Israel, My Servant (Isa. 41:1-20)

Last week we heard three voices calling Jerusalem and Judah to listen to the LORD. God has decreed that Jerusalem shall fall to the hand of Babylon, but he has also promised that the exiles shall return. God himself will come to Jerusalem. The glory of Yahweh will be revealed as he comes down the highway in the wilderness. And those who trust in him – those who wait for him – shall have the strength to walk with him to Zion.

Chapter 41 continues this theme, but now no longer are the heralds speaking to Jerusalem. No longer does Jerusalem speak to the cities of Judah. Now Yahweh himself speaks. This is the message that the heralds called Jerusalem and Judah to hear.

What is the word of our God that endures forever? What has the mouth of the LORD spoken?

He has spoken of his purposes for his servant...