HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 1009
ISAIAH 42
page 639
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so that we may consider the evidence.
Or let them tell us what the future holds,
so we can know what’s going to happen.
Yes, tell us what will occur in the days
ahead.
Then we will know you are gods.
In fact, do anything—good or bad!
Do something that will amaze and
frighten us.
But no! You are less than nothing and
can do nothing at all.
Those who choose you pollute
themselves.
“But I have stirred up a leader who will
approach from the north.
From the east he will call on my name.
I will give him victory over kings and
princes.
He will trample them as a potter treads
on clay.
“Who told you from the beginning
that this would happen?
Who predicted this,
making you admit that he was right?
No one said a word!
I was the first to tell Zion,
‘Look! Help is on the way!’*
I will send Jerusalem a messenger with
good news.
Not one of your idols told you this.
Not one gave any answer when I asked.
See, they are all foolish, worthless things.
All your idols are as empty as
the wind.
The LORD’s Chosen Servant
1 “Look at my servant, whom I
strengthen.
He is my chosen one, who pleases me.
I have put my Spirit upon him.
He will bring justice to the nations.
2 He will not shout
or raise his voice in public.
3 He will not crush the weakest reed
or put out a flickering candle.
He will bring justice to all who have
been wronged.
4 He will not falter or lose heart
until justice prevails throughout the earth.
Even distant lands beyond the sea will
wait for his instruction.*”
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God, the Lord, created the heavens and
stretched them out.
He created the earth and everything in it.
He gives breath to everyone,
life to everyone who walks the earth.
And it is he who says,
41:27 Or ‘Look! They are coming home.’ 42:4 Greek version
reads And his name will be the hope of all the world. Compare
Matt 12:21.
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“I, the Lord, have called you to
demonstrate my righteousness.
I will take you by the hand and
guard you,
and I will give you to my people, Israel,
as a symbol of my covenant with them.
And you will be a light to guide the nations.
You will open the eyes of the blind.
You will free the captives from prison,
releasing those who sit in dark
dungeons.
“I am the Lord; that is my name!
I will not give my glory to anyone else,
nor share my praise with carved idols.
Everything I prophesied has come true,
and now I will prophesy again.
I will tell you the future before it happens.”
A Song of Praise to the LORD
10 Sing a new song to the Lord!
Sing his praises from the ends of
the earth!
Sing, all you who sail the seas,
all you who live in distant coastlands.
11 Join in the chorus, you desert towns;
let the villages of Kedar rejoice!
Let the people of Sela sing for joy;
shout praises from the mountaintops!
12 Let the whole world glorify the Lord;
let it sing his praise.
13 The Lord will march forth like a mighty hero;
he will come out like a warrior,
full of fury.
He will shout his battle cry
and crush all his enemies.
• Courage
I S A I A H 41:10
We are quite naturally afraid when we
walk alone in frightening places and
circumstances. But we have more courage when we walk with a friend who is
strong. In walking with the Lord God,
who holds the universe in his hands,
we should feel free to be courageous!
Consider what comforts us when we
face the death of a loved one. Flowers,
food, and even the words of others are
appreciated, but a greater source of
strength is our friends and family staying
near us, giving us those gentle touches
and looks that communicate their sorrow
and care. When we face troubled times,
we must never forget that God remains
close by, ready to supply us with his love
and comfort. This gives us the courage
to go on.