God Fights for Us – Isaiah 49:24-25

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 49:24-25 (NIV)

“Can plunder be taken from warriors, or captives be rescued from the fierce? But this is what the Lord says: “Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save.”

Isaiah 49:24-25 (MSG)

“Can plunder be retrieved from a giant, prisoners of war gotten back from a tyrant? But God says, “Even if a giant grips the plunder and a tyrant holds my people prisoner, I’m the one who’s on your side, defending your cause, rescuing your children.”

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“Can the spoils of war be taken from the mighty man, or the captives of a tyrant be rescued?” Indeed, this is what the Lord says, “Even the captives of the mighty man will be taken away, and the tyrant’s spoils of war will be rescued; for I will contend with your opponent, and I will save your children. -AMPLIFIED

“Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away: Babylon, the mighty empire, had taken Zion captive. But even they shall be taken away. God will show His strength and love for Zion by giving unto Babylon what Babylon gave unto Zion, even though they thought it unlikely, as shown by the question of Isaiah 49:24.” ~David Guzik

In yesterday’s text, we were reminded that God has a tendency to do the unexpected. In the case of the people of Israel, this was evident when God foretold to them what would happen once they returned to their homeland, and their children were returned to them:

“Kings will be their babysitters and queens their nursing mothers.
    With faces bowed to the ground, they will lick the dust of your feet. Then you will know that I am Yahweh, and I will never disappoint those who entwine their hearts with mine.” -Isaiah 49:23 (The Passion Translation)

In today’s text, Israel is told that Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, will personally fight for them.

“Jerusalem: Can the spoil of war be taken from the mighty? Can the captives be freed from the hand of a tyrant? Eternal One: Hard to believe, but it shall be so. The captives will be taken from the hand of the mighty, and the spoil of war will be rescued from the tyrant. I will liberate them from their captors and contend with your enemies. I will save your children.” -(VOICE)

The question is asked, and it is implied that it is asked by the people of Israel, “Who can remove the spoils of war from the hands of a mighty warrior? And how can a prisoner be freed from the powerfully, strong soldier?”

Their trust in God has not come fully into fruition. They are still grabbling with trying to understand “how” God can do what He says He will do.

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, answers in this way: “Don’t you worry your little heads over something like that. I’ve got this! The captives will be taken away from those strong, mighty soldiers, and there will be nothing that they can do to stop it from happening. I am contending or fighting for you. I will save your children, never fear.”

“Who can snatch the prey from the hands of a mighty man? Who can demand that a tyrant let his captives go? But the Lord says, “Even the captives of the most mighty and most terrible shall all be freed; for I will fight those who fight you, and I will save your children.” -(TLB)

“Yahweh replied that He would indeed save the Israelites’ descendants from their tyrannical captors even though that would be humanly impossible. He is stronger than they.” ~Thomas Constable

Later, in the book of Isaiah, we find Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, promising that He will rebuild their city, and that no weapon raised against His people will ever prosper.

“Eternal One: Ah, Jerusalem, so miserable and distressed! I will rebuild you
        with floors of shimmering mosaics, set sapphires in your foundations.
 I will decorate your towers with rubies, and your gates will sparkle with all manner of precious gems.
    Costly jewels will adorn the entire wall that circles your precincts.
Every one of your children, the people who call you home, will be students of the Eternal; oh, they’ll be so happy and live in peace!
This time, you will be founded and grounded on right thought, speech, and action.
    And no one will trouble you, abuse or oppress you; you will know no fear and have no worries.
If a nation marches against you, know that I am not behind it.
    Anyone foolish enough to challenge you will fall to you.
I have created the blacksmith who readies the fire and forges weapons for wars;
    And I have created the destroyer to ravage and ruin.
 But no instrument forged against you will be allowed to hurt you, and no voice raised to condemn you will successfully prosecute you. It’s that simple; this is how it will be for the servants of the Eternal;
        I will vindicate them.” -Isaiah 54:11-17 (VOICE)

This promise was to God’s covenant people, Israel; nothing could happen to them unless God allowed it to happen and made it so. God is always in control and in charge. Nothing happens unless He allows it to happen.

Over in the book of Jeremiah, we find Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty telling Jeremiah to not be afraid of their captors, the Babylonians, for He will protect and deliver them from their hands. God said:

“Do not be afraid of them [or their hostile faces], for I am with you [always] to protect you and deliver you,” says the Lord.” -Jeremiah 1:8 (AMP)

Later in the book, we once again find God declaring that He will fight for His people, and He will not quit until they are once again free. Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, declared:

“The Lord says: The people of Israel and Judah have been wronged. Their captors hold them and refuse to let them go.  But their Redeemer is strong. His name is the Lord Almighty. He will plead for them and see that they are freed to live again in quietness in Israel. As for the people of Babylon—there is no rest for them!” -Jeremiah 50:33-34 (TLB)

So then, we need to consider what Paul wrote to the Romans and take it to heart. If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

“So what should we say about this? If God is for us, then no one can defeat us. God let even his own Son suffer for us. God gave his Son for us all. So with Jesus, God will surely give us all things. Who can accuse the people that God has chosen? No one! God is the One who makes them right. Who can say that God’s people are guilty? No one! Christ Jesus died, but that is not all. He was also raised from death. And now he is on God’s right side and is begging God for us. Can anything separate us from the love Christ has for us? Can troubles or problems or sufferings? If we have no food or clothes, if we are in danger, or even if death comes—can any of these things separate us from Christ’s love? As it is written in the Scriptures: “For you we are in danger of death all the time. People think we are worth no more than sheep to be killed.” But in all these things we have full victory through God who showed his love for us. Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from the love God has for us. Not death, not life, not angels, not ruling spirits, nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us, nothing below us, or anything else in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 8:31-39 (ICB)

“If you are facing a battle today that seems overwhelming, give it over to God and let Him fight for you. He will work it all out and make a way where it seems there is no way.” ~M.S.Lowndes

My friend, God still fights for His people, His children. In fact, the battle is the Lord’s to fight, not ours. Our job is to allow Him to have His will and way in our lives, and to trust that He is doing all things for our good and His glory. Our part in the battle will be fought on our knees. Do you trust your God?

“No matter what you are going through or what storms you are facing in life, take your position. Don’t give up. Stand still. Enter God’s rest. See the salvation of the Lord. Quit worrying and trying to figure out everything that is happening around you. And above all, worship God. Remember, no matter what your battle is, it is not yours; the battle belongs to the Lord, and He has a plan to bring you victory.”
~Joyce Meyer

My Prayer:

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, too often I have tried to fight my battles on my own, not trusting you to work all things out for my good. I have quickly found out that I am not capable of handling things. Lord, please forgive me for not trusting you, and believing that you are able to do exactly what you say you can do. I have messed up. Your Word reminds me that you are fighting for me, all I need do is sit back and allow you to do what is needed to be done. I am reminded that my part will be played out on my knees. Help me, Lord, to take my part in this battle seriously, and to allow you to do what you do best. Thank you, Lord. I am so blessed to be counted among your children. Thanks for your love. ❤

God Does the Unexpected – Isaiah 49:23

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 49:23 (NIV)

“Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow down before you with their faces to the ground; they will lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.”

Isaiah 49:23 (MSG)

“Kings will be your babysitters, princesses will be your nursemaids. They’ll offer to do all your drudge work—scrub your floors, do your laundry. You’ll know then that I am God. No one who hopes in me ever regrets it.”

