July 25

Isaiah 48:12-52:12

There are several themes that stick out throughout today's reading: the sovereignty of God, the judgment of God, the suffering Servant, and the bounty of the Lord's favor—and not in that order. Israel, even during its captivity, remains God's chosen one—as we are reminded in the very first verse of today's reading. And who would not want to be the chosen one of the One whose "hand laid the foundations of the earth" or who calls out to the stars and "they all appear in order"? Here is the God of the universe, the One who can make a nonbelieving ruler (Cyrus) His ally, and He has chosen Israel to be His people.

As His children, we hold both present and future promises. God tells us that He has "engraved [us] on the palms of [His] hands” (Isaiah 49:16) and that He will go before us and be our "rear' guard" (Isaiah 52:12) in the present, and we have all the promises of the future of the victory of our God and His righteous rule. As Jesus did, I want to look beyond the present troubles of this life, and instead see the bright and glorious future guaranteed to us by our most glorious heavenly Father.

Thank You, Lord, that ALL your promises are yes and amen in Jesus. Please teach my heart to trust You every second. 

What phrase of promise that the Lord offers here can I write down and memorize to remember what the Lord offers me or what He thinks of me?

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