Read Isaiah 49.
The Messiah speaks to the Gentiles. He calls out, "Listen to
me" and "give attention." His message is sharp as a sword.
(Compare Hebrews 4:12-13). While, for a time, there were great
crowds following Him, ultimately Jesus was rejected. "I have labored
in vain" (v.4).
Most of the chapter looks forward to the fulfillment of God's promises to
Israel at the second coming of Christ. Then, there will be prosperity and
abundance. All world leaders will come and "bow down to you"
(v.23). Given the history of Israel since the death of King Solomon to
this very day, those promises seem almost unreal. The Jews have been the
object of ridicule, scorn and threat by so many world leaders and groups.
But God is committed to keeping His unconditional promises to Abraham (Genesis
12). He "will contend with those who contend with you" (v.25b).
When the nation is completely and spiritually restored as people of God,
"Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who wait for me shall not be
put to shame" (v.23b).
In the meantime, many Jews today feel as if the LORD has forsaken them, that He
no longer cares. That sense is in this prophecy. "But Zion
said, 'The LORD has forsaken me, my Lord has forgotten me" (v.14) The
Apostle Paul asked in Romans 11:1, "Has God rejected his people? By
no means!"
Being rejected and forgotten is a terrible emotion for anyone, but to feel that
God has forgotten can be terrifying. Here is Messiah's answer to anyone
who feels alone, with unanswered prayers, and alienated from the presence of
God.
"Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion
on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget
you." And then comes the most powerful statement the Messiah could
ever make on this subject, "Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my
hands." (vv.15-16)
The crucifixion of Jesus paid for all sin once and for all. He gave His
life for each of us. His promise then is "'I will never leave you
nor forsake you.' So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I
will not fear; what can man do to me.'" (Hebrews 13:5-6)
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