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“Kings will be your attendants, and their princesses your nurses. They will bow down to you with their faces to the earth and lick the dust of your feet; and you shall know [with an understanding based on personal experience] that I am the Lord; for they shall not be put to shame who wait and hope expectantly for Me.” -AMPLIFIED

“God had not forgotten Israel. Even though He would leave her for a time, He would re-gather all her children from all over the world to Himself. Therefore, she should continue to trust in Him.” ~Thomas Constable

Yesterday we learned that God is Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord is our Banner.

“This is what Lord Yahweh says: “Soon I will raise my hand and signal to the nations,
    and they will come with your little boys bundled in their arms and your little daughters carried on their shoulders.” -Isaiah 49:22 (The Passion Translation)

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, was speaking to Israel, telling them of how all their children, they thought were lost, would return to them. He had earlier instructed them to “Look up, and see!” For He was about to do great and wonderful things for them, things, things that they would not have expected.

NOTE: We need to remember that this passage applies not only to Israel’s near future, but its far future as well. In other words, this applies to the Millennial period as well.

In today’s passage, we once again find unexpected things happening. God tells Israel:

“Kings will tend the children of Zion, and their queens will nurse and nurture them. These greats will humble themselves before you. They will bow and lick the dust off your feet, and in the course of it all, you will remember that I am the Eternal. Whoever trusts in Me will never be put to shame.” -(VOICE)

We find God telling the people of Israel that something strange and unusual will happen when they return home to their homeland, Israel. They will find out that kings had been caring for their children, and queens had been their wet nurses. Kings and queens will have been attending to, and babysitting their children, like guardians. (How unlikely this all sounds, but God tells Israel the unseen truth that they will find out for themselves.)

God goes on to say, “With faces bowed to the ground, they will lick the dust of your feet.” -(TPT) This is not to say that these kings and queens are literally licking the dust, but that they are bowed low in honor and homage to the people of Israel.

“A posture indicating the profoundest reverence. This is the common posture of showing great respect in the East. An act denoting the utmost possible respect and veneration for the church and people of God.” ~Albert Barnes

This is a sign of respect to someone that you view as higher in authority. How or why would this be? Because these nations will want to know more about the Most High God, and they know that Israel is the one to tell them.

“All the nations are flowing to Jerusalem to bow at her feet, yes, to beg mercy for the wrongs done, and yes, to bring back with apology those who had been dragged away, but also to try to learn something of this amazing God who has been able to lift his people from barren widowhood to being the laughing grandmother of nations.” ~Oswalt

Finally, in the last sentence of our text, we find God telling Israel that if they trust Him, they will never be brought to shame. They may not understand what He is telling them, but if they are obedient to Him, He will bring it to pass. The Passion Translation interprets this last sentence in this way:

“Then you will know that I am Yahweh, and I will never disappoint those
    who entwine their hearts with mine.” -(TPT)

To be entwined is to be interwoven together, inseparable, joined, united, connected, or merged. Think about that for a moment. God will never disappoint those whose hearts are joined, or connected to His.

“Kings and queens shall serve you; they shall care for all your needs. They shall bow to the earth before you and lick the dust from off your feet; then you shall know I am the Lord. Those who wait for me shall never be ashamed.” -(TLB)

“To wait for God entails an ultimate trust in Him, not becoming impatient when His timetable for final salvation differs from ours.” ~John MacArthur

Earlier in the book of Isaiah, we found him prophesying of a time when Israel will finally come to the realization that Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, has been working, in unexpected ways, on their behalf. Isaiah foretold of Israel’s response:

“Also at that time, people will say, “Look at what’s happened! This is our God!
We waited for him and he showed up and saved us! This God, the one we waited for!
Let’s celebrate, sing the joys of his salvation. God’s hand rests on this mountain!” -Isaiah 25:9-10a (MSG)

We also need to learn that God’s ways are not our ways. His ways are higher, bigger, better.

“This plan of mine is not what you would work out, neither are my thoughts the same as yours! For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than yours, and my thoughts than yours.” -Isaiah 55:8-9 (TLB)

“As you reflect this Christmas season on your life, your struggles, your disappointments, your victories, your faith, and your hope, remember that God is God and we are not. Jesus’s death on the cross was simultaneously foolishness to the wise in the world, to those who are perishing, and a demonstration of the power and wisdom of God to those of us who believe. He doesn’t always do things the way we might expect or wish he would, but when it comes to God, shouldn’t we know by now to expect the unexpected?” ~Alexander Stewart

My friend, God has great plans for your life, plans that probably are totally different from your plans. They are unexpected, but they are good plans. If you are not looking for His hand at work in your life, you might miss the signs, but never doubt, He is at work. Be ready, and looking for what God is doing in your life today, and stop trying to put Him into a box.

“I don’t know what you’re facing today, but it’s time to stop looking at the stones that seem immoveable. It’s time to stop looking down and look up! It’s time to stop looking back and look up! It’s time to stop looking around and look up! Look up to the resurrected Christ because where you look is where you will go, and it’s time to go forward and fulfill all that God’s has created you to be and called you to do. It’s time to expect the unexpected.” ~Christine Caine

My Prayer:

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, help me to be expecting the unexpected from you. Forgive me for thinking that I have everything all figured out. I should know better. You always think outside the box, and I need to stop trying to fit you into my box. You ways are bigger, greater, higher than anything that I could ever think of. I am choosing to trust you will and ways. Help my heart to be intertwined with yours, and help me to be looking for your hand at work, so I am quick to follow your leading. Your way is always the best way. I submit to your leadership in my life.

The Lord is Our Banner – Isaiah 49:22

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 49:22 (NIV)

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I will beckon to the nations, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their hips.”

Isaiah 49:22 (MSG)

“The Master, God, says: “Look! I signal to the nations, I raise my flag to summon the people. Here they’ll come: women carrying your little boys in their arms, men carrying your little girls on their shoulders.”

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“This is what the Lord God says, “Listen carefully, I will lift up My hand to the [Gentile] nations and set up My banner to the peoples; and they will bring your sons in the fold of their garments, and your daughters will be carried on their shoulders.” -AMPLIFIED

Yesterday’s passage reminded us to be looking for God’s blessings. God tells Israel that when they return to their homeland it will be full of people. In particular, all the children they feared lost will be found.

“You thought you had lost the children, but you will hear them say,
    ‘This place is too cramped for me. Make more room for me to live in.’
And you will say to yourself, ‘Where in the world did all these children come from?
    Who birthed these for me? I thought I was bereaved and barren. I thought I was all alone, forgotten in exile—so how did they all get here?’” -Isaiah 49:20-21 (The Passion Translation)

In today’s text, Yahweh’s focus is still on those lost children. And He declares that He will be the Banner that signals the nations to bring back Israel’s children.

“This is what the Lord, the Eternal, has to say: Eternal One: I will lift My hand and signal every nation that holds your people and they will bring your children back again: boys bundled in their arms, girls riding on their shoulders.” -(VOICE)

Let it be duly noted that these words come from the mouth of God Himself. He is the One who is speaking. He is the One making this promise. And He tells Israel:

“I will raise my hand and signal the Gentiles, beckoning them to bring your children home. I will lift up my banner among the people.”

