Isaiah 48:17

New International Version (NIV)

This is what the Lord says—
    your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God,
    who teaches you what is best for you,
    who directs you in the way you should go.

For Meditation

It is refreshing to hear the Lord speak so clearly to Israel and to remind them about who He is, what He has done for them, and what He continues to do to delight them in Himself and keep them walking in His ways (Isaiah 48:17). I am sure it is the voice you would want to hear every day and every moment of your life because you are His child.

Listen to God’s heart in those words—the heart of a Father whose wayward children had grieved Him—a tendency that denied them the extraordinary privileges He had preserved for them. If you have ever suffered the pain of pouring yourself into a loved one who does not appreciate the value of your effort, you would understand. That happens when we forget the realities and benefits of our redemption. The suffering and pain of our experiences sometimes eclipse our vertical view so much that we lose the proper perspective of our Redeemer and His relationship with us.

So today, we want the Lord to refresh our memories with our focus scripture for the day. We want to hear God’s voice with Israel, reminding them of His holy covenant with them, just as He has covenanted with us in the blood of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 11:25). O, that we could hear of the abundant flow of His grace in and all over our lives (Eph. 1:6-8).

The Lord emphatically says He is our Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. His name is Jesus, and he is the Lord our God, who teaches us what is best for us. He directs us where we should go because He has complete knowledge of us and our needs. Therefore, we will not go groping in darkness like the people without shepherds to lead and guide them. When they hear a voice speak to them, it is as foul and ill-intentioned as the devil himself, whose intention is only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10a). Jesus, our Redeemer, and Shepherd give us life and the ability to live it to the full (10b). We will, therefore, not delight ourselves with the crumbs of this world. God’s best is always available for our asking (Matthew 6:10; 7:9-11).

So, as you begin the week, do not weep as if there is no hope for tomorrow. The Lord, your God, your Redeemer, and your Great Shepherd God can meet all your needs and fix every broken situation in your life. Only trust Him.

Never forget that He has endured and prevailed over everything you will ever endure and has prevailed. He can walk you through your challenges with His joy as your strength.

Leap for joy at your Redeemer’s voice, then, and remind yourself of His Sovereign rule over your life and the assurance of His counsel and guidance.

Pray with Me

Father, thank you for the reminder that you are our Redeemer and Lord who teaches us what is best for us and directs us in the way to go. We give you glory and honor in the matchless name of your Son, Jesus Christ, amen.