The Ransomed of the Lord Shall Return
Today’s Text: Isaiah 51:11-16
FOUNDATION

The Bible is the FOUNDATION for life.

Isaiah speaks to the Jewish exiles living in Babylon in the text below. Originally a message of hope based on God’s unique relationship with His Chosen People, there are observable prophetic implications for the reborn state of Israel.

ISAIAH 51:11-16

So the ransomed of the Lord shall return,
And come to Zion with singing,

With everlasting joy on their heads.
They shall obtain joy and gladness;
Sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Celebration hora dance at Nir Am Kibbutz.

“I, even I, am He who comforts you.

Who are you that you should be afraid
Of a man who will die,
And of the son of a man who will be made like grass?
And you forget the Lord your Maker,

Who stretched out the heavens
And laid the foundations of the earth;

You have feared continually every day
Because of the fury of the oppressor,
When he has prepared to destroy.

And where is the fury of the oppressor?
The captive exile hastens, that he may be loosed,
That he should not die in the pit,
And that his bread should not fail.

But I am the Lord your God,

Who divided the sea whose waves roared—
The Lord of hosts is His name.
And I have put My words in your mouth;
I have covered you with the shadow of My hand,

That I may plant the heavens,
Lay the foundations of the earth,
And say to Zion,

‘You are My people.’”

Recounting His incredible power, God reminds Israel He miraculously parted the waters of the Red Sea so they could cross on dry ground. He assures that the same power He used to create the universe is focused on caring for them as His Chosen People.

Israel is not an afterthought. Israel is central to God’s purpose for world history. 

Charles E. McCracken is an international Bible teacher, long-time friend of Israel and advocate for the Jewish people. Rev. McCracken authentically communicates biblical truth making his presentations relevant for those seeking to understand the significance of Israel and the church in Bible prophecy. He staunchly supports the nation of Israel and the Jewish people’s right to exist and live in peace.

© Charles E. McCracken 2016, devotional comments only. Repost/Reprint with permission from the author. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Emphasis added.)

IMAGES:
1) The Bible is the FOUNDATION for life. By Ken Horn, [CC BY 2.0] via Wikimedia Commons – Enhancement: MKM Portfolios
2) Celebration hora dance at Nir Am Kibbutz, circa 1960. Photo by Andreas Ramer.

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