Conditions of Service

Please see the links to our EXTRA Bible Study notes at the bottom of the page.

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus, in the storms of my life, speak Your word and my heart will be stilled. I bless Your name.

Read Isaiah 43:1-13

^[1] But now, this is what the LORD says- he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. ^[2] When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. ^[3] For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. ^[4] Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. ^[5] Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. ^[6] I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth- ^[7] everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” ^[8] Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf. ^[9] All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. Which of their gods foretold this and proclaimed to us the former things? Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right, so that others may hear and say, “It is true.” ^[10] “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. ^[11] I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. ^[12] I have revealed and saved and proclaimed- I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “that I am God. ^[13] Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?”

Meditate

“The constancy of God’s love can never cease to be a source of amazement, not only to ancient Israel, but also to the twenty-first century Christian” (Arthur E. Cundall).

Think Further

The college where I am at present a visiting lecturer has been developing a staff handbook, and at the last faculty meeting everyone was examining the small print carefully. What will be expected of me and what can I expect from the college? In one sense the whole of these chapters could be seen as a “staff handbook” for God’s chosen servants. This section, in particular, concentrates on what an obedient Israel can expect from their contract (covenant) with God and mentions briefly what he expects from them.

The job description is pretty clear; they are to be “witnesses” to the God of Israel (10,12), responsible for telling and showing the world who he is. The implications of this are not spelled out here, but it necessarily involves bringing “glory” (7) to God. As we learn elsewhere, this means living in such a way that people will realize that God is holy, just and loving, and demands exclusive worship.

The “employment benefits” for witnesses are given in much greater detail. They will be redeemed (remember that the people were in exile), but the past tense is used (1) to show that this result is absolutely certain. They are not to fear, because it is as if this has already occurred. Whatever happens in life, God will stay with them and will protect them (2,5). They will always be immensely valued and loved (3,4); in one sense, the greatest benefit is being allowed to do the job assigned. Not everyone has the joy of doing a job they love–and getting paid for it–but when you do, it is wonderful! What a privilege to be allowed to know, to be a servant of, and a witness to the great and glorious God that Isaiah writes about!

Apply

Think about what you see as the benefits and requirements in the job description for your life as a Christian.

Closing prayer

Mighty God, You have given me much, and I know much is required of me. I ask for opportunities today to share that You are my God.

Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.

Encounter with God is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.

Yesterday’s reading

View all readings

Tomorrow’s reading