Feb. 21, 2020
Isaiah 41-Part 2
LET IT GLOW
Isn't it encouraging to receive a note or call from a friend or loved one? Just to hear reassurance that we are loved boosts my spirits for the day. Judah was going to need encouragement later on, and Isaiah offers it to them before hand.
The nations would panic when they hear that Cyrus has been chosen as the instrument to carry out God's purpose. Frantically, they set out trying to make more potent gods, in hope to nullify the successes of Cyrus, king of Persia. The workmen would even try to encourage each other. But their hammering and soldering was much wasted effort, for nothing can thwart God's purpose.
Shouldn't we be believers in Jesus be encouraging each other to finish their race with faith? So many churches have squabbles that result in hurt feelings. That is not the loving way for us. John said that unbelievers would know us by our love for one another.
LET IT GROW
Isn't it amazing that Isaiah prophesied some 150 years before Judah went into a 70 year captivity by Babylon? He wrote encouragement to the remnant of believers in God who remained faithful.
Here are some major ideas that stand out, according to Wiersbe:
- Fear not. Israel had already been taken captive by the Assyrian Empire and Babylon was a threat to Judah. However, God would bring the Persians on the scene and free the Jews through Cyrus the Great. (verse 10)
- The greatness of God and the falseness of the heathen idols is seen.
- God would raise up a man to conquer Babylon and enable the Jews to return to their land. (verses 2-5)
Our ultimate hero is Jesus Christ, through whom we have salvation and redemption. As deliverance from Babylon is mentioned, so it pictures the redemption Christ purchased for us on the cross. We are not going to have to pay for our sins if we trust in Him as our Savior.
LET IT GO
Help me love others today.
May I be an encouragement to all.
You are my glorious Redeemer, Jesus.
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