Isaiah 45: God is in Control

 Isaiah 45: God is in Control

v1-7, 13: Cyrus, God's Servant

Cyrus the Great (Cyrus II) was the Persian king who overthrew the ruling Median Empire in 550 BC. In 538 BC, he attacked and conquered Babylon. Cyrus's empire was the largest and covered 5.5 million square kilometers, from Eastern Europe to Indus valley in the East. The empire was known as Achaemenid Empire (named after the first Persian King.)

The prophecy of Cyrus in Isaiah was an amazing miracle in terms of it's precision and timing. Since Isaiah died in 681 BC, Cyrus name was mentioned over 140 years before he was born. This is the reason why critiques believe that chapters 40-55 were written only after the exile, by another person called "Deutoro-Isaiah" (Second Isaiah). However, nothing is impossible for God to do.

In verse 3, God said he will reveal Himself to Cyrus so "that you may know that it is I, the LORD, the God of Israel, who call you by your name."  In verse 13, God said Cyrus will set the exiles free and will re-build His city (Jerusalem).  

It is amazing that Cyrus, a pagan king, actually did that. This edict was written in 539 BC by Cyrus:

‘Thus says King Cyrus of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem in Judah.  Any of those among you who are of his people—may their God be with them!—are now permitted to go up to Jerusalem in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem; 4and let all survivors, in whatever place they reside, be assisted by the people of their place with silver and gold, with goods and with animals, besides freewill-offerings for the house of God in Jerusalem.’ (Ezra 1:2)

God named Cyrus in the scripture even before he was born, so that when the time comes, the Israelites will know that God had fulfilled his promises. "That people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other" (v6)

Even today, God calls us to be his servant by our personal names, even before we were born, even though we are all sinners saved by grace. "I call you by your name, I name you, though you do not know me." (v4) It is a wonderful privilege to be part of "His-story" that God is building for His kingdom.

v8-12: God's Sovereignty

During the exile to Babylon, many people would have been disappointed with God. They may have questioned Him or totally disbelief that there is an almighty God. But God's ultimate objective is to create salvation and righteousness. It's interesting that salvation does not depend on our righteousness, but that both will happen together: "salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; ... I the Lord have created it" (v8). 

We do not deserve any credit, for "Lord have created it", referring to the sacrificial work on the cross and the righteousness of Jesus Christ. "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Cor 5:21)

God addresses those who doubted him, by asking "Does the clay say to him who forms it, 'What are you making?' or 'Your work has no handles?'. (v9).  Each of us are different in physical and in mental capabilities, but each of us are also special so that we can play our part on Earth for His purpose. 

v14-24: God the Savior

At the end, all nations will realise that God is the only God and savior, and that there are no other. They will recognize that He was the creator of the earth and filled it with life. He invited everyone to believe him and be saved.

"Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: ‘To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance." (v22,23). 

 

Isaiah 44 - You can Trust Me

Isaiah 44 - You can Trust Me

I. The Lord Has Chosen Israel. (v1-5)

God referred to "Jacob my servant" in two ways. First is "Israel whom I have chosen". (v1) This takes us back to the time when Jacob was wrestling with a celestial being (who many people believe are the pre-incarnate Christ), and who renamed him to Israel. 

The second word he called "Jacob my servant" was "Jeshurun who I have chosen". (v2) Jeshurun was only used 3 times in the scriptures and always refer to Israel. It means "the upright one", which reflects his grace to Jacob, for Jacob means "supplanter."

God's plan was to bring forgiveness to Israel and make it "upright" through his Servant that we read in earlier chapter. He will pour his Spirit on their descendants when they receive Christ as their savior. 

Though Christ had come over 2000 years ago, not many Jews have received Christ as their savior. We are still waiting for this prophecy to happen. 

II. Foolish to Worship Idols (v6-20)

God declares that "I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god". (v6) It is such a concise statement that there had not been a God, neither will there be any God in the future, and that He is the only God every existed. He ask them to remember that everything He promised had always come true, so they can continue to trust his promises. 

God said those who fashion idols are wasting their time as there will be no profit. Man are foolish as they have to plant the tree where rain nourishes it, and he cuts it down to warm himself and make his food; however, they take the same wood to build an idol and worship it as his god. While the conclusion should be obvious, they have "shut their eyes, so that they cannot see, and their hearts, so that they cannot understand." (v18)

This reminds me of a story where someone questioned a Christian why he prays and give thanks to God for his meals. The atheist said it was he that had worked hard and earn the money to buy the food - God had nothing to do with it. The Christian answered that "God gave me life and made me healthy enough to get a job, and also made the sun and water for my vegetables, and food for the animals. I'm thanking Him for these."