God will lift up His standard, or His banner. In Hebrew the word is “nes”. The banner was a triangular flag placed on a pole. It was a non-verbal way of communicating, especially on the battlefield. It served as a rallying point, a place where people were drawn together, to work towards a common point or goal. This ornamental flag was the leader’s signal to his subjects that where the flag was planted would be their rallying point and where the work would be done.

What is about to happen will happen because God will do it. And if He says He will do it, you can believe He will do it.

“The sovereign LORD says it. That settles it whether we believe it or not! Believe it! “The Lord reassured Israel not only with the promise that He would remember and restore Israel, but also that He would ultimately exalt Israel.”  ~Moody Bible Commentary

Adonai tells Israel that their children will be brought home, this will be the great blessing of the children returning home. Take notice of how the children come home, as if they were loved and well cared for: “little boys bundled in their arms and your little daughters carried on their shoulders.” -(TPT)

Tomorrow’s text will delve further into the state and care of these returning children.

“The Lord God says, “See, I will give a signal to the Gentiles, and they shall carry your little sons back to you in their arms, and your daughters on their shoulders.” -(TLB)

“God’s blessing will seem to come from nowhere. Though the promise seems too good to be true, God confirms it with an oath to the nations. God will rescue Israel from both their immediate and ultimate captivity.” ~David Guzik

Scripture tells us that God is Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord is our Banner. Though this name only appears once in Scripture, in Exodus, there we find Moses saying:

“Moses built an altar there and called it “Jehovah-nissi” (meaning “Jehovah is my flag”). “Raise the banner of the Lord!” Moses said. “For the Lord will be at war with Amalek generation after generation.” -Exodus 17:15-16 (TLB)

This place where Moses built the altar to the Lord was the very place that God worked on behalf of His people. It was here that He promised to defeat their enemies. It was in this place that God took a stand, just like the banner, and He was Jehovah-Nissi.

In the Song of Solomon, we are reminded that the Banner is a banner of love.

“He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love [for love waved as a protecting and comforting banner over my head when I was near him].” -Song of Solomon 2:4 (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)

“When Moses built the altar and called it, “The LORD is my banner,” he was creating a place of remembrance, a celebration of victory, an expression of thanks. He was making a declaration, one that any follower of Jesus can share in today: The LORD is my banner and we are the LORD’s. It was a declaration not just of who God is and what He has done, but of who we are as His people.” ~Julia Bruce

My friend, the Lord is our Banner, and that is a Banner of love. He has staked a claim on your life. Have you answered His call?

“God is our banner because we live to celebrate and honor His faithfulness to us, shown in myriad ways, from the rising sun to the risen Christ. God is our banner because we remember all His deeds and His words graciously given to us in scripture. He is our banner because He gives us identity, and our label is “God’s children,” because of the saving work of Jesus. God is our banner because we are his representatives to the world, making Him visible and showing the beauty of His transforming work. God is our banner because all of this is an invitation, a gravitational pull, a summons, a tug to any who would believe but do not yet know what that means or how to do so.” ~Barnabas Piper

My Prayer:

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, you are Jehovah-Nissi, the Banner that flies over me. You have staked claim to my life, and I am yours. I identify with you, my Lord, and I am subject to you. May your will be done in my life. Your purpose and plan for me, I know, is for good. I have experienced your great love. I know that your care for me deeply. Help me to be a living testimony of your faithfulness to all who will believe and receive your gift of salvation. I am who I am because of You, Jehovah-Nissi.

Look for the Blessings – Isaiah 49:20-21

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 49:20-21 (NIV)

“The children born during your bereavement will yet say in your hearing, ‘This place is too small for us; give us more space to live in.’ Then you will say in your heart, ‘Who bore me these? I was bereaved and barren; I was exiled and rejected. Who brought these up? I was left all alone, but these—where have they come from?’”

Isaiah 49:20-21 (MSG)

“The children born in your exile will be saying, ‘It’s getting too crowded here. I need more room.’ And you’ll say to yourself, ‘Where on earth did these children come from? I lost everything, had nothing, was exiled and penniless. So who reared these children? How did these children get here?’”

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“The children of your bereavement [those born in captivity] will yet say in your ears, ‘The place is too cramped for me’; make room for me that I may live here. Then [Zion], you will say in your heart, ‘Who has borne me these children, since I have been bereaved of my children and am barren, an exile and a wanderer? And who has reared these? Indeed, I was left alone; from where then did these children come?’” -AMPLIFIED

“What we count the ills of life are often blessings in disguise, resulting in good to us in the end. Though for the present not joyous but grievous, yet, if received in a right spirit, they work out fruits of righteousness for us at last.” ~Matthew Henry

In yesterday’s text we were told that once God allowed His people to return to their home, they would find that they had outgrown its space. The passage is a reminder of God’s blessings bestowed, even in times of difficulty. God’s Message to Israel:

“See? Your ruins and devastated places will soon be overcrowded with settlers
    while your destroyers stay far away.” -Isaiah 49:19 (The Passion Translation)

Today’s passage continues this train of thought, God informs Israel they they will find, upon their return, that their numbers are huge. The children they thought were lost, are found. And they will wonder to themselves, “‘Where in the world did all these children come from?” -(TPT)

NOTE: It is important to remember that this passage not only applied to Israel’s near future, but her far future as well. This is considered to be a prophecy about what will happen during the Millennium times.

“The children you mourned, those born in exile, will return and say, “It is too cramped and crowded for us; we’re going to need more room if we are to live here.” You’ll say to yourself, “Where in the world did all these people come from? Could these really be mine? I thought I’d been desolated, left empty. Where have you all been? Where did you come from?” -(VOICE)

God says to Israel:

When the time comes for their great reunion in the homeland, the people will be surprised by how many of them have survived, and how large their numbers have actually grown. For seventy years they thought they were alone, they thought they were facing the consequences of the sin of their nation all by themselves. But now, suddenly, they will realize, they were never alone, in fact, their numbers had grown massively.

They had thought they had lost so many people, but in truth, God had blessed their numbers, and they were many. Look what the Lord had done! He blessed them, even in captivity.

God had not, nor would He ever, forget His own. Remember what He has just told the people a few verses back:

“Can a woman forget her child at the breast, not show pity on the child from her womb?
Even if these were to forget, I would not forget you. I have engraved you on the palms of my hands,
your walls are always before me.” Your children are coming quickly, your destroyers and plunderers are leaving and going. Raise your eyes, and look around: they are all gathering and coming to you.
Adonai swears: “As surely as I am alive, you will wear them all like jewels,
adorn yourself with them like a bride.” -Isaiah 49:15-18 (Complete Jewish Bible)

“The generations born in exile shall return and say, ‘We need more room! It’s crowded here!’ Then you will think to yourself, ‘Who has given me all these? For most of my children were killed, and the rest were carried away into exile, leaving me here alone. Who bore these? Who raised them for me?’” -(TLB)

“The great blessing of the returning sons of Zion – in both near and far fulfillment – will come as an astounding surprise. God’s blessing will seem to come from nowhere. Though the promise seems too good to be true, God confirms it with an oath to the nations. God will rescue Israel from both their immediate and ultimate captivity.” ~David Guzik

Something that we need to learn is that God can, and will, bless us, even in times of trouble. Israel was surprised when they returned home, because they were not expecting God to bless them during their time of captivity and incarceration. But blessing is part of God’s character, and He cannot stop being who He truly is. Hence why David wrote these words:

“Taste of His goodness; see how wonderful the Eternal truly is.
    Anyone who puts trust in Him will be blessed and comforted.” -Psalm 34:8 (VOICE)

“Did you never run for shelter in a storm, and find fruit which you expected not? Did you never go to God for safeguard, driven by outward storms, and there find unexpected fruit?” ~John Owen

Our attitude makes a difference when it comes to recognizing those blessings in times of trouble. James tells us that we need to keep our eyes focused on God during those times of trouble, and we need to listen and obey, then we will be blessed.

