Isaiah 51
-Chapter 51 is an exhortation
chapter for the people of Israel to get with the program of God in seeking Him
with all their heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). They are told early to
look to the Rock from which they were hewn (craved) and the quarry from which
they were dug (Isaiah 51:1). Abraham, the man of faith, is to be their mentor
and leader, along with Sarah. This patriarch was called, blessed, and multiplied
as the forerunner of God’s chosen people. Because of his faith, the LORD will
comfort his descendants in Zion and make their waste places and wilderness like
Eden, the garden of the LORD (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3, Galatians 3:6, James
2:23). Joy and gladness will be found in her once again, and thanksgiving will
be given with the sound of a melody (Isaiah 51:2-3). Attention should be given
to these incredible acts and the Word of the LORD being given. His law will go
forth from Him (Messiah), and He will set His justice for a Light of the
peoples. His righteousness is near, His salvation has gone forth. His arms will
judge the peoples with perfect equity; there will be an expectant waiting for
His arrival, which is to come (Isaiah 51:4-5). While the earth will wear out
like a garment and its inhabitants die, the salvation through Messiah Jesus
will be forever, and His righteousness shall not diminish (Psalm 102, Isaiah
51:6, Hebrews 1:10-12). The exhortation goes forth again and again as the ones
who should know righteousness are told to listen as those who have the law of
the LORD in their heart. They are told not to fear the reproach of mere man,
nor be dismayed by the revilings of wicked human beings. The moth will eat them
like a garment, and the grub will eat them like wool. In contrast, God’s
benefits of salvation and righteousness will endure forever to all generations.
Therefore, again the people are encouraged to “awake, awake” and put on the
strength of their position in the LORD, as the days of old, in past generations
of faith. God had done immeasurably great things, and He would perform again
for His benefit and glory. The redeemed will cross over into victory and
blessing. The ransomed of the LORD will return to the land, and come with
joyful-everlasting shouting and gladness. Sorrow and sighing will flee away.
God again claims His comfort. The exhortation now is to not forget the Maker.
Remember Him and dismiss the continual fear of the fury of the oppressor. The
oppressor has lost his power in the radiance and power of the LORD; the exile
will soon be set free with food and better lodging. The Creator, who stirs up
the sea making its waves roar, will put His words in His peoples’ mouths and
cover them in the shadow of His Hand (Isaiah 51:7-16). Again the charge goes
forth to rouse (revive, be ardent, be excited, be triumphant) themselves up who
have gone through the hardships of the LORD’s displeasure because of their sin.
Though God’s anger made life rough on them (for good reason), the chalice of
His anger is complete, and they will never drink of it again in that day
(Isaiah 51:17-23). *Application* God challenges us in the same way as redeemed
people who have faith in His power to save. Listen to His Voice, pay attention
to what He is doing, awake from any stupor you may be in, and get excited about
the events of the Kingdom as they unfold. God will comfort the weary and make
all things new (Revelation 21:5). Don’t fear man or go his way. The King will
make all things right for those who hold on to His promises.
Verse to Memorize: Isaiah 51:6
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