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Luke 21, Isa 41, 42

Scripture

(MkJV)
Isa 41:4 Who has planned and done it, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, Jehovah, am the first and the last; I am He.

(Message)
Isa 41:4 "Who did this? Who made it happen? Who always gets things started? I did. GOD. I'm first on the scene. I'm also the last to leave.
Isa 41:8 "But you, Israel, are my servant. You're Jacob, my first choice, descendants of my good friend Abraham.
Isa 41:9 I pulled you in from all over the world, called you in from every dark corner of the earth, Telling you, 'You're my servant, serving on my side. I've picked you. I haven't dropped you.'
Isa 41:10 Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.

Observation

The prophet Isaiah spent so many chapters on God’s judgement and now we move into messages of comfort. God, after talking about about vengence and hardness (done out of good heart and pure intentions) shows his other face; one of firm kindness.

I parallel this to a father who disciplines the child not by being overly harsh or soft but someone who rebukes out of love then reassures with promises that were planted from early days.

God through Isaiah is talking to the people of Israel and their descendents (US!) and is reassuring us that we’re a CHOSEN people. He pulled us from all over and keeps us steady…wow. He’s asking us to be reassured by His promises in a world that worships so many other Gods and false idols.

Application

Modern prophets…people on the radio and tv, vie for our attention with flashy words and easy promises. But God’s word through the Prophets of the Old Testament stand the test of time.
Why? It’s because He’s the I AM. His Word is Him. And that Word will therefore withstand and outlast all other false prophets that seek to bring across a message that’s different from what God intended.

I need to rely on this reassurance. And meditate on God’s love song to us.

Prayer

Father. Thank you for Prophets who were obedient to your call and word. Who gave their lives for a belief. Who clung on to a faith that wasn’t cheap or easy at all. And whose divinely inspired words withstand all the ravages of time.

May your promises inspire and reassure us. If we are feeling lost and low, let your word and promise lift us up. WE are your chosen people and because of that, we never lack. We will never want. Our souls are satisfied. We are held safe and steady in your strong grip.

May you hold us firm and propel us along a course that can only be guided by You.

Amen.