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WHOM I HAVE CHOSEN

Text: Isaiah 44
16 November 2014

A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP

Ancient Israel did not know how to appreciate its relationship with God. The church at large today seems to be in the same danger of not knowing how to appreciate the Lord also. Graciously, God took the time and trouble to speak to His people through His servants, the prophets.

Yet hear me now, O Jacob My servant,

And Israel whom I have chosen.


Thus says the LORD who made you,

And formed you from the womb,

Who will help you:

Fear not, O Jacob, My servant,

And you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.     Isaiah 44:1-2

 

God’s relationship with ancient Israel was expressed in the following ways:-

1. O Jacob My servant

a) The name “Jacob” was mentioned for good reason

i) It was a reminder of their ancestor who was called by that name

ii) He was sinful and willful when he was younger

iii) He cheated his twin brother on a number of occasions

b) My servant

i) Jacob became repentant and turned from his sinful ways

ii) He vowed that the Lord would be his God if he received Divine help

iii) God blessed Jacob throughout his life

iv) Jacob became a faithful servant of God

2. Israel whom I have chosen

a) It was God who gave to Jacob a new name

b) The new name reflected a changed status

c) He was now a prince in the sight of God


TREASURING OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

It was important that God’s people treasure His relationship with them. Look at the loving words uttered. Two may be highlighted:

1. Whom I have chosen

a) God chose Israel to be His people despite the fact that it was a sinful nation

b) With this choice God committed Himself to offering them Divine help always

2. Jeshurun

a) This was a term of endearment

b) This term means “A righteous and upright person”

c) This was God’s way of seeing His people

d) He imputed righteousness to them by His grace

Let us treasure the Lord’s commitment to us as His people. Let’s learn to love the Lord as He deserves to be loved.