Isaiah 49 - 51

 Click HERE to read the passage.

At first glace, the passage appears to be talking about Isaiah, how he was called by God prior to his birth, and how he's a servant who feels his life's work is for nothing. But, this chapter begins by sharing about Jesus! The prophecy is about Jesus and is an encouragement from the Father.

It may be hard to imagine that Jesus needed any encouragement at all. But, apparently our Heavenly Father felt differently about it. God knew it was important for His Son to know a few things while studying the Scriptures as a young boy after being born of a virgin. And, it may be difficult to understand "how" Jesus would have known this passage was actually talking about him. However, Jewish scholars of Jesus' day knew this was a prophecy referring to their future Messiah. Listen to the encouragement Jesus would have received while reading this passage...

-  He was called to His mission before He was ever born. (49:1)

-  His words would cast judgment upon men and act as a sharp sword. (49:2)

-  He will be protected and used as a mighty tool (sword) by His Father. (49:2)

-  In spite of all Jesus would go through on earth, the Father assures Him He will bring Him glory. (49:3)

-  While it would seem to Jesus He wasn't accomplishing anything, He was to trust the Father. (49:4)

-  He is assured of His purpose - "to bring Israel back to Him." (49:5)

-  In fact, Jesus is assured His ministry will go beyond the nation of Israel and impact the entire world! (49:6)

-  He reminds His Son that He will, in fact, be "despised and rejected" by the nation of Israel on his first visit. (49:7) (53:3)

-  But, that one day, even though he plays the role as a "servant" now, kings and rulers will stand in attention to Him. (49:7)

I'm sure Jesus appreciated this message presented some 750 years before His virgin birth. You must keep in mind that though Jesus is the Son of God, all God, He came in the form of man and was all man as well. I realize this is extremely difficult to understand, but only God could do this. Jesus was all God, as though he wasn't man at all. But, at the same time, He was all man, as though He weren't God at all. Only God could cause this to happen! Remember, He was tempted in all the ways we are tempted by sin, but didn't give in to sin. Why would Satan spend a great deal of time tempting Jesus if he knew it was impossible for Him to sin? The truth is, Satan knew Jesus had laid down His glory and power as the Almighty Son of God to become all man. That way, Jesus would be the "perfect" sacrifice for our sin! A man who didn't sin!

The rest of chapter 49 speak of God's powerful love for His people Israel!  He reminds them that even though they are deep within the throws of enslavement, He will rescue them at the right time. Notice how He reminds them of His love and the comparison He uses - "Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you." - 49:15-16

Chapter 51 opens with God reminding the nation of Israel "why" they're in captivity. It's NOT because He's forgotten about them, it's due to their sinfulness (50:1)

Jesus Again!

Once again, the Father encourages His Son and reminds Him of what's to come!

-  "I gave My back to those who struck Me,"  (50:6)  Remember, Jesus was flogged by the Romans!

-  "And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting." (50:6)  Remember, they pulled out his beard, mocked him, and was spit on when ridiculed by the Sanhedrin as He stood before Caiaphas, the High Priest, prior to His crucifixion!

-  “For the Lord God will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed"  (50:7)  Remember, Jesus was determined to finish His work on the cross!  That's why at the moment of His death He cried out, "It is finished."  His work had been accomplished! Yay!

-  "Who among you fears the Lord and obeys his servant? If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the Lord and rely on your God." (50:10)  Remember what Jesus said of Himself in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."  As prophesied in Isaiah, Jesus is the light of the world and that only through Him can anyone escape the darkness of sin and its dark consequences.

Jesus' Millennial Reign Again!

Chapter 51 is God's warning and reminder to Israel that one day His Son will rule the nations from Jerusalem. It's also a reminder that they need to stop being stupid and start listening to Him!

Notice some of the verses that speak of His rule on earth...

-  "My mercy and justice are coming soon. My salvation is on the way. My strong arm will bring justice to the nations. All distant lands will look to me and wait in hope for my powerful arm."  (51:5)  This will only happen when Jesus returns to earth to rule during His 2nd coming.

-  "Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness."  (50:11)  The only time this happens is in the future reign of Christ on earth.

Have you ever heard the saying, "Hindsight is 20/20" ?  Well, it often is!  It's so much easier to look back on events and understand them and see them for what they were.  That's what we get to do with the book of Isaiah.  We get to look at all those prophecies and realize none of those have been fulfilled yet. And, in the light of the teachings of the New Testament, we realize many of Isaiah's prophecies speak of the end times - the day when Jesus will sit on the throne of David in Jerusalem and will rule the world. The whole world will recognize Him as God and will worship Him!  What a day that will be!

Will you be ruling and reigning with Christ one day yet to come?

16  See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;