A new covenant
This is what the Lord says—the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel—to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: “Kings will see you and stand up, princes will see and bow down, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.” This is what the Lord says: “In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances. Isaiah 49:7-8 NIV
Christ alone is the Savior of the world. He alone is the light that lifts up out of the darkness those who will trust in Him. Outside of Him is to stay in the deepest, outermost darkness without salvation. To enter into a relationship with Him is to experience a breakthrough seeing everything in a new light. Isaiah from the text described the ways of God. He emptied himself and took the form of a servant. He came in humility to overcome the pride and arrogance of the world. There are those that struggle to know Jesus as “the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel.” Some think that He can be an add-on that will enhance life. Instead of surrendering to Him, He is thought of an option and not as Lord and Savior. This is what happens when our hearts are filled with selfish pride that rejects what God offers. Isaiah’s description of the Messiah is not like the raging madness of King Cyrus who is cracking his whip so that the people will submit to him. This is unlike Christ who came lowly and meek, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). God’s way of humiliation may be strange but later on there will be vindication. His influence will be manifested in the lives of those who truly trusted Him. God sent His Servant to be “a covenant for the people.” This is His promise, “I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you.
Blessings,
