A Holy Conversation

Read Isaiah 48:16-50
 
Isaiah 49:2-6 He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword. He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand. I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver. 3 He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory.”  4 I replied, “But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the LORD’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.” 5 And now the LORD speaks, the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant, who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him. The LORD has honored me, and my God has given me strength. 6 He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
 
ISAIAH 49 is a prophecy of the Messiah, written as a conversation between the Father and the Son. The Son, called “servant” and “Israel” in verse 4, addressing all in distant lands (verse 1). The Son declares the LORD has prepared him before his birth on earth to speak with words of judgment as sharp as a sword…a sharp arrow. (verse 2) The Son also defines himself as “Israel” to say he will fulfill what Israel should have done to establish God’s promises in the Promised Land. Remember, too, “Israel” means to strive with God and prevail (Genesis 32:28). Jesus would prevail through the striving of the abuse, the cross and grave.
   Then verse 4 also seems to be the Messiah’s frustration. As we know, Israel did not change until Jesus ascended to send the Spirit. The picture here is of the Son expressing a weariness in his mission. Still, he submits to the Father, trusting he will fulfill the Father’s will.
   In Jesus’ humanity, he needed the Father’s anointing and the Father’s direction. He also needed the Spirit’s power for strength: “I leave it all in the LORD’s hands. I will trust God for my reward.”  
   About 700 years after this prophetic conversation, Jesus, the suffering Servant, called from the cross in anguish and in obedience, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Mark 14:36) Then verses 5-6 is the Father’s answer. He assured the Son as he described the eternal blessings that will come from his work. The apostle confirmed this: John 1:11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
   Verses 7-12 tell of the new creation as a physical change on earth. All will honor the Savior. Jesus represents the new covenant. With language reminding us of Psalm 23, the LORD says, “They will be my sheep grazing in green pastures…and beside cool waters.” Salvation’s light will lead them to peace and prosperity. Then Isaiah speaks worship in verse 13, “Sing for joy, O heavens! Rejoice, O earth!” The chapter concludes with God’s sure promises he will redeem his people.
   The LORD God Almighty – Father, Son and Spirit – is constant in his purpose. The Bible constantly reminds us of the unity in the Holy Trinity’s relationship. Three persons in one God, doing God’s will on earth is revealed in these verses.