Isaiah 49 - 53 (29th July) - Vivien

Isaiah 49
From verse 1 to 7, Isaiah declared himself as the servant of God, and looking at every word that he used, he was very sure of his status and worth in God’s eyes. When we know our position and how much we are worth, we can stand in confidence in whatever we do and there is power. Be sure of who you are in God’s eyes. Every word and action of affirmation, treat it with value and do be overly humbled to the extent where you reject your worth. Well of course, beware of crossing the line to idolizing yourself!

“And now the LORD says—
he who formed me in the womb to be his servant
to bring Jacob back to him
and gather Israel to himself,
for I am honoured in the eyes of the LORD
and my God has been my strength…” Isa 49:5

From verse 8 to 26, it tells us how much God values Israel (His children, which includes us). Even though we may be naughty sometimes or running away from God, God never gives us up, never forgets us. He will still be there for us, as long as we take the step of repentance and go back to Him.

“‘Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are ever before me.
Your sons hasten back,
and those who laid you waste depart from you.
Lift up your eyes and look around;
all your sons gather and come to you.
As surely as I live,’ declares the LORD,” Isa 49:15 –18a

Be restored! You are precious to God!

Isaiah 50
Reading the Message version, the heading says it all - Who Out There Fears God?
This is a problem that we face, as we become long-time Christians. Been through many things, our persevering faith die down, and decided to go our own way. Beware! Life is not easy; need not say for Christian living. But fearing God remains an important attitude that we must have. For if we feel lost, this is still hope, because we can rely on God and trust Him. However if we are out to be rebellious, then God will make sure we get what we deserve.

Isaiah 51 – 52: 12
Be righteous, and God will bless. There is no need to fear man.

“Hear me, you who know what is right,
you people who have my law in your hearts:
Do not fear the reproach of men
or be terrified by their insults.” Isa 51:7

To those who were afflicted with the wrath of God, He removed the cup of wrath from them. Like a father, He disciplines because He loves. And He protects. Hmm… can apply this to TYA =). When a kid does something wrong, they need to be disciplined. However when other kids attempt to make fun of this kid, we need to protect that kid’s dignity. And those kids ought to be taught a lesson.

“This is what your Sovereign LORD says,
your God, who defends his people:
"See, I have taken out of your hand
the cup that made you stagger;
from that cup, the goblet of my wrath,
you will never drink again.” Isa 51:22

Which kid are you?

Going through a learning lesson? Persevere and practice self-control. They may be people who just have enjoyed rubbing it in, but if you can overcome, you will bring yourself to a new level.

“Awake, awake, O Zion,
clothe yourself with strength.
Put on your garments of splendor,
O Jerusalem, the holy city.
The uncircumcised and defiled
will not enter you again.
Shake off your dust;
rise up, sit enthroned, O Jerusalem.
Free yourself from the chains on your neck,
O captive Daughter of Zion.” Isa 52:1-2

Are you rubbing into others’ moment of punishment? Stop it! If not you are next in line to be disciplined. Remember that our God is fair and just.

Isaiah 52:13 – 53
The most touching prophecy about Jesus. The most incredible act of a man’s love. As you read this passage, take a moment now to just pause and thank Him for the sacrifices that He has made for us, so that we might be saved…

“Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.” Isa 53:4-5

Yesterday, I had a discussion with a 9-year-old. As I described to him that nails were driven into the hands and feet of Jesus, he could imagine the pain already. I haven’t even gone into any details about it. Even as we have celebrated so many Good Fridays, let our hearts not be numbed towards what Jesus had done for us – the love that we so often take for granted. But always be in the attitude of thanksgiving!