43:5,6
The Lord will call people from the East, West, North and South. In the immediate context this is referring to Israelites who had been scattered to various lands, and this still has a relevance today. However, it has a much wider relevance. The gospel goes out to all the earth. In the Great Commission Jesus tells us to make disciples of all nations. Elsewhere He speaks of having sheep in another fold. At the call of Abraham he is told that all nations will be blessed through him. God’s plan has always been global. This does not diminish the role of Israel, but gives it its true significance. And we should note that all this is God’s work, “the zeal of the Lord will accomplish this”.
43:7
“Everyone who is called by my Name”. The “human condition” is always focused on self, self-identity, self-worth. The truth is we find our true identity only in Christ, our worth comes from God. We were created for God’s glory. Far from diminishing us, this increases our significance beyond all recognition.
43:8,9
“eyes but are blind”. Everyone has the ability to hear God, but most are deaf. Everyone has the ability to see God, but most are blind. Yet it is the blind and the deaf who will see and hear. God saves those who cannot by their own efforts be saved. God calls all the nations before Him, and He will judge them. It will be shown that the Lord alone is God.
No comments:
Post a Comment