Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NABRE
This poem from the prophet Isaiah explains the events of God’s intervention to free the deported Israelites from Babylon. The Lord raises up Cyrus, the King of Persia who defeats the Babylonians who years earlier had defeated Israel, destroying Jerusalem and taking the people captive. God raises up Cyrus, this new deliverer, in his tender love for the people who are still suffering humiliation of exile. This poem is known as the “Book of Consolation” revealing God’s expression of tenderness. He refers to the people as “my servant” describing those chosen for an important mission, in this case the entire people. In using the words “do not fear” God is calling them to trust Him, even though they think their situation is hopeless. God uses the same language other places, for Jacob, Joshua, even for Mary the mother of Jesus. God is taking action in this proclamation, they are called, He will strengthen them, help them and uphold them, all ways of invoking positive action on their part. He also uses titles of affection, I am your God, your Lord and later he says he is the Lord, the Redeemer. God’s love for his people is so beautifully expressed by the prophet, it should be the basis of hope felt by the people. God stretches out His right hand to help the people, they do not need to fear or be anxious, He is their help and He will uphold them.
We should also take heart from God’s conviction expressed in this poem, having a deep trust in God and in His help. We need not spurn God’s grace, He will complete a good work in us and we too will be saved by God the Redeemer.
Can you feel God’s love expressed? Do you accept God’s redemption?
We should take heart from God's conviction expressed in this poem, having a deep trust in God and in His help. We need not spurn God's grace. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity#dailybibleverse @youversion#BeAnEncourager #saved #trust#Isaiah #everybodyalways #god#jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood#dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture#bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray#prayer #goodnews #loveeachother#godisgreat #thisVineyard#youversion #everythingalways