III. You can Trust Me (v21-28)

God returns to the topic of redemption of Israel. He said "I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you." (v22)

This reminds us of two truths: the sacrifice of Christ on the cross are time-transcendent. Even if they return to God before Christ came, their transgressions will be forgiven. The second truth is that it is not automatic - they have to physically and spiritually return to God and abandon their idolatries. These are truths that apply before as well as after Christ died on the cross. 

From v23 onwards, there was a jubilation of what God is doing for Israel. It says "Sing, O heavens, for the Lord has done it" (v23). Once He has made a promises, it cannot be changed. It might as well be treated as had happened already.

Verse 24 remind us he made the heavens and formed us in the womb - both the almighty trait as well as personal trait. He doesn't just leave us alone in life, but he will ensure there will be judgement and justice for those who do wrong. He is active in our lives and we can reach out to Him. 

He can also make the future happen according to his will, such as making Jerusalem being populated again. In fact this happens twice, once after the current Babylonian exile and another time after the Global exile when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70AD. 

Those living today knows that the Jews were brought back to Jerusalem after World War 2 for their independence in 1948, since 70AD.  Today Israel is one of the leading countries in technology and agriculture. It is a miracle after what they have gone through for so long. 

Finally, God even knows the individuals that he will use to fulfill his prophecies, years before they were born. One of the miracles in Isaiah is verse 28: "who says of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd, and he shall fulfill all my purpose’; saying of Jerusalem, ‘She shall be built, and of the temple, ‘Your foundation shall be laid.’”

Cyrus the Great was the name of the Persian king who defeated Babylon in 539BC. It was the Persian's policy to allow their vassal states to practice their own religion and culture. Cyrus ordered the Jews in Babylon to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple that the Babylon had destroyed when the exiled them almost 70 years ago. 

As Cyrus was not born during Isaiah's writing, many secular literalist believe that the entire Isaiah 40-66 were written after the Cyrus decree by another person. But if there is God, then will it be impossible for him to name Cyrus? 

Isaiah 43 - I am your Savior

 Isaiah 43 - I am your Savior

I. Holy One of Israel (v1-7)

In this chapter, God have used the words "I am" multiple times. He defined his "track record" and his commitment to His people as an assurance that he will redeem them as what He has promised - both a rescue from the Babylons but also the ultimate redemption through his "servant", the Lord Jesus Christ. 

His first "I am" - "For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." (v3). He was the One that they knew of for thousands of years, since Abraham. He is the Holy One and will not lie. He will be their savior, despite their unfaithfulness. 

In fact, God declared that their redemption has already been done, though liberation from Babylon and coming of Christ is still a long way to come. He said "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine." (v1)

God did not love them because they had been holy or faithful but simply out of love: "Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you." This must be words that have touched the hearts of the exiles. 

God promised that He will always be with them  and will bring them back again from all directions from the world. While Babylon is in the North, this may be a prophecy for another exile that happened in 70AD under the Romans Empire, where they were sent to all the nations until the United Nations gave Israel independence (1948) after World War II.

II. No Other Savior (v8-13)

God asked them to remember how He had been faithful to them, even from the beginning before they had other gods to the time where they were saved from slavery and into the promised land. 

The second "I am" - "I, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no savior." (v11). Unlike verse 3 where He identify Himself as the savior, here is remind them that He only had been the only savior all the time. He was the one who provided everything, by approaching (declaring) them, saved them, and proclaiming his love to the them. If God acts, no one can go against Him.

III.  Creator of Israel (v14-21)

God maid it clear that the reason they have been exiled to Babylon was for their own good. It was a time where nothing else could have changed their idolatry and injustice. It was only after the 70 years of exile and return ("Aliyah" in Hebrew) were they cured of their addiction of idolatry.

The third "I am" - "I am the LORD, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.” (v15) reminds them He was the one who created Israel and is His true King, and that He will never give it up. He was the one who brought them there in the first place when He defended them against the Egyptian. 

God is creating a new "way in the wilderness" in the "rivers in the wilderness" and "water for the chosen people".  Look at the how Israel is today, compared to when they were destroyed by the Babylonians and Romans. God challenge them: "I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" (v19). Yet even today, many are still blind to how Israel has been saved time and time again by the Lord. 

