Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"Come near to Me"
Text: Isaiah 48:16
DRAWING NEAR TO GOD
If only Israel had kept close to the LORD, then would they be greatly blessed. The people had chosen to abandon their faith in God. Nevertheless, the LORD extended an invitation to Israel to draw near and to listen carefully.
“‘Come near to Me, hear this:
I have not spoken in secret from the beginning;
From the time that it was, I was there.
And now the Lord GOD and His Spirit
Have sent Me.’
Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer,
The Holy One of Israel:
‘I am the LORD your God,
Who teaches you to profit,
Who leads you by the way you should go.'”
Isaiah 48:16-17
1. An invitation to draw near to God.
a) This was given sincerely.
b) All were invited to draw near and to hear what God would say.
2. God’s word.
a) God had never spoken in secret from the beginning.
b) He had always wanted His people to understand what He said and meant.
3. The Example of the Messiah.
a) He was an exemplary Servant of the LORD.
b) He was right there with God from the very beginning.
c) He was most conscious of doing His part in drawing near and listening well.
d) He was conscious of being sent by the LORD and His Spirit to serve.
4. A strong word of affirmation from God.
a) He identifies Himself.
i) He is the LORD.
ii) He is also the Redeemer.
iii) He is the Holy One of Israel.
iv) He is the LORD their God.
b) The role of the LORD.
i) He will teach His people.
ii) There is great profit in listening well to God.
iii) He will lead His people in the way they should go.