Isaiah 41:10-13
January 14, 2016 - Our text for today predicts the coming of the Persian conqueror, Cyrus, whose victories and rapid growth in power are ascribed to the providence of God. Cyrus is also the Persian Emperor who financed the work of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem by Nehemiah and helped the Israelite people return to their homeland. It also assures us that God will watch over us and protect us if are His children.
While God predicts Cyrus' coming, He also comforts His people as in verse 10; "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God." (Isaiah 41:10)
Fear is a common trait in all people, every one of us will face some type of fear in our lives. Adam feared God's face in the garden of Eden, when he realized that he had sinned against God.
There are many degrees of fear from uneasiness to dread to terror to panic. Fear in a believer causes him to look to God in times of need. However, we should look to Him for all things and not just when we are having problems.
Here, we see Israel surrounded by her enemies, hopelessly outnumbered by the Persian forces, yet their extreme peril was God's opportunity. He told her not to fear, for He was with her. Not to be sorry nor dismayed, for God was watching over her.
If God be for us, who can be against us. He is always near to us and in times of trouble He is always able to help. He possesses all power, both in heaven and on earth and He invites us to cast all of our cares upon Him, His mercy endures forever.
In verse 11 He tells the people; "Behold, all those who were incensed against you, shall be ashamed and disgraced," (incensed - to inflame with wrath) "Isaiah 41:11) He is our "Heavenly Father" the Creator and Supreme Power of the universe, nothing nor no one can prevail against Him. He has promised never to leave nor forsake His own and He is able to supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory.
Once saved, the Holy Spirit has sealed our souls unto the day of redemption. Even if the enemy comes upon us like a flood, the Holy Spirit lifts up a wall against him, He leads, guides and protects us against all enemies each day. Verse 12 says; "Those who contended with you. Those who war against you shall be as nothing," (contend - to struggle in opposition) (Isaiah 41:12)
While we are no match for Satan and the world on our own, no matter, for we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. The life we live today in the flesh, we live through faith in the Lord Jesus, who loved us and gave His life for us.
God has promised to help us. That means that we are to do what we can for ourselves, and God will then supply what is lacking. We must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in us, both to will and to work for His good pleasure, but once we are saved, we are then, forever under God's protective cover.
God has promised to take care of our enemies, to watch over and to protect us and help us, to uphold us with His strong right hand.
Verse 13; "For I, the Lord, your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, Fear not, I will help you." (Isaiah 41:13)
The eternal God is our refuge, though we fall, we shall not be utterly cast down and shall be lifted up in the end.
God holds us by His right hand. He asked us not to fear, for He will help us. He holds us by our right hand as proof that we belong to Him; that He protects us; that He will lead us; that nothing can separate us; and that He provides for us.
As we face this new year, let us face it with strength and faith, knowing that our Heavenly Father is in control of all things and though the world may indeed persecute us, God holds our hand and will walk us through the valley of fear and will deliver us into His kingdom, forever.
Please feel welcome to join us any Wednesday evening at 6:00PM for our Bible Study at Spring Hill Baptist Church. For more info call 936-615-1427 May God bless and keep you...
