Isaiah 51, Part 5 - God's words in our mouths
Isaiah 51v16
26th October 2013
Our fifth study in Isaiah 51 covers just one verse:
Isaiah 51v16
I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand - I who set the heavens in place,
who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, 'You are my people.'"
God says 4 things here:
- He has put His words in our mouths;
- He has covered us with the shadow of His hand;
- It was Him who set the heavens in place and laid the foundations of the earth;
- He says to Zion - us - "You are my people."
Let's consider these one at a time.
Firstly, God has put His word not only in our hearts but also in our mouths. We're called to speak it as well as believe it. When God speaks to encourage the church or to save the lost, He usually does it through His people - you and me. Isn't it a great sin to keep the word of God to ourselves? Isn't that the ultimate act of selfishness? Some will refuse to listen, but others will be saved through our testimony.
Perhaps the best commentary on this is something Paul wrote to the church in Rome:
Romans 10:8-17
... "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are
proclaiming:
that if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the
dead, you will be saved.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and
are saved.
As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who
call on him,
for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom
they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring
good news!"
But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?"
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
Secondly, God promises that he has covered us with his hand - we're safe. We can be nervous about speaking up for God. But whatever happens on earth, our eternal destiny is secure, so long as we're not ashamed of him:
Luke 9:26
If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and
in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
Thirdly, God is almighty! He set the heavens in place. He laid the foundations of the earth. He is strong enough, wise enough and creative enough to use even you and me effectively in His service. The world will be saved through our testimony. It will take time, perhaps many centuries, but it will happen. And He will keep us in the faith, if we're willing to speak up for Him.
And fourthly, He says to us - even us - 'You are my people.' Christians are the most privileged people on earth! We may not have much in the way of political power, or position, or money, but we are God's chosen people. He has redeemed us for all eternity. We have His promises. We have His Holy Spirit. We are called by His name. And we will be with Him for ever!