THE BARREN IN LIFE

THOSE WHO HAVE NOT PRODUCED BEFORE:

‘Shout for joy, barren one who has borne no children! Break into cries and shouts of joy, you who were never in labor! For the children of the forsaken one are more in number than the children of the wedded wife, says the Lord…do not fear, you will not be put to shame again, do not worry, you will not be disgraced again; for you will forget the shame of your youth and no longer remember the dishonor of your widowhood. For your Creator is your husband, the Lord Sabaoth is his name, the Holy One of Israel is your redeemer, he is called God of the whole world. Yes, the Lord has called you back like a forsaken, grief-stricken wife, like the repudiated wife of his youth, says your God. I did forsake you for a brief moment, but in great compassion I shall take you back. In a flood of anger, for a moment I hid my face from you. But in everlasting love I have taken pity on you says the Lord, your redeemer’ (Isaiah 54:1-8)

“If seed-corn is still short in the barn and if vine and fig tree, pomegranate and olive tree still bear no fruit. From today onwards I intend to bless you. When that day comes – Lord Sabaoth declares – I shall take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel my servant – the Lord declares – and make you like a signet ring. For I have chosen you – Lord Sabaoth declares” {Haggai 2:19, 23}