Pastor’s Notes Isaiah 41:10

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

(Isaiah 41:10)

Isaiah has been called the chief amongst the writing prophets. This chapter 41 in Isaiah is a direct summons by Jehovah to the nations of the earth to know that He is God. In the early verses of this chapter God speaks directly through His prophet regarding judgement then as He confronts worldly idolatry God comforts Israel.

Notice God’s message to Israel in v8: “But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.”  Here we get a glimpse of the unique relationship that God has with Israel, see how he called Abraham His friend. Then in verse 9 God reminds Israel of the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Israel has been given the distinction and privilege of being God’s people and His servant. God chose them and He once again reiterated His promise that He would not cast them away. Paul reminds us that God has never cast away His people, though they have turned their backs on Him. (Rom 11:1). Though the church is not Israel and vice versa, nevertheless, the church and Israel are similar in that they both are the people of God. Therefore, we can see here the security of the believer and the assurance of our salvation by faith in Christ.

God has often promised His people in one way or another to: “fear thou not; for I am with thee.” The reason? He is our God! Isaiah 41:10 also reminds us that God has promised (1) to strengthen us; (2) to help us; (3) and to uphold us with His right hand, that hand which is characterised by strength and righteousness. This promise was true for Israel and it remains true for New Testament Christians to this day. 

Happy Mothers Day!

To one who bears the sweetest name,

and adds a luster to the same,

who shares my joy,

who cheers when sad,

the greatest friend I’ve ever had,

long life to her for there’s no other,

to take the place of my dear mother.

Proverbs 31:28a “Her children rise up, and call her blessed;”