5/06/2025 - Matthew DestryKey Scripture: Isaiah 54:1–4 (ESV)1 “Sing, O barren one, who did not bear;break forth into singing and cry aloud,you who have not been in labour!For the children of the desolate one will be morethan the children of her who is married,” says the Lord. 2 “Enlarge the place of your tent,and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out;do not hold back; lengthen your cordsand strengthen your stakes. 3 For you will spread abroad to the right and to the left,and your offspring will possess the nationsand will people the desolate cities. 4 “Fear not, for you will not be ashamed;be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced;for you will forget the shame of your youth,and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.”The prophet uses the image of a barren woman (v.1) — which in ancient cultures was a symbol of shame, disinheritance, and social death. But God flips the image: the barren woman will have more children than the married one. She will sing. She will overflow.The imagery of a tent (v.2) draws from Israel’s wilderness past — when the presence of God dwelt in the tabernacle. The “tent” here symbolises both dwelling and destiny — God is about to expand their capacity for His presence and His people.Narrative FeaturesA song Before there’s a miracle (v.1)A tent Before there’s a crowd (v.2)A movement without borders (v.3)A healing of shame and reproach (v.4)Application – what renewal requires:Renewal Requires Ruin Before RebuildingRenewal Requires Us to Think BiggerRenewal Means Creating Space for OthersRenewal Requires Strengthening the StakesJesus, the Ultimate Tentmaker Jesus didn’t just build a place — He became the place.“The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us…” (John 1:14)“I go to prepare a place for you…” (John 14:2)

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