October 26, Isaiah 49
Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break
forth, O mountains, into singing! For the LORD
has comforted his people and will have
compassion on his afflicted. - Isaiah 49:15
What’s the greatest joy you’ve ever known? How did you express it? Did you cry some tears or sing a song? Did you want to share that joy with others? Did you try to express it in words to others, and urge them to rejoice with you?
The book of Isaiah takes a dramatic turn in Chapter 49. The prophet shifted away from his previous themes of Babylon, Cyrus, captivity, return and judgment. The rest of the book focuses primarily on Christ. It describes his entrance into the world, his amazing displays of God’s power and his merciful compassion. Isaiah foresaw Messiah’s saving work for both Jews and Gentiles, and a universal invitation for sinful men to come to God through him. He shared glimpses of Messiah’s divine person, his mission, his kingdom and his triumph. He foresaw the salvation Messiah would bring, the joy and the peace with God that his people would enjoy.
Through Isaiah, the voice of Messiah described how angels would announce his name while he was still in Mary’s womb. He would be protected, hidden from Herod’s murderous intent while he was still a baby and later delivered from attempts to kill him until God’s appointed time. His words would be powerful, like a sharp sword from his mouth.
Messiah would be the true Israel of God, rejected by the old nation of Israel and bringing the faithful remnant of Israel to God by his saving work. He would free those in the bondage of sin and be light to those sitting in the darkness of sin and unbelief. Most of his own people would reject him, but Gentiles would receive and worship him with joy, praising him for his mighty salvation.
This description of Messiah and the work he would accomplish looked ahead with prophetic certainty to Jesus. No wonder we call Isaiah the Messianic Prophet!
Had God forgotten his people? Messiah answered that he would never forsake his redeemed people. Their names were carved into his hands. Some folks believe that’s related to the pagan practice of idol worshipers cutting themselves to mark their bodies with the name of their god. But as Messiah described it, it was God who carved the names of his people into his own hands. Do you hear what I hear in this image, a pre-echo of the nails that would pierce Jesus’ hands as he died to redeem us?
Isaiah interjected a beautiful praise song in this narrative of how God would save his people and destroy the enemy. A solo voice could not convey the magnitude of the praise the Lord deserved. So he called on the heavens, the earth and its mountains to join the chorus of praise to the Lord for the comfort he brought to his people and the compassion he showed to the afflicted ones. Why did Isaiah call for this creation-wide praise to God? See the little word “for” in the text verse?
Isaiah gave three reasons for such a song. First the Lord had a special people that he loved in a special way. Second, these people needed comfort. They were ruined and broken by sin, and lived their lives in fear. Third, the Lord comforted them! Can you fathom the God of the universe knowing you, caring about you, and comforting you? If we sing praise to God about his mighty creating power (as we should), he is due even greater praise for his redeeming power.
God has shown his compassion for the helpless, hurting lost ones (that’s us). Through the sacrifice of Christ for us, he has saved us from our biggest problem and met our greatest need. The prophet’s voice and pen overflowed with joy as he anticipated what Messiah would do. Shouldn’t our joyful praise be as great or even greater as we celebrate what he has done for us?
Copyright © 2023 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—October 2023
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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