“For if a person just listens and doesn’t obey, he is like a man looking at his face in a mirror; as soon as he walks away, he can’t see himself anymore or remember what he looks like. But if anyone keeps looking steadily into God’s law for free men, he will not only remember it but he will do what it says, and God will greatly bless him in everything he does.” -James 1:23-25 (TLB)

When life looks to be confusing and tumultuous, chaotic, and out of control, remember to have the right attitude, for God blesses even in times of trouble, and soon your redemption draws near.

“I refuse to become panicky, as I lift up my eyes to Him and accept it as coming from the throne of God for some great purpose of blessing to my own heart.” ~Alan Redpath

My friend, too often we get caught up in the trials and troubles of life, and we forget to look for the blessings, and we fail to praise God in the storms of life. Never forget, even in the times of trouble, God continues to bless. Look for the blessings in your life today and take time to be grateful and give thanks.

“If you always find yourself numbering your troubles, you will never find time for counting your blessings.” ~Israelmore Ayivor

My Prayer:

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, I ask that you help my spiritual eyes to be open and perceptive. Help me to be looking for those blessings that you will bestow, even in times of trouble. Help me to have the right attitude, Lord, when facing those trying times. Remind me that these times are meant to drive me closer to you, not away from you. Help me to remember that you are a good, good Father, and that your character is one which must bless. I know you have good things in store for me, you have plans to bless. So, help me to be alert, looking for those blessings, so that I can give you thanks.

God’s Blessings Poured Out – Isaiah 49:19

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 49:19 (NIV)

“Though you were ruined and made desolate and your land laid waste, now you will be too small for your people, and those who devoured you will be far away.”

Isaiah 49:19 (MSG)

“And your ruined land? Your devastated, decimated land? Filled with more people than you know what to do with! And your barbarian enemies, a fading memory.”

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“For your ruins and desolate places and your land [once the scene] of destruction—Certainly now [in the coming years] will be too cramped for the inhabitants, and those who once engulfed you will be far away.” -AMPLIFIED

“As the LORD brings the sons of Zion back to Israel, they will fill the land in a glorious way.” ~David Guzik

In yesterday’s passage, we found Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, instructing Israel to snap out of their depression and self-pity. Instead, they were to “Look up and see what He was already doing for them.”

“Your children, your builders, are running back to you
    as those who ruined and destroyed you are running away.
Lift up your head and look all around you.
    See! All your children, your builders, gather to come back to you.
    As surely as I live, I make this promise,” says Yahweh.
    “You will wear them all like jewels,
    as a radiant bride wears her beautiful jewelry!” -Isaiah 49:17-18 (The Passion Translation)

In today’s text, we find God begin to unfold for Israel His plans and the blessings that He has in store for them.

“The city’s growth is cited as an unmistakable sign of Yahweh’s grace.” ~Watts

“Because of all of your destroyed land—the barren fields and abandoned farms—you are now too small, too cramped for all your citizens; and those who tried to swallow you whole will be far, far away.” -(VOICE)

God tells Israel that even the most ravaged and devastated areas of their homeland will soon be full of people. The ruins and devastated places would soon be overcrowded with returning families. And their enemies, their tormentors, they would be far, far away, nowhere to be found.

In fact, God tells Israel that their homeland will be too small to contain them all. His blessings will be more than the land will be able to contain.

Jeremiah too prophesied of Israel’s time of captivity, and the end of that captivity. In God’s Message in the book of Jeremiah, we find this reminder to God’s people that His plans are for good, not evil. His intention is to restore peace and well-being, not disaster. God’s Message to Israel:

“The truth is this: You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised and bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest. Yes, says the Lord, I will be found by you, and I will end your slavery and restore your fortunes; I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and bring you back home again to your own land.” -Jeremiah 29:10-14 (TLB)

“Even the most desolate parts of your abandoned land shall soon be crowded with your people, and your enemies who enslaved you shall be far away.” -(TLB)

 “For your ruined and ravaged places, and your land laid waste,” by the king of Assyria, “shall now be too small for your inhabitants, despite the departure of your devourers.” The devourers, the oppressors, were thrown out, the ravagers gotten rid of, and now, in that Promised land you’re multiplying and people are returning, so much, that the original Promised land is too small. Then, what do you do? You spread abroad.” ~Avraham Gileadi

God’s desire is to bless us, His Word tells us so. Take note:

1.) In Deuteronomy, Moses told the people of Israel the need to be obedient to God in order to experience His blessings:

“If you fully obey all of these commandments of the Lord your God, the laws I am declaring to you today, God will transform you into the greatest nation in the world. These are the blessings that will come upon you: Blessings in the city, Blessings in the field; Many children, Ample crops, Large flocks and herds; Blessings of fruit and bread; Blessings when you come in, Blessings when you go out.” -Deuteronomy 28:1-6 (TLB)

2.) Jeremiah reminds us that those who trusts in God will be blessed like a very fruitful tree.

“But the person who trusts in the Lord will be blessed. The Lord will show him that he can be trusted.
He will be strong, like a tree planted near water. That tree has large roots that find the water.
It is not afraid when the days are hot. Its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year when no rain comes. That tree always produces fruit.” -Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ICB)

3.) The Apostle Paul reminded the Ephesians the God Himself is a blessing, and He has good things planned for us.

“How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.” -Ephesians 1:3-6

4.) James reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes to us from the Father.

“Every good gift bestowed, every perfect gift received comes to us from above, courtesy of the Father of lights. He is consistent. He won’t change His mind or play tricks in the shadows. We have a special role in His plan. He calls us to life by His message of truth so that we will show the rest of His creatures His goodness and love.” -James 1:17-18 (VOICE)

We need to understand, and take to heart something that Solomon taught us:

“True enrichment comes from the blessing of the Lord, with rest and contentment in knowing
    that it all comes from him.” -Proverbs 10:22 (The Passion Translation)

“God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty.” ~Peter Marshall

My friend, we all experience difficult circumstances in our lives. But do not think that God has forgotten you, or given up on you. We need to always remember that His intentions towards us are to bring blessing, to show His goodness and His grace. Remember His promises, every one of them, and do not be afraid to remind Him of them as well. Start looking for His blessings, and give Him thanks for them all.

“The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you; the Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).” -Numbers 6:24-26 (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)

My Prayer:

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, you have promised to pour out your blessings on those who are obedient to do your will. Remind me of this promise, even when to my physical eyes, things look chaotic, impossible, and insurmountable. Your Word tells me that your intentions are for good, not evil, that you want to bring blessing. So, Lord, I ask that you help me be alert and on the lookout for those blessings. Help me to see them, recognize them, and praise you for them. For I know, every good and perfect gift comes from you. You are the Good, Good Father. I thank you for all your many blessings. I love you, Papa.

