Hope Lost and Found:
Insights on God’s Plan of Salvation, Revival and Restoration

Part 2—God’s Heart Crying out to His People for Revival and Restoration

by Harvey L. Diamond

Isaiah begins on a sorrowful note. He reflects how God’s elect simply don’t understand His ways.

The ox knows its owner
And the donkey its master’s crib;
But Israel does not know,
My people do not consider. 
(Isaiah 1:3) 

He notes how the people had lost sight of God.  They lacked faith, were rebellious, and walked in pride, stubbornness, and selfishness.  They, therefore, lost His presence.

On a positive note, however, Isaiah then related (see Isaiah 2:2-5) God’s promise of hope and invitation to restore the relationship.

Now it shall come to pass in the latter days
That the mountain of the LORD's house
Shall be established on the top of the mountains,
And shall be exalted above the hills;
And all nations shall flow to it.
Many people shall come and say,
"Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,
To the house of the God of Jacob;
He will teach us His ways,
And we shall walk in His paths."
For out of Zion shall go forth the law,
And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem…
O house of Jacob, come and let us walk
In the light of the Lord.

What is the “mountain of the LORD's house?”  It is a metaphor representing God’s sanctuary—His abode—His presence in our midst.  It is the reality of the manifested presence of the Holy Spirit.  The foundation of His sanctuary is the Lord.

Who is Jacob?  Jacob is the name God affectionately uses to represent His covenant people.  For, before God changed Jacob’s name to Israel, Jacob relentlessly wrestled with the Angel of the Lord.  He was determined to stick with Him until He received His blessing.  God desires that all His covenant people engage in such an active state of real communion and relationship.