READ: Isaiah 44 (Focus vs. 21-25)
MEMORY VERSE
“Sing for joy, you heavens, for the Lord has done this; . . . the Lord has redeemed Jacob.” Isaiah 44:23
BACKGROUND
The situation looked hopeless for Amy and Alan’s infant daughter Jem. Born with a condition called trisomy-18, she was expected to die within days or weeks. “There’s no point in treating her,” the doctor said coldly. But her mother said, “I have bigger dreams for her.” They took Jem home and loved her. And they prayed.
Six years later, Jem needed surgery to remove a large tumor that had been found. Then—the same doctor walked in. “I know what you’re thinking,” he said, “but I’m asking you for a second chance.”
He admitted he’d been wrong about Jem. “I’d like a chance at redemption,” he said. Amy and Alan might have said no. But they understood the power of God’s forgiveness.
The Old Testament prophets often carried a message of God’s judgment. But woven throughout that message is the irrepressible theme of God’s love, forgiveness, and redemption. Isaiah pointed out Judah’s sins (44:6-20) but suddenly shifted focus.
Speaking God’s words, he said, “Return to me, for I have redeemed you” (v. 22).
God’s character wouldn’t permit Him to abandon His people. “I have made you,” He said, “I will not forget you” (v. 21). The conclusion: “Sing for joy, you heavens, for the Lord has done this; . . . the Lord has redeemed Jacob” (v. 23).
Jem’s surgery found no tumor. “A miracle!” said the doctor. The power of prayer. The power of our redeeming God.
Tim Gustafson
INSIGHT
Isaiah 44 contrasts false gods with the one true God. In verses 9-20, God indicts those who make idols. He speaks of the “blacksmith” (v. 12) and the “carpenter” who craft images that “dwell in a shrine” (v. 13).
God says, “Half of the wood he burns in the fire. . . . From the rest he makes a god, his idol” (vv. 16-17). God had a much different message for His people: “Remember these things, Jacob, for you, Israel, are my servant. I have made you . . . ; I will not forget you” (v. 21).
We aren’t to make a representation of God; He has made us. The writer to the Hebrews observes, “Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands . . . ; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence” (9:24).
Our high priest is Christ Himself. His Spirit resides within us (1 Corinthians 3:16). No shrine we make could ever contain Him—our redeeming God.
APPLICATION
What “hopeless” cases do you know of? How have you seen God’s redemption at work in your life?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“The Old Testament prophets often carried a message of God’s judgment. But woven throughout that message is the irrepressible theme of God’s love, forgiveness, and redemption.”
PR’s TAKE
“God’s character (doesn’t) permit Him to abandon His people.” Today’s Post
“The secret of redemption lies in remembrance” Ron von Weizsaecker
“I have (no choice but) to believe there’s redemption in the darkest of circumstances; otherwise it’s too bleak for me.” Paddy Gonsidine
PRAYER
“Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God who asks me to return to You.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“IN CHRIST ALONE” Stuart Townend
In Christ alone, my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live, I live
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand
