” occurs 242 times in the Old Testament to describe God’s faithful, loyal, and merciful love for his people, especially to his covenant promises.

It is not based on our significance or worthiness but on God’s grace and choice, and lasts forever, regardless of our failures or circumstances. It is expressed through God’s actions, such as delivering, forgiving, healing, and restoring His people. Steadfast love is fully revealed in Jesus Christ, the ultimate demonstration of God’s love for us.

“Covenant” is a solemn agreement or promise between two parties, often involving conditions and obligations. In the Bible, God made several covenants with his people, such as the covenant with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David.

A covenant of peace is a particular type of covenant that God made with some of his servants, such as Phinehas, the Levitical priest (Num 25:12—13), and the prince of Israel, who is a reference to the Messiah (Ezek 34:25; 37:26). A covenant of peace means that God will grant his people peace, security, prosperity, and blessing, and protect them from their enemies and troubles. “I will make with them a covenant of peace and banish wild beasts from the land, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. And I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing, and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing” (Ezek 34:25—26).

In the context of Isaiah, this offers divine comfort to the people reeling under the shame and pain of exile. At the same time, it points to the ultimate fulfilment of God’s promise in Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) and the mediator of the new covenant (Hebrews 8:6).

Through his death and resurrection, Jesus made peace between God and sinners and established a new relationship based on grace and forgiveness. He also gives his peace to his followers, surpassing all understanding and guarding their hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). He will also end all wars and conflicts and usher in a new heaven and earth, where righteousness and peace will dwell forever.

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Rev 21:1—4).

That is the good news that followers of Christ have for the weary world: God’s immovable love and unconditional peace.

In a world where power often punishes and authority rarely forgives, God stands apart—offering reconciliation, not retaliation. His steadfast love is not a reaction to your goodness but a reflection of his grace. His covenant of peace is not fragile—it’s eternal, rooted in Christ who bore your offence to bring you into God’s embrace.

So don’t run in fear. Do not hide in shame. Accept His peace. Live in His love. Let your life reflect a God who restores, not rejects. Bring this same peace to others—speak words that heal, extend compassion that overcomes judgment, and demonstrate a love that endures storms.

You are a messenger of the covenant. Go and be an ambassador of His peace—for you carry the good news the world desperately needs.

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