41:9
God did not just choose us, He created us. In Old Testament terms God created the nation of Israel. In individual terms, God created all of us, and He saved us through Christ. God took us and called us. Then He declared that He had chosen us, that we are His servant and we are not rejected. Our identity is given to us by God and is founded in God. We are not rejected. Remember that Israel had done nothing to deserve this, indeed she deserved to be rejected. But God had not rejected them, just as He has not rejected us. Remember also that from a Babylonian exile context it would seem very much that God had rejected them.
41:10
Therefore we should not fear. What are the grounds for not fearing? God is with us. Nor are we to be dismayed, for the Lord is our God. But that is not the end, these are not facts without consequence. Since He is with us and is our God He will strengthen and help us. He will uphold us with His righteous right hand. We should live our lives in the expectation and the knowledge that God will help, strengthen and uphold us.
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