Isaiah Chapter 49
In this chapter we see the second mention of the Servant of God. We have previously seen this Servant mentioned in Isa 42:1-9.
Although Israel was God’s servant (Isa 41:8), we see time and time again in the previous chapters how they have failed God (43:22). And so in Isa 42, we saw how God began to declare a new thing – how He has a Servant who will do what Israel failed – establish truth and justice, and be a light to the Gentiles.
Now, God reveals more about this plan of His – that this Servant is born for this specific mission of His – to restore Israel that has been scattered due to their sins, and the rest of the world with them.
Now what does this mean to us, since it has already been revealed to us that this Servant is Jesus, and we have already received His salvation grace?
In 2 Cor 6:1-2, Paul quotes Isaiah 49:8 saying:
“
We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For He says:
“In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
“
Paul here says that Jesus, the Servant, has already done the work of reconciliation and has passed on this ministry of reconciliation to the apostles (2 Cor 5:18-19). And now their message is the same as that in Isa 49 – do not receive the grace of God in vain.
Indeed, when we read of all the promises and assurances of God in Isaiah – how He will preserve His people (v8), have mercy and guide us (v10) and fight mighty enemies to save us (v24-25) – do we see that God is talking to us? Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation. God has put so much effort not only into performing His salvation plan, but describing His grace to us via the prophets. He surely wishes that we will continue to repent, put away our sins and remain in His grace. If we turn back, we would have truly received His grace in vain, and wasted every single thing thing God has done, and every word He has spoken.
Our God truly wants to accept and save us – let us not receive His grace in vain.
