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But you, Israel, are My servant

Text: Isaiah 41
4 November 2007

(I) THE TITLE “MY SERVANT”

1. Generic

a) General descriptive word to denote the status of a person in the social structure

b) General descriptive word to denote the status of a person before God

2. Special significance

a) Attached to those who have served well

b) Title attached to great men like Moses, Joshua and the prophets of God

“…My servant Moses; He is faithful in all My house.” Numbers 12:7-8

“And the LORD has sent to you all His servants the prophets…” Jeremiah 25:4

(II) A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP DECLARED

“But you, Israel, are My servant,
Jacob whom I have chosen,
The descendants of Abraham My friend.” Isaiah 41:8

1. Whole nation of Israel to enjoy a special status as God’s servant

“For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.” Deuteronomy 7:6

a) Chosen

b) Set apart (an essential idea behind the word “holy”)

c) A special treasure

2. Reasons for this special blessing

a) Abraham (“My friend”)

b) Abrahamic Covenant ( Genesis 12, 15, 17, 22 )

(III) A SET OF SPECIAL PROMISES TO GOD’S SERVANTS

“Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am Your God.
I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

1. Promise of God’s special Presence

“I am with you”

2. Promise of being the Covenant-God

“I am Your God”

3. Promise of Strength

“I will strengthen you”

4. Promise of Help

“Yes, I will help you”

5. Promise of Upholding

“I will uphold you with My righteous right hand”

(IV) RAMIFICATIONS OF KNOWLEDGE OF BEING GOD’S SERVANTS

1. Banishment of fear

“For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand,
Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you” Isaiah 41:13

2. Joy in the Lord

“You shall rejoice in the LORD,
and glory in the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 41:16c