IV. I will Not Remember Your Sins (v14-21)

God reminded them the sins that have brought them to this situation. Although God deserved honor through the sacrifice, he didn't bring disaster upon them just because they neglected them. Rather than bringing honor, they have only burdened Him with sins and iniquities. God wants them to remember the sins of their fathers and transgression of their mediators (teachers), that led to this eventuality.  

The fourth "I am": “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins." (v25)

God made a choice to forgive them and will forget their sins. This "forgive and forget" is not just a mental decision but will cost God very dearly for sacrificing His Son at the right time in history. 

Isaiah 42 - The Chosen One

Isaiah 42 - The Chosen One

I.  The Chosen Servant (v1-4)

This "servant" is not the same as the "anointed" one that was spoken of Cyrus in Chapter 45. The "anointed" used for Cyrus was literally the "masiyah" or messiah.  But here, the person spoke of was just a servant. 

This servant will be sent in the future, as a contrast to God's challenge to the idols to "tell us

what is to happen" (Isa 41:22).  God ask the people to "behold" the servant, to study and to recognize the specific characteristics:

• He was God's chosen one: This is My Son, whom I have chosen; listen to Him!” (Luke 9:35) 
• God was pleased with Jesus - “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!” (Mat 3:17)
• Jesus described himself as a servant - "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:25-28)

Matthew attributed Isaiah's prophecies to Jesus in Matthew 12:16-21.  

Jesus will bring justice to the nations. The justice is not political justice, but the justice of forgiveness of sins. It was made available to all mankind by his death on the cross. 

He will come without fame or popularity, and neither will he create a commotion despite his ability to articulate the truth. Very often, he just walks away after issuing a healing miracle, rather than glorify Himself in His great works. The term "he will not cry aloud or lift up his voice" (v2) does not mean he never spoke loudly, but refers to His gentle spirit of a meek leader.   (v2)

Similarly, "a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench" (v3) also refers to his character. He is one who restores the crushed reed and re-ignite the faint wick. We think of how He restored Peter after he denied that he knew Jesus.

Though meek, he was never weak. He will not be discouraged or turn away the path God laid for him, until he brings justice to the earth. The justice He brought was to go all the way to the cross, despite the pain and the shame, so that redemption can be given freely to mankind. 

“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51)

II. The Covenant for the Nations (v5-9)

God claimed His credentials for making such an incredible promise to bring the Servant. He was the creator of heaven and earth, and the one who gave life and spirit to the people on the earth. He did not just leave the creatures on earth, but he "called" the people and took them by the hand to guide them and to protect them.

He will now give the Servant as a "covenant for the people" (v6).  The covenant is an unbreakable promise. The servant will be a light for the nations, which were walking in darkness. Those who were spiritually blind will have their eyes opened. Those who are in a prison (spiritual captive) will be freed. (v7)

His declaration "I am the Lord; that is my name" was a declaration of his trustworthiness and sovereignty. "My glory I give to no other" speaks of His jealousy and determination to win back His people.  (v8)

Unlike the idols who cannot tell the past nor future, God tells the people His plans even before it happens, so that the people know who it was that have helped them. 

III.  The Celebration with a New Song (v10-17)

The expectation of this coming Servant turns Judah's disastrous situation into a glorious hope that inspired a song - a "new" song that has never been heard before. As it is a new approach that God had never used before. It is a hope of Grace that will brought by Jesus through the sacrifice of his life for the forgiveness of sin. 

It would be a song or a message that will be evangelised to the coastlands and across the seas, just as the gospel has been preached world wide. 

"Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the end of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that fills it, the coastlands and their inhabitants." (v10)

It will guide those who are "spiritually" blind and make the rough places into level ground, so that they can see the salvation that He promised and can come to him easily.  

IV. The Call to Obey (v18-25)

God uses the analogy of the blind and the deaf in reference to the people: "He sees many things, but does not observe them; his ears are open, but he does not hear." (v20)

Like many of us, we have been warned and prophecies have been told, we still don't "get it": 

"it set him on fire all around, but he did not understand; it burned him up, but he did not take it to heart." (v25)

When the Servant and salvation that were promised comes, His hope is that many will recognize it: "Who among you will give ear to this, will attend and listen for the time to come?" (v23). Yet, despite the way has been made easy, many still do not take the path of salvation.