In Isaiah 49:1-6, we saw that the Lord called a man to be his servant before the man was born in order to convey to all peoples, to the end of the earth, a message of salvation. God speaks with sinners through his messengers. The prophet Isaiah looks ahead to Christ, the servant of God, who is the greatest messenger, of whom God said we must listen to.
The message of Christ is good news because Christ came into the world to save sinners. Man’s biggest problem isn’t death or calamity but the wrath of a holy and just God, which is directed at sin. Sin is the greatest enemy we have because it is within us, and it brings certain condemnation.
When sinners reject the truth of Christ and the salvation he offers, they are actually resisting Christ as if he was present. They are also suppressing their conscience, which the Spirit strives with to convince them that their heart testifies against them. This will prove so when Christ comes to reckon with men and remind them of their unkindness toward him.
Isaiah 49:7-13 shows us how great salvation is and how we can be sure of it. In verse 7, we see that the initial reaction of men to God’s servant is rejection; he is “deeply despised and abhorred.” This points to Christ’s suffering and death, which reveals what sinful man thinks about serving God or listening to God.
In the second half of the verse, there is a dramatic transformation in world leaders; kings and princes “arise and see” the glory of Christ and prostrate themselves before him. This is a way of saying that people all over the earth will see that Christ is the King of kings and see the wonder of his grace and love in salvation. If you believe in Christ, you will be converted. Faith and conversion are never separate. Christ saves to turn people back to God, in order to revere and serve God.
In verse 8, the greatness and certainty of salvation is revealed: “In the time of favor I have answered you; in a day of salvation, I have helped you.” Paul quotes this verse in 2nd Corinthians 6 and says, “We appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” Paul is saying the day of salvation Isaiah spoke of is here now in Christ’s death and resurrection. Many will be ashamed on the last day that they neglected the day of salvation, so make sure that your faith is sound and true.
In the second half of verse 8, we see that Christ is given as a “covenant to the people.” This great “gift” of God means that God makes a binding commitment to fulfill all his promises of salvation in Christ, including “saying to prisoners ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Appear.’” The Lord summons people out of dreadful captivity and darkness with gracious words.
When you believe in Christ, you enter into a covenant with him. God binds himself to his covenant so that we have no reason to doubt him. The Lord Jesus speaks of the new covenant in his blood, which promises the remission of sin. God will not judge you for sin he has blotted out. It is a blessed thing to know you have Christ. Without Christ, you will be permanently banished from the presence of God. When you are walking alone or wake up at night, remember your soul.
The rest of the passage refers to the pilgrimage those converted to Christ make on the way to see him. The Lord knows his people will suffer afflictions and have to wrestle with remaining sin and the devil. He has “pity on them and will lead them” (verse 10), providing whatever provisions his wisdom and love apportion for them. The same word that converted and brought them to Christ will supply their souls in their walk with Christ. He “feeds them along the way,” and provides “springs of water.” If you lack refreshment or strength for your soul, you are looking in the wrong place for it.
The Lord can make seemingly insurmountable mountains a road to pass for his people (verse 11). Whatever obstacles they face on the way to Christ, he will enable them to overcome. The creation will burst into song because men have been reconciled to God and desire his glory (verse 12). Christ will comfort his people on the way, and they will know his compassion upon arrival (verse 13). What great reason the Christian has to bless Christ and honor his name.
