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We are reading in Isaiah Chapter 41 where Isaiah speaks specifically to Babylon, which lies 60 miles south of modern Baghdad. God is speaking to Babylon through Isaiah.

I am stirring up someone from the east. God is raising up Cyrus of Persia to conquer Babylon, and set Israel free to return back home to Jerusalem. This was a dangerous time. This was a time of violence, suffering and bloodshed and yet God is at work here. Here is our gracious God involved in what we would call world politics. He is the Lord – the Alpha and the Omega

Verse 5 – People were wondering what was happening – what was going on, but three times God reassures His chosen people that they need not be afraid - verses 10,13and 14 . Do not be afraid of Cyrus. Every other nation was afraid. We read of that in verse 5 – but you My people do not need to be afraid.

Now, what were the peoples of the other nations doing – they were making bigger idols, and what a description we have in verses 5 to 7. They were encouraging one another in wrong ways. They were even nailing down the idol so that it would not topple – quite incredible, but people must have some sort of god even though it is lifeless – even though it does nothing and cannot help.

Verse 8 – such reassuring words – You are my servant Jacob – I have chosen you. Again, we see this personal choosing – not just a nation – not just a people but chosen as individuals. Remember, they thought God had rejected them – they had been away for 70 years – they thought God no longer listens to their cries for help – Chapter 40 verse 27 .

In Christ Jesus we are chosen as individuals as well as to be part of a people called the Church and we are individually responsible. God is seeking to restore confidence in His people. God's love is not conditional upon ours and even if we feel as insignificant as a worm and so little, almost invisible – to God you are important.

Verse 15 – I will make you into a threshing sledge – you will leave your mark on the world – you will do all that – but you will only rejoice in the Lord – verse 17 .

We see here something of God's concern and compassion for the poor and needy – as we read of deserts being transformed into springs and victory over worthless and powerless idols.

Verse 19 seems to be referring to what will happen back in Israel – and this has been happening over these past 40 years when millions of trees have been planted.

God is concerned about trees. It is said that America began to lose the war in Vietnam when they destroyed the trees – Deuteronomy 20 verse 19 .

It is all done for a purpose so that people may see and consider and understand. They are being taken from humiliation and degradation to fertility and fruitfulness. God intends to reveal himself through the lives of those whom He has chosen

This is a nation which today is despised by much of the world – and becoming a thorn in the world's flesh.

Verse 21 – Come on Babylon with all your fine idols – tell me – prophesy what is going to happen. Verse 23 .

Tell us – it's all about horoscopes here – God is calling their bluff. Do something that may dismiss us or fill us with fear of you.

Verse 24 – no, you will not be able to – you can do nothing

Verse 25 – Cyrus is coming – he came from the north and from the east having captured the Medes and Cyrus conquered Babylon – and the Jews were soon permitted to return to Jerusalem.

Be aware of the power and authority of a man who is raised up by God to do a certain work to set his people free. We see that in Moses when Israel was delivered out of Egypt

Verse 27 – I told Zion – they are coming back – one day you will return. There was a day when they had no reliable counsellors – no one to answer the many questions. There were false prophets – then images and idols which were nothing but wind and confusion

But God had prepared a servant

This people taken captive held as prisoners – suffering, delivered, and rescued – having been scattered again and brought back to their own land in our day – but still to have their eyes opened – and still to return to the Lord God almighty.

This God is our Father, through faith in Jesus Christ. He loves us. He is concerned and compassionate – He will deal with His enemies, and He will lead his sheep. He has done it before – He will do it again.

“Loving God – Holy One of Israel – there are so many profound lessons in this passage – teach us – feed us as we read the scriptures – enable us to continue trusting You – help us at a time when faith tends to flicker – guard Your people – we pray in Jesus’ name.” Amen.

"Bible verse and quote" from Jan Couns

Bible and Quote - May 16