49:6 - Throughout the Old Testament we see that God is not just focused on the Israelite people...again and again we see that His plan has always been for worldwide salvation. He has called the Israelites, His chosen people, to be a light for all...not just an exclusive group that stick to themselves. Christians...the same is true for us. We are God's people through the blood of Jesus Christ and we care not called to hang out in churches with other Christians all the time...we are called to be a light in this world.
49:13 - This verse instantly took my mind to the times I have spent hiking through national parks...when you have the time to walk through and drink in God's uncorrupted creation it just seems to sing the praises of God. Man-made architectural beauty just pales in comparison. The creator of such beauty and intricate detail is also the one who knows ever hair on your head...God knows everything that is going on in this world and knows the cries of the afflicted. Take comfort in the fact that the God who put so much care into creation puts even more care into His plans for humankind.
49:16 - This is powerful imagery of God's love...He has engraved His people on the palm of His hand. I like to wear wrist bands that remind me of missionaries I am praying for and causes I am supporting, so that they will be in the forefront of my mind. Your hand is always there, right in front of your face...we are being told through this verse that God always has us on the forefront of His mind...that is really comforting.
49:25 - Even though the situation can seem dire and hopeless...God contends for us...God fights on our side and there are none that can stand against Him.
49:26 - When God brings salvation to the poor and oppressed, the world takes notice of His power. Again we see that the focus of God is always missional. In all the things that God does in the world, the focus is always on bringing help to the helpless and bringing salvation to the world.
50:1 - When the people of Israel turned away from God and towards false idols it was like they were committing adultery. They broke the covenant they had agreed to with God...they broke their vow like a wife cheating on her husband. Isaiah compares God's judgment on the Israelite people to a man that has presented a divorce certificate to his wife because of her adultery. God sent them away, but because of His infinite mercy, He is willing to take the people back...to take the adultereres back. That is love!
50:5-6 - Isaiah heard the truth of God's love and could not deny it...Isaiah could not turn away from the path of God no matter how violently he was persecuted.
50:8-9 - When God is with us, who can stand against us? Do you allow this truth to permeate your life...to drive away you fears...to inspire you to live out your faith boldly?
50:10-11 - When you trust in the name of the Lord...trust in His way and truth...it becomes a fire that buns within your soul. The truth of God becomes a burning light of hope that offers guidance and life.
51:1 - To be righteous is to be "right" with the God that created you...to be functioning in the fashion that you were created to function. If you want to be what you were made to be by God...seek the Lord...seek His truth - as beings created in the image of God we were sculpted from God's "DNA." God is the rock that we were hewn from and we will never be ourselves if we are not seeking t be like Him.
51:6 - Do not trust and worship the things of this world...they are passing away - it is the salvation of the Lord that lasts forever.
51:7 - If you have experienced the righteousness that comes from God and burn His laws onto your heart, it will not matter what other people in this world think or what they do to you, because you will know the beautiful reality of the TRUTH.
51:17 - WAKE UP! Have we not drunk enough of the failure and pain that comes when we choose to reject God and choose our own path - seriously!? When will we learn...how much suffering are we going to have to put ourselves through until we see that the way of the Lord is the way of life? We need to turn away from sin and turn back to God.
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