The You Version Bible App recently announced that Isaiah 41:10 was "the most engaged-with verse throughout 2025." The announcement went on to say "This marks the fourth time in six years the verse has claimed the top spot, which is a testament to the enduring need for God’s reassurance in uncertain times." Here is the verse: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand."
In my opinion, this verse speaks volumes about the current condition of humanity...an anxiety and fear that constantly invades our lives as humans, whether saved or unsaved. This of course is due to one thing and one thing alone: Sin.
Sin causes separation between you and God. Satan delights in this separation and uses it to attack you and drive further wedges between God and you whenever he can, and wherever he can gain a foothold. Don't give Satan or sin an opportunity, one translation says don't give Satan a foothold, in your life. "and do not give the devil an opportunity." Ephesians 4:27.
Everyone deals with anxiety and fear. Don't let Satan convince you that you are all alone in this. Seek out God. Talk to Him. Invite the Holy Spirit into your life to fill you and strengthen you for the battle. Get into God's Word daily. Pray without ceasing.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment." 2 Timothy 1:7
Now, let's take this in a completely different direction regarding this verse. This verse that as reported was the most engaged-with verse in the year 2025, worldwide. When we read it in context, it brings up a completely different issue that we should also discuss. An issue that has been growing around the world in the last several years: antisemitism. Hatred towards Jews and the nation of Israel.
When we read the verses just prior to and after the Isaiah 41:10 verse, we see the verse in context: “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham, my friend -- I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said to you: You are my servant; I have chosen you; I haven't rejected you. Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand. Be sure that all who are enraged against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will become as nothing and will perish. You will look for those who contend with you, but you will not find them. Those who war against you will become absolutely nothing. For I am the LORD your God, who holds your right hand, who says to you, "Do not fear, I will help you." Is. 41:8-13
This verse about not having fear we find out is addressed to Israel, from God. He calls them “my servant”, “whom I have chosen”, and “my friend”. He tells Israel “I haven’t rejected you.” God gives a warning to those who go against Israel that they will be ashamed and disgraced. Those who contend with Israel “will become as nothing and perish.” And, those who go to war against Israel “will become absolutely nothing.”
Wow. Immediately what comes to my mind is the terror attacks by Hamas and Palestinian militants on October 7th of 2023. Israel retaliated against Hamas in Gaza and decimated the territory. It reminds me of this tiny country which was reformed from dry bones in 1948 as the Nation of Israel, and how they have been attacked over and over by their neighbors since then. But yet they remain, and they flourish.
It is a reminder that God has His hand on Israel. They are called “chosen by God”. God has a purpose for Israel even to this day and will provide His covering and protection over them as their “friend”. That is so important for us as Christians to remember. God’s promises are still in effect to Israel.
The church is not the replacement for Israel. We are grafted into God’s kingdom, we are spiritual Israel in a sense, but God still has a plan and purpose for the actual historical nation of Israel. This plan will begin after the rapture, after the church is removed and escorted to the Father's house by the Bridegroom. God's program and plan involving the nation of Israel, specifically the remnant He has set aside, will kick back into full gear during the seven-year tribulation period. Paul discusses this at length in his letter to the Romans in chapters 9, 10, and 11. John lays out the sequence of events and end result in the book of Revelation.
Pray for the peace of Israel. Pray that Jews find the true Messiah Jesus Christ. Be the church. Expand God’s kingdom. Look for His soon return to take us to be with Him forever. Maranatha!
No comments:
Post a Comment