“It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Isaiah 47-50

“It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6

I continued my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series - today moving on to Lesson 18 day 3, which focuses on Isaiah 49. My commentary offers the following divisions for this chapter:

1. Christ unveiled as God's Salvation to the ends of the earth (v1-7)
2. God's day of salvation for the exiles (v8-13)
3. Despite all appearances, the exiles will return (v14-21)
4. The Gentiles will aid the redemption of Israel or be destroyed (v22-26)

For today, my focus is on the first two divisions.  It is difficult to not see how this chapter is not about Jesus because in v6 God says that He will "make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."  Only Jesus does this.  The commentary describes the verses here - in their broader context - as "an immeasurably deep conversation between the Father and the Son concerning Jesus’s glorious mission on earth. Here God the Father tells the Son that it is insufficient glory for him to be merely the Savior of the Jews." God will not only free the exiles in Babylonia, but all those who are imprisoned in sin - the whole of humanity.  V9-10 states that God will give Jesus to the world, 

"...saying to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’ to those who are in darkness, ‘Appear.’ They shall feed along the ways; on all bare heights shall be their pasture; they shall not hunger or thirst, neither scorching wind nor sun shall strike them, for he who has pity on them will lead them, and by springs of water will guide them." Isaiah 49:9-10

We must take time to acknowledge how - with God - we will never hunger or thirst, we will have Him as our refuge, and He will guide us.  We must live boldly considering how God will lead us.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who will never leave or forsake me, You provide for all of my needs, You are my refuge, and You guide me - thank You Jesus for these blessings and for my faith and salvation.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it is daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.