Lift Up Your Eyes and Look – Isaiah 49:17-18

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 49:17-18 (NIV)

“Your children hasten back, and those who laid you waste depart from you. Lift up your eyes and look around; all your children gather and come to you. As surely as I live,” declares the Lord, “you will wear them all as ornaments; you will put them on, like a bride.”

Isaiah 49:17-18 (MSG)

“Your builders are faster than your wreckers. The demolition crews are gone for good. Look up, look around, look well! See them all gathering, coming to you? As sure as I am the living God”—God’s Decree—“you’re going to put them on like so much jewelry, you’re going to use them to dress up like a bride.”

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“Your builders hurry; your destroyers and devastators will go away from you. Lift up your eyes and look around [at the returning exiles]; all these gather together and they come to you [to rebuild you].
As I live,” declares the Lord, “You [Zion] will indeed clothe yourself with all of them as jewels and tie them on as a bride.” -AMPLIFIED

  “Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.” ~G.K. Chesterton

Israel had given up all hope. They felt that God had abandoned them and forgotten them in their captivity. God’s response? “Do you not realize how much I love you? Can’t you see what I have done?”

“Yahweh responds, “But how could a loving mother forget her nursing child
    and not deeply love the one she bore?
    Even if a there is a mother who forgets her child, I could never, no never, forget you.
 Can’t you see? I have carved your name on the palms of my hands!
    Your walls are always my concern.” -Isaiah 49:15-16 (The Passion Translation)

And God’s response to their feelings of despondence and abandonment continues in today’s passage. We find God instructing His children to lift up their eyes, watch and see, their deepest desire, to return home, is about to come to pass.

NOTE: The Hebrew root word for children is “bnyk”, which can also mean builders. Also take note, the Hebrew for bride is “kallah“, which can also mean completed, perfected, or even finished.

“Now sweet Zion your children are running pell-mell back to you just as fast as those who destroyed you are leaving. Raise your head, lift up your eyes, and watch your heart’s desire come—All your children, gathered and returning to you. As I live, so I promise. You will wear them with pride all like shining ornaments; you will put them on as a bride on her wedding day.” -(VOICE)

The Israelites had seemingly lost all hope of ever returning home. Their felt that they would never again see the walls of their beloved city, Jerusalem. They were wallowing in their self-pity and wretched situation. God’s reaction to their attitude was to set them straight in their thinking.

First, He reminded them that He had not forgotten them. Then He reminded them of His deep love for them. He reminded them of the fact that He had promised them they would see the walls of their city once again.

In today’s text, we find Him informing them that soon their children, who will be their builders, will come. And, their destroyers and devastators, those who laid their country to waste, will go away. God insists, “Look up. Look around you. See what I am doing right now!” We then find Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, making a promise:

“As surely as I live, I, the Lord, promise that your city with its people will be as lovely as a bride wearing her jewelry.” -(CEV)

“Soon your rebuilders shall come and chase away all those destroying you. Look and see, for the Lord has vowed that all your enemies shall come and be your slaves. They will be as jewels to display, as bridal ornaments.” -(TLB)

“The LORD’s love and faithfulness for Zion are also shown by His promise for their future. It isn’t just demonstrated by the past and the present, but also by His future plans for them. This promise was partially fulfilled in the return of the exiles from Babylon but will be ultimately fulfilled in the regathering of Israel in the last days.” ~David Guzik

Israel had gotten stuck in her depression and despondency. She had given up all hope, in her situation and her God. But God….God had not given up on her. Hallelujah!

In Psalm 43 we find the Sons of Korah reminding us to put our hope in God.

“O my soul, why are you so overwrought? Why are you so disturbed?
Why can’t I just hope in God? Despite all my emotions, I will hope in God again.
 I will believe and praise the One who saves me and is my life, My Savior and my God.” -Psalm 43:5 (VOICE)

“There are not hopeless situations – there are just folk who have become hopeless about them!” ~Kathryn Kuhlman

Luke records for us a time when Jesus was talking to His followers about the end times. He mentioned things that would be signs of His second coming, things that they should be aware of and looking for. But He did not want them to become afraid, or troubled, He wanted them to be watching, and patiently waiting, because when they saw these things, they would know that their redemption was near.

^“So when the troubles begin, don’t be afraid. Look up—raise your head high, because the truth is that your liberation is fast approaching.” -Luke 21:28 (VOICE)

David reminds us that when we look to God, when we put our hope in Him, and join our lives with His, that we will not only have joy, but we will have nothing to be ashamed of. David wrote:

“Gaze upon him, join your life with his, and joy will come. Your faces will glisten with glory.
    You’ll never wear that shame-face again.” -Psalm 34:5 (The Passion Translation)

I encourage you today to never give up hope. If God has made a promise to you, He will do it, but it will be in His time, and in His way. I remind you of something that the writer of Hebrews told us:

“So since we stand surrounded by all those who have gone before, an enormous cloud of witnesses, let us drop every extra weight, every sin that clings to us and slackens our pace, and let us run with endurance the long race set before us. Now stay focused on Jesus, who designed and perfected our faith. He endured the cross and ignored the shame of that death because He focused on the joy that was set before Him; and now He is seated beside God on the throne, a place of honor.” -Hebrews 12:1-2 (VOICE)

“Hope is called the anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19), because it gives stability to the Christian life. But hope is not simply a ‘wish’ (I wish that such-and-such would take place); rather, it is that which latches on to the certainty of the promises of the future that God has made.” ~RC Sproil

My friend, let us never give up hope in our God, and the promises that He has made to us individually. We can trust in Him, always and forever. Instead of falling into despondence and hopelessness, lift up your eyes and see what the Lord is doing in your life. Trust in the Lord, and do not lean on your own understanding.

“The hope that God has provided for you is not merely a wish. Neither is it dependent on other people, possessions, or circumstances for its validity. Instead, biblical hope is an application of your faith that supplies a confident expectation in God’s fulfillment of His promises. Coupled with faith and love, hope is part of the abiding characteristics in a believer’s life.” ~John C. Broger

My Prayer:

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, forgive me for those times that I have given up, and fallen into a place of depression and hopelessness. There have been times, when I have taken my eyes off of you and placed them on my situation and circumstances. Every time I have done that, Lord, I have felt that overwhelming feeling of hopelessness. I should have learned by now. I am so sorry. Help me to keep my eyes firmly fixed on the Author and Finisher of my faith. Help me to lift up my eyes and see what you are doing in this moment of this day. Lord, I am putting all my hope and trust in you.

We Are Always on God’s Mind – Isaiah 49:15-16

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 49:15-16 (NIV)

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”

Isaiah 49:15-16 (MSG)

“Can a mother forget the infant at her breast, walk away from the baby she bore? But even if mothers forget, I’d never forget you—never. Look, I’ve written your names on the backs of my hands. The walls you’re rebuilding are never out of my sight.”

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“[The Lord answered] “Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Indeed, I have inscribed [a picture of] you on the palms of My hands; your city walls [Zion] are continually before Me -AMPLIFIED

“In Jewish tradition there is a story representing Israel as God’s daughter, who asks Him to stamp a seal of her on His heart and arm (Song 8:6). God replies that such a seal cannot always be seen, so He has instead inscribed her upon His palms.” ~AMPLIFIED footnote

In yesterday’s passage we found the Israelites grumbling that Adonai–Tzva’ot had forgotten them, maybe not in so many words, but God knew their hearts.

