Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Isaiah 49-51

August 6

Isaiah 49-51

  “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”" (Isaiah 49:6, NIV)

God had a plan from the beginning. He had a plan to redeem and restore not only Israel, but all the nations. Sin entered the world through Adam and Eve and continued through the subsequent generations. No nation was exempt. All sinned and fell short of the glory of God. When John wrote; "“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16, NIV) It was not a new concept, we see this is the idea of God as He revealed His redemption plan through Isaiah.

These chapters paint a vivid picture of the life and death of Jesus. The Israelites were and still are looking for the Servant of the Lord to come and redeem Israel as God promised. It is hard to miss a picture of Jesus especially in 50:4-7, but the eyes of many have been shut. They are blind and need a touch of God to see the truth as revealed in the prophets and the Gospels.

God’s plan is for all people to turn from their life of rebellion and sin and to turn to Him. He had paid the price. Jesus was tortured and killed to pay for our sin. While He hung on the cross he cried out; “Father forgive them.” He came to set us free from a life of sin that entangles us and holds us captive while promising to set us free.

"Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail." (Isaiah 51:6, NIV)

 

 

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