unexpected immanence [ 42:21-43:7] intro The of whom Isaiah wrote were in exile in . They were rootless, homeless, and friendless in a foreign land. The biggest question of all was, ‘Where is God?’ Both Isaiah and Jeremiah had warned of God’s judgment and had predicted misery and humiliation if the people did not repent. But the people had preferred to listen to the popular preachers in who had assured them all would be well. But then the city was destroyed, the temple demolished, and they were deported. Time had proven Isaiah and Jeremiah right. They had warned of God’s coming judgment upon their sin, but the people had dismissed it. ‘God won’t judge us,’ they said, ‘We have the Temple of the Lord’ (Jeremiah 7:4). God allowed the unthinkable to happen: the Babylonians conquered them, transported them from their city and their land. They were stripped of their national identity and could only hope for absorption into the society of cosmopolitan Babylon. But against all odds the Jewish people survived. tells us that it was through God’s power and compassion they come through these heart-breaking times. read Begin by reading Isaiah 42:21-43:7. We’ll consider the passage section by section. Bookmark Genesis 50:19-20, Job 1:6-12, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Ephesians 1:1-14; 2:9-10; 3:7-12 and 1 Peter 1:18,19 for further reference. presence Isaiah 42:21-25 1. In verse 21, how do the Lord’s actions emphasize his priorities? How does this frame the rest of the passage? How is the Israelites’ situation described (42:22)?

2. Consider Isaiah 42:24-25. What was Isaiah saying about – and about himself?

3. You might like to read Job 1:6-12 and also 1 Corinthians 10:13. What can we learn of God’s justice and mercy in these passages? What lessons do we learn from these verses today? protection Isaiah 43:1-4 4. The opening words of chapter 43 are some of the most tender words in Isaiah. What would they have meant to the exiles? What comfort do you find here and why? (Consider what has done.)

5. Consider the significance of verse 2. What is being said about God’s presence among and protection of his people? What are we told about our situations and what about God’s presence can assure us?

6. What else does Isaiah 43:3b-4 tell us about God’s special relationship with his people? What do we learn from Joseph’s words to his brothers in Genesis 50:19-20? Note: 1 Peter 1:18-19. purpose Isaiah 43:6-7 7. Read Isaiah 43:6-7. Why can Isaiah say what he says (Genesis 1:26-end)? Can you trust God to be with you, to love you in whatever state you find yourself in life? How does this understanding of God influence your present circumstances? Read and consider Ephesians 1:1-14.

8. As God’s people today, how does verse 7 describe our purpose? Can you trust that his purpose is for your best? You might like to read Ephesians 3:7-12.

Centuries before the exile, God had taken the initiative and formed the people of Israel. When they had been enslaved in he had stepped in and rescued them and had gone on to shape them into a great nation. But they had turned their back on God and he had judged them. Now in exile he was promising their return to Jerusalem. God had an eternal purpose when he created the world and established Israel. He had a purpose when he sent Christ. At no point was he just satisfying some passing whim. The great plan he has been working out in history has been the creation of a people who would know him, love him and honor him. Even when we denied him and sought our independence from him, he stepped in and rescued us at great cost to himself. He created us and he has redeemed us through the death of Jesus Christ. pray

© Written by John G. Mason with Chelsea Miller 2 Christ Church New York City