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by Sandy Shaw
In Isaiah Chapter 49 at verse 2 , we see that Jesus would be sharp tongued at times. There may be those who do not like to read of these things in the Bible – but this is where our faith has to align with the Word of God and not as we would like it to be.
The Word of God can cut and can cut very deeply. Hebrews 4verses 12,13 .
Why are we in Isaiah Chapter 49 just now – I mentioned last week that I had two questions I wanted to ask God and the within a few minutes the answer came in verse 8 .
Human words can cut and be sore – but there are times when the Word of God can cut more deeply than any other word – but with a purpose which is positive and healing, as God wants to cut out that which is hindering us and hampering us.
Selected – prepared – sharpened – polished – Jesus may not look like that to many – but it is true – a picture of Jesus preaching!
Political restoration is not the solution to the human problem – there is no political solution for a moral problem. Governments can only guide and even forbid, but they have no power to change the human heart.
Verse 3 – Through Jesus, God would be made visible, and God would be glorified. The Father is speaking to Israel – and to the Son, who is to come.
Now, that should have happened through Israel, but it needed Jesus.
Israel had failed God. They had rebelled against God and God would send Jesus into the world to put all that right.
Verse 4 describes something of the humanity of Jesus, and the discouragement which even he would have to face. Jesus knew discouragement, but he looked to his Father for his reward and for fruit. Now is my soul troubled. His heart was exceedingly troubled. John 12verse 27 . That is another verse I had to learn – not only its meaning – but I had to experience its weighty burden on various occasions.
Verses 5,6 – not only would Jesus bring Israel back to God, but Jesus would also bring the nations of the world to come to know the living God.
His ministry is about taking broken people – and bringing them home. Is this not fulfilled in the parable we call The Prodigal Son? Luke 15 .
Jesus is going to do that for the Gentiles.
Verse 6 is quoted so many times. Simeon – he knew the book of the prophet Isaiah – Luke 2verse 29 to 36 – and when the Jews refused to listen to Paul, he would go next door and preach to the Gentiles, and so often he preached from Isaiah. Acts 18 verses 1to 11 .
Augustine taught – the New is in the Old concealed – the Old is in the New revealed.
God will never abandon His people – no matter how much they fail to live up to His intention, purposes and plans.
He had a purpose for each one – from the moment of our conception – even though for a time that can be hidden. Once we are called by God, we remain one of His servants.
“Lord, help me to fulfil Your purpose for my life.”
God has a people – a nation – to reach out to others. That did not work.
God then sent Jesus to rescue those in peril and pain.
God has a people called the church – a group of individuals who are called to reach out to others. God is always so interested in people!
“Lord, show me my part in the mission You have planned.”
Verse 7 – We read of the word ‘despised’ being used about Jesus for the first time. Jesus is not going to be accepted by all men.
Everyone is not going to like Jesus and welcome Jesus.
We need to remember that today. But, one day, people will see who Jesus Christ is – the Saviour – the Redeemer – the Holy One of Israel.
Kings will arise – they do not normally do that – but in the presence of Jesus Christ they will arise – and bow down.
From verse 8 , God speaks about the salvation of Israel, and there are lessons in these verses for us who believe in Jesus and who belong to Jesus.
I will answer you – I will help you – I will keep you.
To those who feel they are prisoners I will say, “Come out” – verse 9 – to those who are in darkness – be free – be a light to the Gentiles – bringing salvation.
Wherever you are – no matter what your age or training or education or ambition might be – find out what God wants you to do with your life, and with the rest of your life. God answers and responds and replies – sometimes not right away – but sometimes He does.
Whatever you do – do not waste your life. Follow Jesus Christ and permit and allow him to lead you and guide you and direct you and use you.
“Almighty God – our loving heavenly Father – You are so compassionate and gracious and caring. We worship You. As you have heard the questions and conversations of men and women, and boys and girls, down through the years, You have intervened and taken the initiative – for which many of us give thanks and praise. Speak to us from Your Word. May we not waste our lives – show us Your plan and purpose for our lives. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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