“But Zion has said, “Yahweh has forsaken me.
    My Lord has forgotten me—I’m all alone.” -Isaiah 49:14 (The Passion Translation)

In today’s text we find Yahweh responding to Israel that they are ever before Him, they are always on His mind.

“Eternal One: Is it possible for a mother, however disappointed, however hurt, to forget her nursing child? Can she feel nothing for the baby she carried and birthed? Even if she could, I, God, will never forget you. Look here. I have made you a part of Me, written you on the palms of My hands. Your city walls are always on My mind, always My concern.” -(VOICE)

God’s reply to Israel’s foolish allegation is one of tenderness and compassion. He asks, “Could a loving mother ever forget her own child? Never! Could I, the loving Father, ever forget my children? NEVER!”

He goes on, telling them how much they actually mean to Him. They are so loved, they are so dear to Him, that He has carved their names on the very palms of His hands. The imprint of the city walls is imprinted firmly on His mind. God would not, could not forget His children.

We will learn more of this in tomorrow’s text.

“Never! Can a mother forget her little child and not have love for her own son? Yet even if that should be, I will not forget you. See, I have tattooed your name upon my palm, and ever before me is a picture of Jerusalem’s walls in ruins.” -(TLB)

“Although this is an apparent reference to the walls of Jerusalem, there is an application for each of us. Wherever you are today, your limitations, your walls, are before God’s eyes. He knows where you are and what you face.” ~ Passion Translation footnote

The Lord’s love and affection for His children is great. And, if we had any doubt at all of how much He loves us, consider what John wrote in his first epistle:

“Consider the kind of extravagant love the Father has lavished on us—He calls us children of God! It’s true; we are His beloved children. And in the same way the world didn’t recognize Him, the world does not recognize us either. My loved ones, we have been adopted into God’s family; and we are officially His children now. The full picture of our destiny is not yet clear, but we know this much: when Jesus appears, we will be like Him because we will see Him just as He is. All those who focus their hopes on Him and His coming seek to purify themselves just as He is pure.” -1 John 3:1-3 (VOICE)

“When we feel like we are not good enough to be loved by God, we should remember that God’s love is greater than our doubts. We must silence the sounds of condemnation so we can hear the voice of God’s loving assurance and remember that He has selected us to be part of His family.” ~VOICE footnote

David reminds us that we are ever in God’s thoughts in Psalm 40, when he says:

“O Lord my God, many and many a time you have done great miracles for us, and we are ever in your thoughts. Who else can do such glorious things? No one else can be compared with you. There isn’t time to tell of all your wonderful deeds.” -Psalm 40:5 (TLB)

“We aren’t just a momentary thought. He never stops thinking about us…And they are not thoughts of condemnation and judgement, but thoughts of absolute love and adoration. How precious are His thoughts toward us. In our limited understanding, this is just too good to be true…but it is true. God is thinking about us right now! He thinks about us when we are awake or asleep.” ~Sheri Edwards

And lest we wonder about God inscribing us on His hands, look no further than the hands of Jesus, whose nail sacred hands are a constant reminder of what He did for us on Calvary. Every time the Father looks on those hands of His Son, He is reminded of us.

“This has an obvious and beautiful fulfillment in the nail-scarred hands of Jesus. As Jesus told Thomas in a post-resurrection appearance, look at My hands (John 20:27). When we see the nail-scarred hands of Jesus, we see how He has inscribed us on the palms of His hands. With such love, how could God ever forget His people?” ~David Guzik

My friend, we need to remember that God loves us, always and forever. We need to try and grasp how great the love of the Father for us truly is, and that is a challenging thing to do sometimes. Too often we allow what we see with our physical eyes to influence our attitudes and our thinking. We are hurt by the world and think that because God allowed it to happen, He must not love us anymore. Nothing could be further from the truth. God loves you, always. We live in a sinful, broken world, so we will be affected by things that happen in it. But always remember, God’s love for you will never change.

“The God who created the universe, the most powerful being ever, loves you personally. Try to wrap your mind around that. He loves you — not just people in general, but you as a person. He cares about your life and wants to be part of it. Even if you’ve spent your whole life running from God or done things you regret, He still loves you and wants to have a relationship with you.” ~Faith Eng

My Prayer:

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, thank you for your love. Thank you that your love for me is a constant that I can always count on. Thank you for the reminders that even when I do not feel your love, it has not wavered or changed. You are my Heavenly Father, loving me in and through ever situation. And you will never forget me because I too am always on your mind. I am so blessed to be counted as one of your children. Thank you, Father God. ❤

Has God Forgotten Us? – Isaiah 49:14

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 49:14 (NIV)

“But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.”

Isaiah 49:14 (MSG)

“But Zion said, “I don’t get it. God has left me. My Master has forgotten I even exist.”

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“But Zion (Jerusalem in captivity) said, “The Lord has abandoned me, and my Lord has forgotten me.” -AMPLIFIED

“Some of the Jews thought God had forgotten them. God now shows that for him this is impossible.” ~Donald C. Flemming

In yesterday’s text, we found the heavens, and earth instructed to rejoice, sing, and dance, for God has compassion on His people. In fact, He loves them, He honestly cares what happens to them.

“Sing for joy, you heavens! Shout, you earth, and rejoice with dancing, shouting, and glee!
    Burst into joyous songs, you mountains, for Yahweh has comforted his beloved people.
    He will show tenderness and compassion to his suffering ones.” -Isaiah 49:13 (The Passion Translation)

The reason God told Israel this is because they felt abandoned. They thought God had forgotten them, and no longer cared.

This is a question we all have ask, if we were honest with ourselves, we would admit we have asked, “Has God forgotten me? Where is He? Doesn’t He care what happens to me?” These were the thoughts of Israel as they sat in captivity, wondering if they God had forgotten them, and questioning if they would ever go home to Jerusalem.

“Zion: The Eternal One has abandoned me. God has walked out the door; my Lord left me alone. He has forgotten all about me.” -(VOICE)

In the midst of God’s declaration of His faithfulness to His people, we find the people problem. Despite all that had happened, that God had proved Himself to them time and time again, they still did not believe that He would do what He said He would do. They felt that He had brought them to Babylon to desert them.

But God does NOT forget. And He will declare this fact in the verses that follow this text. God’s response to Israel’s attitude of hopelessness and defeatism was this:

“Yahweh responds, “But how could a loving mother forget her nursing child
    and not deeply love the one she bore? Even if a there is a mother who forgets her child,
    I could never, no never, forget you. Can’t you see?
    I have carved your name on the palms of my hands! Your walls are always my concern.
Your children, your builders, are running back to you as those who ruined and destroyed you are running away. Lift up your head and look all around you. See! All your children, your builders, gather to come back to you. As surely as I live, I make this promise,” says Yahweh.
    “You will wear them all like jewels, as a radiant bride wears her beautiful jewelry!” -Isaiah 49:15-18 (The Passion Translation)

God has Not forgotten Israel. In fact, His intentions for them were for good, not evil. Their faith and trust in Him needed to grow.

