Scripture Reading: Isaiah 47:1-15, Isaiah 48:1-22, Isaiah 49:1-26, Isaiah 50:1-3, Psalm 23:1-6
When you’ve been disappointed, it’s hard to hope again. When you’ve suffered, it’s easy to sink into cynicism, to imagine that the way things are is the way they always will be and the only thing to do is get used to it. And when you see other people being hopeful, it’s easy to think in your heart, “Just wait. Life will disappoint them the way it has me.” Hope can seem foolish when you’ve been crushed.
The message in Isaiah 47:1–50:3 is one of hope and encouragement for God’s covenant people living in exile in Babylon. In chapter 47, we read that Babylon would fall despite its seeming invincibility. In chapter 48, we read that God was about to do something new (Isaiah 48:6) and that Israel would leave Babylon. In chapter 49, we are introduced to a Servant who is both Himself Israel (Isaiah 49:3) and is tasked with bringing Israel back to the Lord (v.5). This Servant would be a light not only to Israel but also to the whole world (v.6). The Lord’s comfort and compassion through His Servant is so wonderful that all of creation shouts for joy (v.13).
Yet we also read in verse 14, “Zion says, ‘The LORD has abandoned me; the Lord has forgotten me!’” Zion, originally the name of the mountain on which the temple sat in Jerusalem, is used in many places in the Old Testament as a personification of the people of God. And It had been a long time since these people have had any good news. They were in exile. They had been taken from their homes and subjected to a foreign power, and the grand temple where they worshiped God had been destroyed. They were given a rapturous vision of hope in these chapters, but they found it hard to believe it could really apply to them. How could anything ever change?
But while the typical way the world works will grind us down, God says that He is more loving and faithful even than the most loving and faithful humans; even if it were possible for a nursing mother to forget her child, God never would (v.15). He is also more powerful than the most powerful humans; no one can take the prey from a mighty man, but God can (vv.24–25).
How can we be sure? God has inscribed His people “on the palms of my hands” (v.16). The image is of engraving, cutting into stone. God’s people, the ones whom He loves, are permanently etched on Him. In the New Testament, the Servant spoken of in this part of Isaiah is identified with Jesus. It is He who represents God’s people and is also God Himself. When God sent His Servant to save His people, He gave hope that cuts through our disappointments. Our hope doesn’t finally rest on our circumstances but on God’s love and faithfulness. He has etched us on Himself in His Servant’s death that sets us free from sin (Hebrews 9:15), so that no matter our circumstances, He is with us now and forever.
Written by Elliot Ritzema
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61 thoughts on "The Servant Brings Salvation"
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He is Faithful! He is my shepherd! HE IS MY GOD! Peace filled room tonight reading this before bed.
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Amen
Isn’t our God merciful to us? He. So. Is!
This was a serendipitous scripture today as just earlier I was praying for God’s peace. I’m nervous with some interviews coming up, but God is on my side, He won’t steer me wrong, whether I get the jobs or not, He is in my corner nudging me to His path. Thank you God that a You are always in my corner and with that I can live in peace and joy, relaxing in Your glory
L B – I’m praying for God’s guidance and peace through your interviews.
Thank you so much, Teresa!
I’m so thankful that no matter how hard life gets, we can always hope on God. He won’t disappoint us like the world does. I pray that I can fully put my hope in him and not in the things of this world.
What stuck out to me today is the reiteration that God delaying His anger, providing rescue and grace was done for the sake of His name and for His praise (Isaiah 48:9, Psalm 23:3).
Nothing good that I do or experience is just for me. Yes, He loves me BUT it is all done for His glory. I can never be good enough to save myself, because what we would be the point? I’d just end up worshipping my own abilities, which to be honest happens sometimes anyway; when I feel like I got it all under control, jokes on me every time! The rescue and grace provided for me is ALL so I can worship and point back to the One who provided.
As James says, every good and perfect gift comes from the Father. Thankful these verses brought this fact back to my mind this morning.
YES, Amen Sam D!! All for His Glory!
All glory and honour are His, amen!
