Isaiah 49 & 50 -- God Helps Us, Strengthens Us, And Supports Us

The people had been taken as prisoners first by their sin and then by Assyria and later Babylon.  Now, God reveals how He planned to bring them back to Himself through the Suffering Servant – His Son Jesus Christ, who would become “a light for all nations to show people all over the world the way to be saved.”

Running through these chapters was a thread of hope for every sinner who struggles with his sin:  “I will get my strength from my God … Come out of your prison … Come into the light … The God who comforts them will lead them and guide them by springs of water … The Lord comforts His people and will have pity on those who suffer … The Lord answers, “ … I will not forget you.  See, I have written your name on My hand … Anyone who trusts in Me will not be disappointed.  The prisoners will be taken from the strong soldiers … I will fight your enemies…. Then everyone will know I, the Lord, am the One who saves you;  I am the Powerful One of Jacob who SAVES you.”

God also shows us how we can answer Satan when he tries to condemn us for our sins:

“Every morning [the Lord God] wakes me.  He teaches me to listen like a student.  The Lord God helps me learn … The Lord God helps me, so I will not be ashamed.  I will be determined, and I know I will not be disgraced.  He shows that I am innocent, and He is close to me.  So who can accuse me? … Look, it is the Lord God who helps me … Who among you fears the Lord and obeys His Servant? … Then let him trust in the Lord and depend on his God.”

Father, sin tries valiantly to make us its prisoner.  But You give us freedom if we will just grab hold of it.  Even when we sin and disappoint You, You love us and want us back!  Such love is amazing!  I need Your strength to help me obey You.  I cannot do it on my own.  Fight my enemies.  Keep me from the shame and disgrace that sin causes.  Thank You for sending Your Son to die for my sins, so that when Satan screams and hurls his accusations, I am able to know that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford