Isaiah 49:7,8 - In a time of favour I have answered you

49:7

This can be applied to Jesus and to His people (both Israel and the church). First note that what is going to be said is said by the Lord, therefore it has authority. This is important because the content looks most unlikely! Jesus was despised by Israel , by its rulers, and by the Gentiles. Israel and the church is also despised by the world. Jesus is the second Adam, He is what godly humanity is meant to be like. He is described here as the “servant of rulers”, remember that when Jesus came He said He came as the servant of all. While Jesus was despised and rejected, when He returns every knee will bow and every tongue confess. Similarly, when God’s people are faithful to Christ while there may be much persecution, a time will come when the world will look to them for guidance. How and why can this happen? Because of the Lord, who is faithful, and who has chosen His people. He is the only grounds for success.

49:8

So we have seen how the nations will react in the day of the Lord. How will things be for us? It will be a time of God’s favour. He will answer our prayers. This does not mean we get whatever we want in terms of fleshly desires. Our hearts will be dedicated to serving the Lord and we will therefore have right desires.  We will receive help from the Lord. The bit about being a covenant for the people applies to Jesus, but God involves His people in fulfilling all His plans.