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For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you.
¹⁴ Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob,
    little Israel, do not fear,
for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord,
    your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
¹⁵ “See, I will make you into a threshing sledge,
    new and sharp, with many teeth.
You will thresh the mountains and crush them,
    and reduce the hills to chaff.
¹⁶ You will winnow them, the wind will pick them up,
    and a gale will blow them away.
But you will rejoice in the Lord
    and glory in the Holy One of Israel.

As we have seen, this section shows how ”little Israel” will become a mountain-moving force with the ”help” of God. He is going to make them into something they are not. So the last two lines are significant. ‘All the glory must be to the Lord.’

This reminds me of the section in 1 Corinthians 1 that we also looked at recently, in conjunction with the above passage in Isaiah. Note the final statement here also:

²⁶ Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. ²⁷ But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. ²⁸ God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, ²⁹ so that no one may boast before him. ³⁰ It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. ³¹ Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Many years ago, I became aware of this song. The lyrics speak for themselves:

While walking on this earth,
We are nothing in ourselves,
Yet God’s chosen to use us,
In His mighty hand,
For the master plan requires human instruments,
But they must not ever glorify themselves.

All the glory must be to the Lord,
Only He is worthy of our praise,
No one on earth should give glory to himself,
For all the glory must be to the Lord.

‘See, I will make you into a threshing-sledge,
    new and sharp, with many teeth.
You will thresh the mountains and crush them,
    and reduce the hills to chaff.
¹⁶ You will winnow them, the wind will pick them up,
    and a gale will blow them away...

You may be Gideon-like, feeling so small and weak: worm-like really. But it’s what God makes of you that counts. He can transform your life into a mountain-moving tool. (There is the idea here that God is going to use His people as instruments of judgment, because ‘threshing’ and winnowing’ are figures of judgment.)

Somebody commented, ‘Imagine a worm being given teeth!

So it’s not what you think when you look in the mirror that counts. It’s who God is and what He can do with you.

At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus said to a number of men, ”Follow me, and I will make you…”

Just think what He did with them

Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob,
    little Israel, do not fear,
for I myself will help you,’ declares the Lord,
    your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

I read that the missionary, Hudson Taylor, was introduced in glowing terms at a meeting where he had been invited to speak. When he came to the pulpit, he began by saying, ‘I am the little servant of an illustrious Master.’

He said on another occasion, ‘I often think that God must have been looking for someone small enough and weak enough for Him to use, and that He found me.’

When God addressed His people as ”you worm” He was not being rude. The fact is, they were ”little Israel” in their own eyes – and in reality. But if God Himself helps you, you can do great things, even impossible things in His strength.

We often feel like Gideon and come up with similar excuses:

‘Pardon me, my lord,’ Gideon replied, ‘but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.’ Judges 6:15. But God’s answer was: ‘I will be with you, and you will…’ (Judges 6:16).

 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. ²⁷ But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. ²⁸ God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, ²⁹ so that no one may boast before him. ³⁰ It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. ³¹ Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’ 1 Corinthians 1:26-31.

‘All who rage against you
    will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you
    will be as nothing and perish.
¹² Though you search for your enemies,
    you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you
    will be as nothing at all.
¹³ For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you.

When I was an older child, and then a teenager, I felt I had nothing to fear if I was in the company of David Butler (mentioned in yesterday’s note). ‘Big Buck’, as he was nick-named, was taller and stronger than me, and he gave me confidence as I walked down the street with him. I didn’t believe anyone was going to ‘get’ me while I was with Dave.

But when I was small, I think I felt even more strength and safety when I walked along the road with my dad holding my hand. Dark nights held many fears for me, but not when I felt my father’s grip. His presence and his touch made all the difference.

“Count on it: Everyone who had it in for you
    will end up out in the cold—
    real losers.
Those who worked against you
    will end up empty-handed—
    nothing to show for their lives.
When you go out looking for your old adversaries
    you won’t find them—
Not a trace of your old enemies,
    not even a memory.
That’s right. Because I, your God,
    have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go.
I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic.
    I’m right here to help you.’ (The Message).

‘But you, Israel, my servant,
    Jacob, whom I have chosen,
    you descendants of Abraham my friend,
⁹ I took you from the ends of the earth,
    from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, “You are my servant”;
    I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
¹⁰ So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

These words were addressed to the Jews at a specific time in their history, when they were captives in Babylon, but being prepared to return to their homeland. (Verse 9 refers to Abraham’s call when he was in Ur. At that time it seemed like the ‘farthest corner’ of the earth.)

However, there is a very real sense in which these truths are applicable to all of us who, by grace, are God’s ‘friends’ and ‘servants’. He will ‘strengthen’, ‘help’ and ‘uphold’ us, and He wants us to live without fear. If God is with us, we have nothing to fear.

When I was at school, I had a friend by the name of David Butler. Whereas I was small and weak, he was tall and strong. I never felt like I had anyone to fear when I was in his company. No bullies were likely to go after him, but I could be fair game if found alone.

It makes all the difference whose company you keep. Or rather, who keeps you company. If this is true of humans, how much more so Almighty God.

