the Fourth Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 3 of 5
Isaiah 51:1-11
In Isaiah 46:12, the LORD had addressed Himself to those who were far from righteousness. In His grace He now speaks to those who follow after righteousness (v. 1), and who know it (v. 7). In an unjust world, they are exposed to suffering for this righteousness and they need encouragement: "fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings" (v. 7). Christ supremely endured this shame and reproach of men (Isaiah 50:6). For us too He is given as our example that we might follow His steps (1 Peter 2:20-24; 1 Peter 3:14).
In the picture presented by the Lord Jesus (cf. Psalms 40:8) God can here speak of a people in whose heart His law dwells! Could He equally say that of us today? Does the Word of Christ dwell in us richly? (Colossians 3:16; John 15:7).
The prayer of v. 9 calls upon the mighty arm of the LORD (Isaiah 53:1). This arm had once brought down the might of Egypt and dried up the waters of the Red Sea. Once more He will snatch Israel out of their captivity. As on the banks of the Red Sea, the Spirit will again put songs of triumph into the mouths of the "redeemed" and put "everlasting joy" upon their heads (v. 11; cf. Isaiah 35:10).
