We have a tendency to focus on the present discontent instead of remembering how God has always overcome our challenges of the past. Chapter 51 in Isaiah is a reminder to Judah (Israel) of God’s greatness in delivering them from pas rears and seemingly impossible circumstances. That reminder is for us too. Jesus has proven, He is our deliverer so worthy of worship. Let’s learn from the past and have hope in Jesus.
There are four places that ‘The Servant’ is the identified in the book of Isaiah. Here, in chapter 49, is the second time. These words, written 700 years ago, point to Christ. Now, prophecy doesn’t seem very scientific, but science is asking different questions than faith. The two are compatible – for here are the very words found on document near the Dead sea that are hundreds of years older than Jesus was born, yet is obviously writing about the…
Choose this day who you will serve, as for me it is the Lord (Joshua 24:14-15). It may seem like the idols we read about are long gone and we need not worry about falling prey to such things, but they are still as strong as ever. They have gone underground. Our idols may not be made of stone and wood, but we are idol factories, and we were built to worship. In Isaiah 44:9-20, God puts Israel on trial…
There is a common phrase that runs counterfeit to biblical wisdom. “You have to find yourself.” Many of us ask some hard identity questions, “who am I, where do I fit in, and how can I make a difference.” Israel had a similar struggle understanding who they were; first we must understand who God is (Isaiah 43). God knows you. Do not fear, you are precious to Him (Numbers 6:23-27). You are His Children and He has a new exodus…