God | Our Redeemer | Isaiah 48: 17 - 19
This week, I had the pleasure of leading a small group of Christian women in a Bible study of Isaiah 48: 17 - 19. As we reflected on the character of God, His people, and our lives, great insights were gleaned to aid in spiritual growth. Join us as we delve into God’s word, pursue personal reflection, and unite as Christian women. But first, let’s establish context for our scripture.
Establishing Context for Isaiah 48: 17 - 19
Book: Isaiah
Isaiah is considered one of the great prophetic books; greatness is not a measure of honor but based on the number of chapters—66—coincidentally, or perhaps not, the same number of books in the Bible. Chapters 40 - 66 deal with post-Babylonian exile. The historical audience for this text is a people living in the aftermath of bondage and oppression. The writer's primary objective is to assure the people of Israel that God is still all-powerful, Faithful, and True.
Chapter: 48
The writer starts by addressing the fact that God's people had lost faith. Putting their hope in idols and false gods, they adopted the language and symbols of the culture they lived in during exile. But there is grace. The writer clarifies that God is still for them, and ultimately, even in their affliction, things will work out for their good, and they will end up where they belong in the land of God's promise.
Verse: 17 - 19
“Thus said the Lord your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I, the Lord, am your God, instructing you for your own benefit, guiding you in the way you should go. If only you would heed My commands! Then your prosperity would be like a river, your triumph like the waves of the sea. Your offspring would be as many as the sand, their issue as many as its grains. Their name would never be cut off or obliterated from before Me.” (Isaiah 48: 17 - 19 CJSB)
Guided Relection | Isaiah 48
I love this Old Testament scripture because it identifies God as the "Redeemer," the Holy One who paid for me—a substitutionary sacrifice, my life, for death. But even in death, He defeated the grave, paving the way for everlasting life, atoned with our Father in heaven.
Mighty God was victorious; just as it says in Psalms 139, I cannot escape the presence of the Everlasting Father. Even in Sheol, God came for me, for us. The scripture then tells us who the Redeemer is to us, "I am your God." Hard stop. There is no other no one can compare. God defines the relationship, leaving nothing up for interpretation. The Word goes on to establish your responsibilities and establish our expectations. "Instructing you for your own benefit, guiding you in the way you should go." And then the conditions are made clear— the circumstances in which our expectations will be met, "If only you would heed My commands!"
We must ask ourselves and honestly assess if we are heeding the commands of God. Am I listening to the instruction and direction of the Lord? When the answer to these questions is yes, He tells us "prosperity would be like a river", "triumph like the waves of the sea", "Your offspring would be as many as the sand", "Their name would never be cut off" — this is the promise of Abraham. This is the reality of the body of believers today. Redeemed by Jesus, instructed and guided by the Holy Spirit. The believers and church bodies across every nation. Our names are written in the Lamb's book.
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Who is God in the Text?
Identity: Redeemer
Relationship: Our God
Responsibility: Instruction & Guidance
Command: Consider it carefully, follow.
Promise: Prosperity, Triumph, Legacy
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Identity: Chosen and set apart for Mighty God.
Relationship: Child of the Everlasting Father, which gives you access.
Responsibility: Seek God daily for instruction, teaching, and guidance so that you are prepared to reflect the majesty of God in all that you do.
Command: Listen to hear, to understand what the Lord is saying.
Promise: Victory and generational blessing.
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Who is God in this season of your life?
Identity?
Relationship?
Responsibility?
Command?
Promise?
Questions to ask during Your Bible Study
Who is the great I AM during this season of my life?
Am I acknowledging God as the Lord of my life in all areas during this season of life?
Am I seeking God for instruction and guidance before making decisions?
Am I listening for instruction and following His direction?
What has God promised me?
Supporting Scripture
Isaiah 40: 1- 8 - The Promise to return to Zion
Isaiah 42: 6-7 - Command/ Identity in God
Isaiah 43: 1 - Relationship with God
Psalms 32: 8 - Direction from God
Psalms 81: 6 - 17 - Reason for exile