Not a Worm

Read Isaiah 41:11-43:7
 
Isaiah 41:14-16 Though you are a lowly worm, O Jacob, don’t be afraid, people of Israel, for I will help you. I am the LORD, your Redeemer. I am the Holy One of Israel. 15 You will be a new threshing instrument with many sharp teeth. You will tear your enemies apart, making chaff of mountains. 16 You will toss them into the air, and the wind will blow them all away; a whirlwind will scatter them. Then you will rejoice in the Lord. You will glory in the Holy One of Israel.
 
WHAT would you think if someone called you a lowly worm? That’s how God described Israel. What was his purpose?
   This scripture is similar to many in the prophets’ writings. You may have noticed a continual pattern of accusation through various images, sometimes very graphic and always very pointed to help us see how far sin takes us from God. And then God gives wonderful, glorious visions of his redemption promises. The various images are God’s method to give a clear understanding of his authority over Israel. “Lowly worm” is God’s point to Israel that  they are weak and subject to all enemies without him. Then the LORD describes the transformation he will bring to Israel.  
   First, he promises, “I will help you.”  God’s repeated description throughout the Bible of his relationship with his own is that of a helper. He empowers, encourages and leads them in his justice. God adds to and completes his nation’s well-being as they obey his commands. Without God’s help, the “worm” remains weak and defenseless. With God, the worm transform into a conquering army.
   God assures Israel of his help as he declares,  “I am the LORD, your Redeemer. I am the Holy One of Israel.”  “LORD” is the all-powerful God, Master of all. He is the Almighty, who supplies everything. In God’s law, the family redeemer is a protector. He can return family land from creditors and free family members who are slaves. God is worthy to be Redeemer who forgives sin and removes accusations from Israel. He is the Holy One, to be honored and obeyed.
   The LORD, then, has the power to transform the worm into a new threshing instrument with many sharp teeth. And he promises, “You will tear your enemies apart, making chaff of mountains.” God’s justice will come to the world. The LORD’s people will conquer their enemies. That is why he can promise,  “Then you will rejoice in the LORD. You will glory in the Holy One of Israel.” Israel’s victories will demonstrate to Israel and to the nations the sovereign LORD’s transforming power.