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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 not like to read of these things in the Bible – but this is where our faith has 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 .
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 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 .
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 and plans for us.
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 in 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 and a light to the Gentiles – bringing salvation.
God begins to say things to people who knew suffering – and you can say things about God which you could not say if people had not experienced suffering.
People
Verse 10 to 13 are strong reassuring words – and these people thought they had been forgotten and overlooked. Isaiah 40 verse 27
You will still have to go through the deserts and climb the hills and rugged mountains but God will be with you – providing for your need when you need such help.
Our God will provide, protect and guide.
Verse15 – Can a mother forget? No. Not really – but it is possible.
“I will not forget you.” “Thank You Father for that promise – I will not forget you – make the reality of Your presence real to me this day.”
I have engraved you on the palms of My hands. Every time I look at My hands I see your name – so I can never forget you. And, when God sees the walls of Jerusalem He thinks of His people.
Verse 20 – As people came back to that land, the city was too small – and they had to build outside the city wall – and that happened over 100 years ago.
Isaiah goes on to speak in such a strong positive way, as God pours His words into his heart and mind.
Verse 23 - “Those who hope in ME will not be disappointed. And yet, it is as if the people are saying in their hearts – can anyone rescue us here in Babylon?
They thought the situation was too serious. They thought the situation was even out of God’s control and beyond God and God answers them and God replies. Yes, I will do what you think could not be done – so that people may know!
Chapter 50 – they were saying, it is as if He has divorced us, and God says, prove it! Show Me the certificate. They were saying that God was so much in debt that He sold us into slavery. People say daft things at times!
No, no – it was not what I did – the fault is on your side. When I came to meet you there was no one there – verse 2 . When I called no one answered. Was My Arm too short to reach you? No!
Do some think they have sunk too low to be reached by Jesus?
Do some consider that God is not strong enough to lift them up to where He wants them to be – rescuing them?
We read verse 4 – Jesus has a word for the weary – wherever they are – no matter how sore or pained or dark their situation.
Jesus has a word – and sometimes all that is needed is a morsel of bread and a sip from his cup!
“Lord God, speak to Your people at this time wherever they might be – and whatever condition and circumstances they find themselves – Reassure – Encourage – Strengthen – Satisfy. Hear our prayers for those who are down – for those who feel defeated – for those around this world who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. Lord – inspire and motivate us to pray – hear us 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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