Reflections
Isaiah 51:1-6
51:1 Listen to me, you that pursue righteousness, you that seek the LORD. Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug.
51:2 Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him, but I blessed him and made him many.
51:3 For the LORD will comfort Zion; he will comfort all her waste places, and will make her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song.
51:4 Listen to me, my people, and give heed to me, my nation; for a teaching will go out from me, and my justice for a light to the peoples.
51:5 I will bring near my deliverance swiftly, my salvation has gone out and my arms will rule the peoples; the coast lands wait for me, and for my arm they hope.
51:6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and those who live on it will die like gnats; but my salvation will be forever, and my deliverance will never be ended.
Reflections
When a passage begins with the words “Listen to me” it is calling for great attention and focus. There is something very important that is about to said to the people of Israel that are once again, in exile and need reminding of God’s redemptive hand. There are some specific events that have taken place that God has shown His faithfulness and they are reiterated here to remind them that there has never been a situation in which God was not able to save His people.
One of the main examples that the faithfulness of God is shown is seen through the work He did in Abraham and Sarah. They were not able to have children for years and even when God promised them a child, He did so at an age that was almost scientifically impossible to have kids and all looked hopeless and bleak. Yet, there is nothing that can thwart God’s promises from coming about.
He takes what was an impossible situation and makes it possible. This serves as a reminder that God has not forgotten about His people and His word and promises are true. There is the reminder that God will never stop working on behalf of His people and His faithfulness and love is steadfast.