23 NOVEMBER
A precious promise
‘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
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Isaiah 41:8–20
This precious promise has been a fountain of consolation to the people of God at all times, and it is as full as ever, as necessary, as suitable, as sure to us, as it has been to others. May the Lord open it at this time, and satisfy every weary soul with his goodness. Let us enquire to whom it is made. The promise is made to Jacob, or Israel, the Lord’s chosen (verse 8). We may understand it in a literal and confined sense—to the nation of Israel. That though they were brought low and had many enemies, yet they should not be overpowered, for the Lord would plead their cause and provide their deliverance. The great promises which chiefly respected gospel times and spiritual things were usually made in such a manner as to afford some comfort to hope to the people under their present distresses. But though it might have this meaning, this was far from being the whole or the chief. We may understand it as a covenant promise to the Mediator that he should be successful in the work of redemption against all obstacles. Though he was Lord of all, for us he humbled himself to the form of a servant, and as such he is in many places encouraged and strengthened by the promises of his God and Father. The intimate and near relation between the Lord Jesus and his people is such that many things said of him are applicable to them likewise. He is pleased to take their name of Jacob, and to allow them a part of his (1 Corinthians 12:12). In this sense I shall consider it: as a promise to the church of God in general, and consequently to each particular believer, to every soul that like Jacob is wrestling for the blessing of the new name.
FOR MEDITATION:
Of thy goodness of old when I read,
Thine arm is not shortened since then,
To those who were sinners like me,
And those who believe in thy name,
Why may I not wrestle and plead,
Ever find thou art Yea, and Amen,
With them a partaker to be?
Through all generations the same.
SERMON: ISAIAH 41:10 [1/5]
Milo 