Isaiah 41:1-10

Download Isaiah 41 Prophecy Notes

41:1     The idea is “distant lands.” Using as shorthand for “far reaches”  Everyone, “Silent!”  A giant courtroom to decide who is truly God!  Why does God have to do this?  Why does Elijah have to 1 Kgs 18?  Why does Joshua have to Jsh 24:15? 1 Cor 8:5 there are many gods and many lords.  We can make a god of anything.  Gal 4:8 (natural characteristic).

Vs. 4    Cyrus, joined Medes and Persians, born east of Babylon in what is now Iran, conquered country after country and finally uniting two armies to come against 539 BC Historians present him as “righteous and good”  God is making the point that the world isn’t random and undirected, but purposeful and directed.  “Who?”, not “What?”  God in total control!

Vs. 8    As the world is looking for security, God offers assurance to Israel.

First, He offers assurance to THOSE WHO SERVE HIM.  John 12:26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.  Jesus gives assurance to those serving the Lord.  Job could’ve stopped but kept serving…Col 3:23-25 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 

2^nd there is assurance IN KNOWING HE HAS CHOSEN US.  2Ti 1:9 He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.  My salvation was determined before I was born.  Before 1^st second passed clock.  Paul says (Eph 1:3-6) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed u… just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world… having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,  There is >great security in knowing I have never earned my salvation.  He knew all of the “bumps” and still chose me.  If ever felt His love then I can be always sure of it!  David chosen while a boy, already knew about Bathsheba, Uriah, moving ark on a cart…Yet JC sits on the throne of David! 

Lastly, He offers Israel the assurance of  HIS FRIENDSHIP.  Friendship brings such security!  Little description:  What is a friend? Friends are people with whom you dare to be yourself. They do not want you to be better or worse. When you are with them, you feel as a prisoner feels who has been declared innocent. You do not have to be on your guard. You can say what you think, as long as it is genuinely you. Friends understand the contradictions in your nature that lead others to misjudge you. With them you breathe freely. Your little “issues” are lost in the ocean of their loyalty.  They understand the real you and so you do not have to be careful. Through it all--and underneath--they see, know, and love you.  What security!

Must be essentially important to us because Jesus gave the exact 3 comforts to disciples before > trial.  Jn 15:14-20  You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.  No longer do I call you servants (see verse 20), for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.  Servant, Friend,  and Chosen…You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain.

Vs. 10  This is both a command and a promise. Fear, worry, and anxiety are often sin. When the God described here says, “Fear not!” we must take it seriously.  Not trusting someone is > discredit to their honor. 

Vs. 13  Surely the Jews have been of all people, persecuted.  However, it has not paid any country to come against them.  Whether, Assyria, Syria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, or the Arabs. 

Vs. 24  Conclusion:  A “god” can do something?  He's challenging them in the area of prophecy. This is the strongest argument for the inspiration of Scriptures. The fact that God has spoken in advance; events, names, places, details.  100% accuracy is required.