“Our hope doesn’t finally rest on our circumstances but on God’s love and faithfulness. He has etched us on Himself in His Servant’s death that sets us free from sin (Hebrews 9:15), so that no matter our circumstances, He is with us now and forever.” ❤️❤️❤️
Isaiah 47 is chilling to read… but what HOPE there is in 48 and 49. Thank You, Jesus, for rescuing us!
Hello Shes
Pardon my deep dive into secularism…but the devotion & scripture reading this morning called to mind a song recorded by The Hollies in the early 70s… the chorus goes:
“Sometimes
All I need is the air that I breathe and to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe, yes, to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe.”
To the Holy One of Israel,
Lord God,
Most High.
Loving this Gwyneth! I had a
professor in college(English Lit) who told us that all “good “love songs in the past were
originally dedicated to God,the original lover! Your post reminded me of this and as I look at the lyrics nothing could be truer;”All I need is the airthat I breathe and to love you!!!
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We are etched on His hands! What a beautiful picture of Christ! He came to serve and to save!
Oh Tina, I’m with you! Thankful for God’s redeeming grace!
Praying for all! Please pray for baby Levi. He has had struggles from the day he was born.
I’m still not 100 percent, so I’m trying to sleep in a tad more. BUT loved this devo this morning and walk with this on my heart and mind: “Our hope doesn’t finally rest on our circumstances, but on God’s love and faithfulness” Thank you JESUS!
‘This is what the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel says: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you for your benefit, who leads you in the way you should go.’ Isa 48:17
Oh, the patience of the Lord. Over and over again He was making a way, rescuing, providing, helping His children. I am a slow learner too but in His kindness, he teaches, He leads, He Shepherds. Heavenly Father, thank you that you are our great Shepherd, always faithfully teaching, leading in the way I should go. I long to abide in your presence, to wait upon you, to trust you in every way. Thank you for your patience with me, Lord and that even though I may stray over and over, you never leave my side and because of you, I have all I need. Amen
Amen!
Amen! ❤️
Amen, said my thoughts as usual Wendy- friend! (heart)
Look, I have inscribed you on the palm of my hands – I’m overjoyed with thanks.
Hope has been my word for 2025. I put my hope in the Lord.
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GM She’s
Great scriptures and readings today!
I am so glad (putting it mildly), God would save his people. Not in their timing but His and ultimately send another Savior for the people but of Him, for me. Can we fathom? Can we conceive? How can we not live in this living Hope! Yes, troubles come, and they ARE hard, and sometimes seem endless, but we KNOW God will restore all things one day. He will come for us, his beloved people, that he has called by name. Thank you Jesus!
Thank you, Father. ❤️
What hope and truth we find in our passages today. May we remember as we go about our day that God is near
“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid for you are close beside me.” Psalm 23:4
Praising Him for his nearness, even in the hard. Lord would we feel your presence today? Amen!
Amen
Lord, we trust in Your promises and in Your perfect timing, “In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you” (Isaiah 49:8), we trust that You will answer our prayers in Your perfect timing. Strengthen our faith, help us to wait on You, and let us never lose sight of Your plans for our lives and for the world.
Amen
The old adage ” All that glitters is not gold ” comes to mind as I read the earlier verses.
Hailing from what used to be the Gold Coast, now Ghana, in West Africa.. I felt a pang at the words in Isaiah 47:8
“Listen to this, you lover of pleasure,
You think that you are safe and secure.
You claim you are as great as God-that there is no one like you.”
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Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.
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The Tina of old would probably not have batted an eyelid over these words, but this Tina, this ‘called His Own’ Tina, knows better.
This Tina, having been through the refining fire of suffering, having stood corrected, and continuing to be re-stored, re-newed, re-set, through the process of repentance and remorse each day for His Glory, is a better person for this.
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The LORD has saved His person, Tina!
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I am, for sure, not where I should be, but by golly, and with thankful praise, I am not where I used to be..
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The LORD has given me understanding,
And I do my best not to rebel or turn away from Him..
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Indeed He is my shepherd, and in Him I have ALL I need.
Though, sometimes, I may let the side down , Father God, continues to refine me in all circumstances.. The ups and downs, the disappointments of and in my actions, the running away from Him, when I should be running to Him, the disgraceful attitude, that really is not pretty..
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BUT GOD..
