Isaiah 42:9-12 – In praise of God for the Redeemer

In Isaiah 41:22-23, God challenged the idols that the nations had made to prove that they were indeed gods. He told them to show proof by predicting coming events. Of course, they could not tell what was coming because they were only the products of men and not gods. Therefore God said that they were less than nothing, meaning they were non-existent. But the God of Israel was unlike them. He was and is and has always been the true God. So here in Isaiah 42:9, He said He would present as proof of His deity, the same thing He demanded of the idols. Being the true and Sovereign God, He has the ability and will declare the events before they happen. A thing that dumb idols are not able to do.

In verse 10, Isaiah immediately called on the people to rejoice and celebrate the mercy of God in the provision of the Redeemer. His gracious act would certainly be worthy of a new song and a new level of praise. What He had done should engender new praise even from the ends of the earth. Song of the past would be too inadequate an expression of the new, wonderful, and great mercy of God. So the prophet called for fresh new songs that would be more befitting of the occasion to celebrate God’s goodness.   

 

Knowing that those who used the great sea for their trade and travel would be critical in the spread of the good news and the work of the Redeemer, Isaiah began addressing them. He was calling on the community of seafarers to rejoice as well as declare the Redeemer’s work. He also encouraged the pockets of people who dwelt in the wilderness to welcome and rejoice in the good news of the Servant. They were also called to raise their voices and celebrate and shout for joy. Everyone everywhere should rejoice and celebrate and raise their song of praise to the LORD, for the provision of the Redeemer who would bring God’s benefits to mankind.   

 

What would be a befitting response to what God had done in sending His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, as our Redeemer? Firstly, we show gratitude by offering ourselves to Him for His sacrificial love. We commit ourselves to faithfully worship and serve Him. Secondly, we nurture a life that will bring praise to His name. We live life in such a way that will motivate others to praise Him as well. Thirdly, we must actively share the good news of the Redeemer so that more will benefit from His sacrificial work. Let us determine to be the proclaimers of this wonderful and great news!