Isaiah 50 (v6-9)

Israel’s complaint that God had forsaken her (49:14) continues in 50:1-3.  They complain that God has divorced Israel, His wife, or sold her to pay her debts.  But God challenges this, asking them to produce the certificate of divorce or to identify the creditor (v1).  God asks why they think He would do this.  “Is My hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem?  Or have I no power to deliver?” (v2a)  He answers Himself by reminding Israel of previous deliverances (v2b-3).  

Think about this.  We also doubt God’s ability when we complain.  When we live in fear or worry or panic or discouragement we are making a statement about God, the One we supposedly trust.  But God’s arm is NOT too short.  Our iniquities and transgressions cause our unbelief.  The problem is not with God!

God’s provision for Israel (and for us) brings us to the 3^rd of the Servant Songs (v4-11).  (Note in v4 a change in the speaker from God to the One He prepares.)  Who is this Servant?  Some see Him as Ideal Israel while others point to various historical figures.  In fact it cannot be anyone other than Jesus Christ.  These songs have spoken of His humility (42:1-7).  He is Savior of Israel and of the nations (49:1-13). Now we see His voluntarily submission to the leadership of the Lord God, enduring suffering at the hands of men (50:4-11).  

Only Jesus of Nazareth comes close to the majestic figure of the suffering servant.  In fact, until the appearance of Jesus, ancient Jewish commentators invariably interpreted the servant passages as applying to the Messiah.  (Buksbazen, p390)

The New Testament draws on these songs to support the claims of our Lord.

·        As the Servant (v4) Jesus spoke comforting words (Lk. 4:22; Jn. 7:46).

·        As the Servant (v4-5) Jesus heard and submitted to the Father’s word (Mt. 26:39; John 8:29; 14:31.

·        As the Servant (v6) Jesus suffered shamefully (Lk. 22:63-65).

·        As the Servant (v7) Jesus set His face to obey the Lord God (Lk. 9:51).

Now, fellow-believers, note the connection between the Servant and Jesus in vs. 8-9.  The Servant asks several rhetorical questions.  Who will contend with Me?  Who is My adversary?  Who is he who will condemn Me?  Because the Lord is His help, the Servant has no uncertainty, even though obedience means suffering at the hands of men.  

The Apostle Paul asked these questions in Rom. 8:31-39: Who can be against us?  Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect?  Who is he who condemns?  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  For us the answer is that God is for us as He was with His Son, the Servant.  Our lives also will be difficult.  But our answer is: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.”  Fellow servant in Christ: God’s arm is never too short!