“Yet they say, “My Lord deserted us; he has forgotten us.” -(TLB)

“God had not forgotten Israel. Even though He would leave her for a time, He would re-gather all her children from all over the world to Himself. Therefore she should continue to trust in Him.” ~Thomas Constable

Throughout Scripture we are reminded that God will not, cannot forget His own. Here is just a sampling of these reminders:

In Deuteronomy God told Moses to tell the Israelites:

“Be strong, be bold, don’t be afraid or frightened of them, for Adonai your God is going with you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” -Deuteronomy 31:6 (Complete Jewish Bible)

In the book of Joshua, we find God speaking to Joshua, saying:

“No one will be able to oppose you for as long as you live. I will be with you just as I was with Moses, and I will never fail or abandon you.” -Joshua 1:5 (VOICE)

A few verses later we find God telling Joshua,

“This is My command: be strong and courageous. Never be afraid or discouraged because I am your God, the Eternal One, and I will remain with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9 (VOICE)

David, speaking from experience, was able to say:

“Although my father and my mother have forsaken me, yet the Lord will take me up [adopt me as His child].” -Psalm 27:10 (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)

In the book of Romans, we find Paul reminding us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Paul wrote:

“So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: “They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.” None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” -Romans 8:31-39 (MSG)

“Almost everyone experiences times in life when they feel utterly alone and abandoned. Through the prophet Isaiah, God makes a tremendously comforting promise. You may feel completely forgotten by every human being in your life, but God will not forget you: “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close” (Psalm 27:10, NLT).” ~Mary Fairchild

My friend, we need to stop trusting in our feelings, and start trusting in our God. God has promised that He would never leave us or forsake us. Do you believe Him, or do you not? He will never forget His child, trust that He is always faithful and true. You can count on Him!

“God is always with you, even in the darkest night or in the deepest pit. You just need to hold on. Never doubt His presence and His power, He will see you through.” ~Gift Gugu Mona

My Prayer:

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, if I am honest with myself, and with you, there have been times that I felt that you had forgotten me. But your Word is full of the promise that your presence is with me always, that you will never leave me abandoned. Lord, I am so grateful for your constant companionship. I am so blessed to counted as one of your children. I am so thankful for your unfailing love. Help my faith and trust in you to grow stronger, and remind me that my feelings cannot be relied upon. Your promises are true, and I can always count on you, Lord. Thank you! ❤

God’s Has Compassion on Us – Isaiah 49:13

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 49:13 (NIV)

“Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.”

Isaiah 49:13 (MSG)

“Heavens, raise the roof! Earth, wake the dead! Mountains, send up cheers! God has comforted his people. He has tenderly nursed his beaten-up, beaten-down people.”

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“Shout for joy, O heavens, and rejoice, O earth, and break forth into singing, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people and will have compassion on His afflicted.” -AMPLIFIED

“The LORD calls for creation itself to add their voices in praise for all the Messiah has done.” ~David Guzik

Yesterday’s passage reminded us of Adonai’s Providence. We were made aware, once again, of what God will do for His people.

“They will never be hungry or thirsty. Neither scorching sun nor desert wind will hurt them,
    for he, the Loving One, will guide them and lead them to restful, renewing streams of water.
I will level all my mountains as a road for them and raise up my highways. Look! They will come from faraway lands—some from the north, some from the west, and some from the land of Sinim.” -Isaiah 49:10-12 (The Passion Translation)

In today’s text, we are reminded that Yahweh is a compassionate God. He shows tenderness, and comforts those He loves.

“The Hebrew word for “compassion” is racham, a Hebrew homophone for “womb.” The implication is that God has a compassionate love for you, greater than a birth mother has for her child. God’s love comes from deep within his innermost being and births living mercy poured out over us. Racham can be translated “pity, grace, favor, tender affection, or compassion.” The very core of God’s being is filled with love and compassion for you.” ~The Passion Translation footnote

“Oh joy! Be glad—sky! Take joy—earth! Burst into song—mountains! For the Eternal, moved to compassion, has comforted and consoled His people.” -(VOICE)

We find nature being personified, the heavens are singing for joy, the earth bursts into song, with shouting and glee. The mountains, not to be left out, breaks out in joyful song in abandon. Why is this happening? Because the Lord has comforted his beloved people. He has not forgotten them. He said that He would not. He had promised that He would restore them. Yet, in the following verse we see that Israel had lost their hope:

“But Zion has said, “Yahweh has forsaken me. My Lord has forgotten me—I’m all alone.” -Isaiah 49:14 (The Passion Translation)

Israel needed to be reminded that Adonai would never abandon or forget His people. So, the earth rejoices in this knowledge, as Adonai tenderly comforts His children.

“Sing for joy, O heavens; shout, O earth. Break forth with song, O mountains, for the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion upon them in their sorrow.” -(TLB)

Earlier in the book of Isaiah we found other references to the God of compassion, the God who cared for His people, and whose deepest desire was to restore her to good standing with Him.

“Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God. “With gentle words, tender and kind,
assure Jerusalem, this chosen city from long ago, that her battles are over.
    The terror, the bloodshed, the horror of My punishing work is done.
This place has paid for its guilt; iniquity is pardoned; its term of incarceration is complete.
It has endured double the punishment it was due.” -Isaiah 40:1-2 (VOICE)

Further along in the book of Isaiah, we will find this reminder of God’s compassion for His people. It ends with a reminder that God will never give up on those He loves:

“For just a brief moment I deserted you, but with tender feelings of love I will gather you back to me.
In a surge of anger, for just the briefest moment, I hid my face from you,
but with everlasting kindness, I will show you my cherishing love,”  says Yahweh, your Kinsman-Redeemer.
“To me, this is like the time when I vowed that the waters of Noah’s flood would never again cover the earth. Now I vow to you that I will neither be angry with you nor rebuke you.
 Even if the mountains were to crumble and the hills disappear, my heart of steadfast, faithful love
    will never leave you, and my covenant of peace with you will never be shaken,” says Yahweh,
    whose love and compassion will never give up on you.” -Isaiah 54:7-10 (The Passion Translation)

Even in the New Testament we find this promise of God’s compassion, and the fact that He will never give up on us, despite how far we have wandered away from Him. The parable of the loving Father and the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15:11-32 is a reminder of God’s ever consistent loving heart. Remember the Father’s response to the Son when the Son came home:

“So the young son set off for home. From a long distance away, his father saw him coming, dressed as a beggar, and great compassion swelled up in his heart for his son who was returning home. The father raced out to meet him, swept him up in his arms, hugged him dearly, and kissed him over and over with tender love. Then the son said, ‘Father, I was wrong. I have sinned against you. I could never deserve to be called your son. Just let me be—’The father interrupted and said, ‘Son, you’re home now!’ Turning to his servants, the father said, ‘Quick, bring me the best robe, my very own robe, and I will place it on his shoulders. Bring the ring, the seal of sonship, and I will put it on his finger. And bring out the best shoes you can find for my son. Let’s prepare a great feast and celebrate. For my beloved son was once dead, but now he’s alive! Once he was lost, but now he is found!’ And everyone celebrated with overflowing joy.” -Luke 15:20-24 (The Passion Translation)

We can also turn to Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church and find these words of comfort:

“Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts and encourages us in every trouble so that we will be able to comfort and encourage those who are in any kind of trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as Christ’s sufferings are ours in abundance [as they overflow to His followers], so also our comfort [our reassurance, our encouragement, our consolation] is abundant through Christ [it is truly more than enough to endure what we must].” -2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (AMP)

“No matter how low down you are; no matter what your disposition has been; you may be low in your thoughts, words, and actions; you may be selfish; your heart may be overflowing with corruption and wickedness; yet Jesus will have compassion upon you. He will speak comforting words to you; not treat you coldly or spurn you, as perhaps those of earth would, but will speak tender words, and words of love and affection and kindness. Just come at once. He is a faithful friend – a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” ~Dwight L. Moody

My friend, we serve a God who is full of mercy, compassion, and love. He will never give up on us. He is such a good, good Father, patiently waiting for us to come to Him in order to receive His love and compassion. Remember, God loves each of us with an everlasting love, and His mercies never end.

