Mighty to Save

Note: I apologize that we are still not completely caught up. My intent is to post several entries today so that we will be back on schedule by the end of the end of the day. Thank you for your patience.

Haftorah Reading:
Isaiah 40:27-41:16

This Haftorah reading is a beautiful message of comfort to the nation of Israel. At the time this message was spoken through the prophet Isaiah, the nation was divided and the Northern Kingdom had already been exiled to Assyria. The faith of the people must surely have been shaken, as evidenced by Genesis 40:27. But just as He did with Abraham, G-d reached out to Israel with words of comfort and encouragement.

G-d reminds His people that He alone gives strength to the weary and He, himself, never tires (Gen. 40:28-29). It is important to note that the gods of the surrounding peoples were often believed to have human characteristics (IVP Bible Background Commentary), so G-d is also affirming the fact that He alone is the Supreme Being and no other is like Him. Who, when tired and discouraged, wouldn't want to know that the omnipotent G-d is on their side and that He will never grow weary?

In Isaiah 41, the L-rd goes on to reiterate His ultimate power over all creation; and in verse 8 He reaffirms Israel's status as His chosen people. In Isaiah 41:9-10, G-d reassures the people that He has not rejected them and exhorts them not to fear. The remainder of chapter 41 follows this pattern of G-d's reassurance to Israel. This is perhaps best expressed in verses 13 and 14:

13 “For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand,
Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’
14 “Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel;
I will help you,” declares the LORD, “and your Redeemer is the Holy One
of Israel.*

This prophetic passage stresses that Israel will ultimately be victorious, and at that time they will "glory in the Holy One of Israel" (Gen. 41:16). How far off that day must have seemed to the people at that time! Still, it gave them a blessed hope to cling to in their time of sorrow.

My prayer is that I will run to the Almighty G-d in times of trouble, clinging to hope in Him and trusting that He is mighty to save.

*New American Standard Bible : 1995 update. 1995 (Is 41:13–14). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.