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Praise be to God for His loving kindness, grace and faithfulness..And the gift of Jesus.. Oh the gift of Jesus..
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Praise be to God..
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AMEN.
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Happy Tuesday, my dears.. covered in much, much love..❤❤
Ouch here too, sister. ❤️
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Oh, the enormous patience and compassion of God! Again and again, reminding and forgiving with attention getting consequences mixed in. Rescuing, protecting, saving His children of Israel over and over. Thankful for His provision of my eternal salvation, and His ongoing patience and forgiveness with me. He is the LORD, our Savior and our Redeemer- the one and only. Lord, please open the eyes of the deceived.
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Some of the verses that stood out to me this morning (NLT):
Isaiah 49:26b, 49:4, 48:17
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ADRIENNE – praying as you catch up ❤️
KELLY (NEO) ❤️ so good yesterday, the sense of control that we worship.
LYNNE FROM AL ❤️
SHARON JERSEY GIRL- praying for Jonathan, you and Jeff
MARI V – praying internet is fixed
MEAGAN C ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️
FOSTER MAMA – praying for all aspects of your request and needs
LEANNA THOMPSON – praise for in network dr & hosp
TRACI GENDRON – praying for full recovery, will be praying this weekend ❤️
DEE DEE ❤️
TAYLOR – good to see you, praying for safe travels and your friend
MELISSA MASON – praying for your son! and for guidance for you in the right help for him
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MIA FAITH ❤️❤️❤️
Searching….your SO sweet! Last night I was trying to head to bed, my son was telling we had no internet, SO here I went again, calling to get it fixed. Mainly because I want to be able to connect with all you here this morning. And obviously, it did! Thank you.
Thank you! I started out well yesterday, but am struggling with catching up today. I just had to make it a priority. I am. So, there’s that.
I’m there too!
“This is what the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel says:
‘I am the Lord your God,
who teaches you for your benefit,
who leads you in the way you should go'” Isa. 48:17.
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“Shout for joy, you heavens!
Earth, rejoice!
Mountains break into joyful shouts!
For the Lord has comforted his people,
and will have compassion on his afflicted ones” Isa 49:13.
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Lord, I (we) so need Your teaching, direction, comfort, and compassion on this day. Help me (us) to listen, understand, and receive from the Spirit today.
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FOSTER MAMA – praying for God to guide you about your goddaughter.
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SHARON, JERSEY GIRL – praying God is using J’s situation to bring him vack to Himself.
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MELISSA MASON – praying for you and your son. May the Lord give you wisdom and peace in the storm.
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Plz pray for my young mama as she is now in a family shelter and will be battling with children’s services today and a worker who has compromised her situation by revealing confidential information to someone who was being interviewed about her case. So many layers of brokenness that are making her lose heart. :-(
Oh goodness, KELLY! Praying for your young mama and for guidance in this battle, protection as needed due to compromise (and accountability for that worker!). Praying the Lord will reveal His hope & provision for her today.
Praying for requests and for this young mama!
Praying the Lord’s hand would be over her today. Praying for peace, protection, and provision. ❤️
Amen
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♥️ Yes please
Encouraging word today!
I have them in my book.
Amen❤️
I’m a little bit confused for the reading today. Is anyone else’s books missing day 30-31? It looks like a misprint.
Some Shes mentioned it in the comments yesterday.
Email She Reads Truth about the problem and ask for a replacement or a digital version.
I must have been pondering while you were posting ❤️
Thanks!
Breanna Kay, my digital book and the website Scriptures match for Day 30. You might reach out to SRT about these issues – Donna Wolcott mentioned an issue with her print book yesterday and MICHELE NICKERSON-SWANSON responded that SRT Staff had been helpful for her with a similar issue for a past study.
I have days 30 & 31.
Thank You, Father that the hope you offer us is eternal – not fleeting or based on our efforts or circumstances.
This verse just jumped off the page this morning for me – “Then all humanity will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel”. One day all the injustice and sin in the world will be wiped away and all things will be made new. Thank You, Jesus!! Loved the pages in the reading guide with the names of God that show up in the book of Isaiah – this book does cover so very many of the names/attributes of God. It’s been a blessing to dig in – even the hard places.
Amen, Sally.
Amen