Moses mediated Yahweh in the context of the exodus. Hence, Yahweh is the God of salvation. However, Isaiah asks Israel not to think solely of the past wonders of the exodus from Egypt. Equally great is the exodus from Babylon, a new redemptive act. This saving action is pure grace. God has made these disobedient people into a renewed people who are totally obedient and who acknowledge that they belong to God. Chapter 44:5 “…and this one shall write on his hand, “The Lord’s”…” Even in those days they wrote on their hands! In those days the Babylonians tattooed the owner’s name on the hand of their slaves. Deaf and blind Israel must be startled at the divine assertion, “You are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you.” This is one relentless God! “You are my witnesses.” is the divine command. How easy is it for us to testify as to the experience in the deeper matters of the soul? Chapter 44:22 is said to be one of the richest utterances of the gospel. “I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.” God first forgives, then calls on them to repent. Are we Godlike in our forgiveness?
Moses mediated Yahweh in the context of the exodus. Hence, Yahweh is the God of salvation. However, Isaiah asks Israel not to think solely of the past wonders of the exodus from Egypt. Equally great is the exodus from Babylon, a new redemptive act. This saving action is pure grace. God has made these disobedient people into a renewed people who are totally obedient and who acknowledge that they belong to God. Chapter 44:5 “…and this one shall write on his hand, “The Lord’s”…” Even in those days they wrote on their hands! In those days the Babylonians tattooed the owner’s name on the hand of their slaves. Deaf and blind Israel must be startled at the divine assertion, “You are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you.” This is one relentless God! “You are my witnesses.” is the divine command. How easy is it for us to testify as to the experience in the deeper matters of the soul? Chapter 44:22 is said to be one of the richest utterances of the gospel. “I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.” God first forgives, then calls on them to repent. Are we Godlike in our forgiveness?
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