“His is a loving, tender hand, full of sympathy and compassion.” ~Dwight L. Moody

My Prayer:

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, thank you for your compassion and love. Without them, I do not even know where I would be today. You are the Loving Father, who has waited for me as long as it took. Thank you. Thank you for caring so much for me. Thank you for never giving up on me. I am so grateful for your compassion and love. You are so good to me.

Adonai’s Providence – Isaiah 49:10-12

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Isaiah 49:10-12 (NIV)

“They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water. I will turn all my mountains into roads, and my highways will be raised up. See, they will come from afar—some from the north, some from the west, some from the region of Aswan.”

Isaiah 49:10-12 (MSG)

“Nobody hungry, nobody thirsty, shade from the sun, shelter from the wind, for the Compassionate One guides them, takes them to the best springs. I’ll make all my mountains into roads, turn them into a superhighway. Look: These coming from far countries, and those, out of the north, these streaming in from the west, and those from all the way down the Nile!”

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“They will not hunger or thirst, nor will the scorching heat or sun strike them down; for He who has compassion on them will lead them, and He will guide them to springs of water. And I will make all My mountains a roadway, and My highways will be raised. In fact, these will come from far away; and, lo, these shall come from the north and from the west, and these from the land of Aswan (southern Egypt).” -AMPLIFIED

“For He who has mercy on them will lead them, even by the springs of water He will guide them: In an immediate sense, this refers to God’s supply and sustaining of the exiles returning from Babylon to Judah, through the unseen hand of the Messiah. In the larger sense, it speaks of mercy and the provision of God for people as they return to Him in the last days, as they shall come from afar.” ~David Guzik

Yesterday’s text reminded us of God’s faithfulness, as well as reminded us that nothing is impossible with God. He is able to do more than we could ever ask or think. We found God extending His help and protection to the Messiah.

“Yahweh says: “When the time of showing you favor has come,
    I will answer your heart’s cry. I will help you in the day of salvation,
    for I have fixed my eyes on you. I have made you a covenant people to restore the land
    and to resettle families on forgotten inheritances. You will declare to prisoners, ‘You’re free!’
    and to those in darkness, ‘Step out into the light!’ They will be like sheep that graze beside the roads
    and find pasture on the barren hillside.” -Isaiah 49:8-9 (The Passion Translation)

In this chapter we have seen the Messiah recognized as The Light, and a Covenant to His people. The Messiah was not just bringing a covenant to His people, He was the Covenant. Jesus Himself spoke of His mission to Nicodemus in this way:

“No one has gone up into heaven, but there is One who came down from heaven, the Son of Man [Himself—whose home is in heaven]. Just as Moses lifted up the [bronze] serpent in the desert [on a pole], so must the Son of Man be lifted up [on the cross],  so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life [after physical death, and will actually live forever]. For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation]; but the one who does not believe [and has decided to reject Him as personal Savior and Lord] is judged already [that one has been convicted and sentenced], because he has not believed and trusted in the name of the [One and] only begotten Son of God [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, the One who alone can save him].” -John 3:13-18 (AMP)

In today’s passage we find what God will do for those who accept God’s offered Covenant.

“Wherever they are, they will be fine, never hungry nor thirsty. They will be protected from oppressive heat and the burning sun because the One who loves them—as a mother loves her child—will be their guide. God will lead them to restful places, rejuvenating springs of water. I will make their going easy, level the mountain road and smooth the path that leads them home. Look! Even now, they are coming from lands far away, some from the north, others from the west, these from the land of Sinim.” -(VOICE)

God has mercy on those who are in need. Consider, in yesterday’s text the prisoner was set free, and those in darkness were led into the Light. In today’s passage we see are told that these people who accept God’s Covenant will never be hungry, or thirsty. We are told that the scorching sun and the desert winds will bring them no harm. That God, the loving Father, will lead them in His mercy, beside renewing streams of water. (Sound familiar? See Ps. 23)

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, promises that through The Covenant the journey will be easier. For He will “level all my mountains as a road for them and raise up my highways.” -(TPT) God, in His great mercy, has taken the initiative to help His children return home.

“They shall neither hunger nor thirst; the searing sun and scorching desert winds will not reach them anymore. For the Lord in his mercy will lead them beside the cool waters. And I will make my mountains into level paths for them; the highways shall be raised above the valleys. See, my people shall return from far away, from north and west and south.” -(TLB)

 “He that takes truth for his guide, and duty for his end, may safely trust to God’s providence to lead him alright.” ~Blaise Pascal

This passage in Isaiah is similar to a passage found in the book of Revelation. There, in John’s testimony of his vision of Heaven, we find John having a conversation with one of the Elders who sat around the throne.

“One of the Elders (to me): Who are these people clothed in white robes, and where have they come from? John: Sir, surely you know the answer to your own questions. One of the Elders: These are coming from the time of great suffering and affliction. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, cleansing them pure white. Responding out of a heart filled with praise, they congregate before the throne of God and constantly worship Him day and night in His temple. The One seated on the throne will always live among them. They will never be hungry or thirsty again. The sun or blazing heat will never scorch them, Because the Lamb who stands at the center of the throne is their shepherd and they are His sheep, and He will lead them to the water of life. And God will dry every tear from their eyes.” -Revelation 7:13-17 (VOICE)

If you ever doubted for a moment that God’s intentions towards those He loves is for good, consider that God has promised to leave you or forsake you. NEVER! Remember this promise that Jesus, The Covenant, gave to His followers before His ascension:

 “…lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.” -Matthew 28:20 (AMP)

“In the infinite wisdom of the Lord of all the earth, each event falls with exact precision into its proper place in the unfolding of His divine plan. Nothing, however small, however strange, occurs without His ordering or without its particular fitness for its place in the working out of His purpose; and the end of all shall be the manifestation of His glory, and the accumulation of His praise.” ~ B.B. Warfield

My friend, trust in the One who knows you best. He has promised that He will never leave you, or forsake you. He has promised to provide for your ever need, to protect you, to lead and guide you. He is your ever-present help in time of trouble. Trust His mercy. Trust in Him.

“Nothing whatever, whether great or small, can happen to a believer, without God’s ordering and permission. There is no such thing as “chance,” “luck” or “accident” in the Christian’s journey through this world. All is arranged and appointed by God. And all things are “working together” for the believer’s good.” ~J. C. Ryle

My Prayer:

Adonai–Tzva’ot, God Almighty, your Word is full of so many promises, and reminders that you are a God of mercy and love. Your promise to be my constant companion fills my heart with peace and comfort. Knowing I never have to face any situation alone gives me strength to press on in the challenges of this life. Also, knowing that someday I will be spending an eternity with you, makes the challenges of this life seem so small. The reward in the end will be worth it all, Lord. Thank you for your grace, your mercy, and your love. Thank you for your providence. I know it will be worth it all when I see Jesus.