by Katrina
LINK: Isaiah 41
BACKGROUND
This is a beautiful chapter of encouragement for the people of Judah. I break it down into the following sections:
vs. 1-4 - reminder of God's sovereignty over kings and nations
vs. 5-16 - encouragement that they are still God's chosen people and He will help them
vs. 17-20 - God's promise to provide all their needs as they travel
vs. 21-24 - God's challenge to idols to prove themselves worthy of worship, which they can't do
vs. 25-29 - Prophecy of a ruler from the east that will come down from the north (with another reminder of the worthlessness of idols)
This prophecy would be fulfilled 150 years later, when Cyrus king of Persia (in the east) would conquer Babylon (by attacking from the north). The Jews in Babylon will be freed by Cyrus to return to Jerusalem, and God will provide all their needs as they travel there.
REFLECTION
There are many great verses to reflect upon in this chapter. It's hard for me to choose one! Feel free to choose others besides this one. :)
God tells His people that they will travel through wilderness and dry land back to Judah, but God will provide water for them as well as trees. Why? Verse 20 says, "That they may see and recognize, and consider and gain insight as well, that the hand of the Lord has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it." God wants us to recognize that He is the one who provides our needs for us.
APPLICATION
Make a list of ways that God has provided for you recently - physically, emotionally, spiritually. Then take some time to praise and thank Him for His provision.
PRAYER
Lord, you are the only one who is sovereign over all things and who can provide for our every need. We praise you today as the only true God, the one who upholds us, sustains us, provides for us, cares for us. Thank you most of all for providing the way of salvation for us through Jesus. Amen.
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