Study Desk

with this message: People of Israel, I am the holy Lord God, the one who rescues you. For your own good, I teach you, and I lead you along the right path.

Now leave Babylon! Celebrate as you go. Be happy and shout for everyone to hear, "The Lord has rescued his servant Israel!

I said to myself, "I'm completely worn out; my time has been wasted. But I did it for the Lord God, and he will reward me."

Now the Lord says to me, "It isn't enough for you to be merely my servant. You must do more than lead back survivors from the tribes of Israel. I have placed you here as a light for other nations; you must take my saving power to everyone on earth."

The Lord God says: "I will soon give a signal for the nations to return your sons and your daughters to the arms of Jerusalem.

I came and called out, but you didn't answer. Have I lost my power to rescue and save? At my command oceans and rivers turn into deserts; fish rot and stink for lack of water.

The Lord says: You are my people and nation! So pay attention to me. My teaching will cause justice to shine like a light for every nation.

Those who live across the sea are eagerly waiting for me to rescue them. I am strong and ready; soon I will come to save and to rule all nations.

Wake up! Do something, Lord . Be strong and ready. Wake up! Do what you did for our people long ago. Didn't you chop up Rahab the monster?

Didn't you dry up the deep sea and make a road for your people to follow safely across?

I spread out the heavens and laid foundations for the earth. But you have forgotten me, your Lord and Creator. All day long you were afraid of those who were angry and hoped to abuse you. Where are they now?

I have told you what to say, and I will keep you safe in the palm of my hand. I spread out the heavens and laid foundations for the earth. Now I say, "Jerusalem, your people are mine."

The Lord says: My people, you were sold, but not for money; now you will be set free, but not for a payment.

and now another nation has taken you prisoner for no reason at all. Your leaders groan with pain, and day after day my own name is cursed.

He suffered and endured great pain for us, but we thought his suffering was punishment from God.

By suffering, the servant will learn the true meaning of obeying the Lord . Although he is innocent, he will take the punishment for the sins of others, so that many of them will no longer be guilty.

The Lord will reward him with honor and power for sacrificing his life. Others thought he was a sinner, but he suffered for our sins and asked God to forgive us.

Sing and shout, even though you have never had children! The Lord has promised that you will have more children than someone married for a long time.

Don't be afraid or ashamed and don't be discouraged. You won't be disappointed. Forget how sinful you were when you were young; stop feeling ashamed for being left a widow.

I rejected you for a while, but with love and tenderness I will embrace you again.