Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"But you, Israel, are My servant"
Text: Isaiah 41:8
ISRAEL AS GOD’S SERVANT
To be called “a servant of God” was a very distinctive honour. King David saw himself as “a servant” of God. The prophets were called “servants of God” too!
“But you, Israel, are My servant,
Jacob whom I have chosen,
The descendants of Abraham My friend.”
Isaiah 41:8
1. Israel
a) It was the name God gave to Jacob (Genesis 32:28).
b) In this context, the name “Israel” was a reference to the nation.
c) In this special text, God’s special relationship with Israel is reiterated.
2. Jacob
a) This was the birthname of Israel (Genesis 25:26)
b) He was an unregenerate man.
i) He stole his brother, Esau’s birthright (Genesis 25:29-34).
ii) He also stole Esau’s firstborn blessing (Genesis 27:1-38).
iii) He was avaricious and cunning before he found faith in God.
3. Chosen by God.
a) God manifested Himself to Jacob at Bethel (Genesis 28:10-22).
b) Jacob humbles himself as he acknowledged God.
4. The patriarch Abraham.
a) Israel’s history is tied to Patriarch Abraham.
b) God graciously called Abraham, “My friend”.
c) The LORD gave to Abraham a special “Covenant” (Genesis 15).
d) The Covenant was ratified (Genesis 17).
e) Circumcision was the special rite of the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 17).
f) In the Covenant God gave to Abraham:
i) God promised to give them the land of Canaan.
ii) He also promised to bless the descendants of Abraham.