“Far-flung ocean islands see it and panic.
    The ends of the earth are shaken.
    Fearfully they huddle together.
They try to help each other out,
    making up stories in the dark.
The godmakers in the workshops
    go into overtime production, crafting new models of no-gods,
Urging one another on—‘Good job!’ ‘Great design!’—
    pounding in nails at the base
    so that the things won’t tip over.

It remains a burning question for ourselves does it not? In whom, in what are we trusting? Unless our trust is in the living God we will be disappointed.

‘The nations attempt to form alliances against Cyrus, but to no avail. Their leaders try to build morale (verse 6), while their craftsmen try to build better idols! (verse 7). But nothing will stop Cyrus.’ Tom Hale: ‘Applied Old Testament Commentary’, p.1039.

Again, there is a comedic, almost mickey-taking, tone to the words about idolatry. None of our idols will ever save us.

‘The dearest idol I have known, whate’er that idol be,

Help me to tear it from thy Throne, and worship only Thee.’ William Cowper.

‘Who has stirred up one from the east,
    calling him in righteousness to his service?
He hands nations over to him
    and subdues kings before him.
He turns them to dust with his sword,
    to wind-blown chaff with his bow.
³ He pursues them and moves on unscathed,
    by a path his feet have not travelled before.
⁴ Who has done this and carried it through,
    calling forth the generations from the beginning?
I, the Lord – with the first of them
    and with the last – I am he.’

The nations have every reason to fear. Why? A new super power is emerging and a new despot is about to make an appearance. ‘Cyrus’ is his name – the King of Persia. It’s not that he’s a decent chap. Far from it. He is not a man to mess with. When we read that God called him ”in righteousness” it doesn’t mean that he is righteous, but he will fulfil God’s righteous purpose, i.e. the restoration of Israel.

This passage reads even more graphically in ‘The Message’:

“Who got things rolling here,
    got this champion from the east on the move?
Who recruited him for this job,
    then rounded up and corralled the nations
    so he could run roughshod over kings?
He’s off and running,
    pulverizing nations into dust,
    leaving only stubble and chaff in his wake.
He chases them and comes through unscathed,
    his feet scarcely touching the path.

⁴ “Who did this? Who made it happen?
    Who always gets things started?
I did. God. I’m first on the scene.
    I’m also the last to leave.

In spite of all the fearful things Cyrus will do, it is obvious who is in charge around here. It is God who will raise him up and use him to get his people back home (see Isaiah 44:28; Ezra 1:1-4). ‘History is HISstory.’ When every Cyrus has come and gone, He who always was there will still be there – forever. From ‘everlasting to everlasting’ He is God. Because He was there before, and will be there after, He could announce the coming of Cyrus a century before He was born.

‘Be silent before me, you islands!
    Let the nations renew their strength!
Let them come forward and speak;
    let us meet together at the place of judgment.

I have to confess, my first thought on reading these words had to do with that renewal of strength many Christians find in silence and solitude. I would not be alone in seeing these spiritual practices as vital ingredients for a walk with God.

But verse 1 has nothing to do with spiritual disciplines. It is a sobering reminder that the nations of the world are accountable to God, and it will be formidable to end up in His court. They will need ”strength” for that appearance.

Let no country (or grouping) on earth think they can defy God, and do what they like with impunity. Their day in the dock will come.

In this chapter God speaks directly through Isaiah to the nations who are hostile to His people. On the great Assize day, they will have no legs on which to stand.

Why would you ever complain, O Jacob,
    or, whine, Israel, saying,
“God has lost track of me.
    He doesn’t care what happens to me”?
Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening?
God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.
    He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.
    And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
    gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
    young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
    They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired,
    they walk and don’t lag behind. (The Message).

It is not surprising that these verses continue to be beloved by believers, because in our frail humanity we do get tired on the journey.

‘The people are wrong to think that God has abandoned them (verse 27). God not only upholds the stars (verse 26); He also upholds His weak and weary people (verse 29). They are to hope (trust) in God and draw their strength from Him (verse 31). He will give them strength for seemingly impossible tasks; they will soar on wings like eagles. He will give them strength to face challenges and surmount obstacles; they will run and not grow weary. And most important of all, He will give them strength, abiding grace, for daily living; they will walk and not be faint‘ Tom Hale: ‘Applied Old Testament Commentary’, p. 1038.

‘As we wait before Him, God enables us to soar when there is a crisis, to run when the challenges are many, and to walk faithfully in the day-to-day demands of life. It is much harder to walk in the ordinary pressures of life than to fly like the eagle in a time of crisis. ”I can plod,” said William Carey, the father of modern missions. ”That is my only genius. I can persevere in any definite pursuit. To this I owe everything.”…Blessed are the plodders, for they eventually arrive at their destination!’ Warren W. Wiersbe: ‘Old Testament Ccommentary’, p.1185.

Prayer: Lord, I remember someone saying, ‘If God brings you to it, He’ll bring you through it.’ Thank you that you provide the strength for all the circumstances you cause us to face. Help us to actively trust in you. Help me to draw my strength from you.