Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Isa 58:8
Isa 58 is all about God’s people seemingly humbling themselves, seeking His face, and fasting to seek His favour. God responds to their “spiritual devotion” by telling them Hewould rather see love in action toward those in need than simply “private spiritual exercises of devotion”. On top of that, these people were engaging in self-love and loveless actions toward others, even while appearing “devout” in their religious activities.
In the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers. Isa 58:3
The promise in Isa 58:8 is offered to those who will stop serving themselves, and move from a harsh to a compassionate approach to other people: Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Isa 58:6
To those who serve others this way, God promises that the glory of the Lord will be their rear guard. So … what does this mean? It literally says “the glory of the Lord will gather you up”. It implies protection from behind; God caring for the weak and stragglers who are vulnerable to attack from behind. The picture is of God’s glorious presence protecting us from enemies that attack us when we are most vulnerable.
It is the same word used in Psalm 27:10: Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close. Ps 27:10 NLT
The transcendent glory of God is said to carefully gather us, protect us, hold us close—that we may have no fear of the enemy; especially when we are weary, exhausted, lagging behind and therefore vulnerable. A wonderful promise! We take care of others and God takes care of us! When weak and tired, it is easy to seek “me time”. But this Scripture encourages us to continue to reach out to others even when we feel depleted. God will protect us in such times with His supernatural presence.