6/19 Isaiah 49 - The Lord has NOT Forsaken Israel

There's a ton of debate in theological circles about whether or not God has forsaken Israel. Today we're looking at Isaiah 49 where we'll see that God will continue to be faithful to the people of Israel and His covenant with them. Likewise, we'll see that even the Gentile believers will have a role in God's plan of redemption for His people. Join us in this key study in this key chapter! 

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.    Have you ever felt as though you disappointed someone? How did it feel? How do you think the faithful remnant of Israel would have felt knowing that they had disappointed the Lord?
2.    The podcast mentioned that Isaiah 49 contains the second “Servant Song” in the Book of Isaiah (the others are Isaiah 42, 50 and 52-3). What is a “Servant Song”? Who are these referring to? Why do we need to know that these passages are unique in the Book of Isaiah?
3.   The background to Isaiah 49 is that the people have broken their covenant with God. Think back to our previous studies in this book. How has Isaiah shown the people that they have broken their covenant?
4.   In verse 1, who is speaking? Quickly skim this chapter with this “speaker” in mind. How does the fact that this is the Servant speaking help us understand the heart of this chapter?
5.   The opening verses of Isaiah 49 let us know that the Servant is a specific individual. What do these first few verses tell us about Him?
6.   The podcast mentioned that in verse 3, the Servant is the “New Israel”. How does this give us a window into Jesus’ preincarnate work among His people (in verse 4)?
7.   According to verse 5, who (or what people) comprise this “New Israel”? In verse 6, who is also included in this new nation? In verse 6, why would it be too small for the New Israel to be limited to just Israel and Judah?
8.   Verse 7 describes the Servant as one who is despised and abhorred by his own nation. How was this fulfilled in Jesus’ earthy life? Verse 7 also says that the kings of the world will come to Him. How has that borne out to be true throughout history?
9.   In verse 8, the Lord gives the Servant as a covenant for the people. Think back to our study of Isaiah 42. What covenant would this be? Glance over at Matthew 26:28. How did Jesus inaugurate the covenant?
10.  Read over verses 9 to 13. What are some ways that this new nation or kingdom is described? Is this a place you would want to live? Do we see these kinds of promises in our world today? When will they be fully instituted?
11.  In verse 14, why would the people be afraid that the Lord has forsaken them? What is the Lord’s response in verses 15 & 16? How do these words of encouragement show God’s love for His people? How did Jesus fulfill these statements in His own ministry to His people?
12.  What does the Lord promise to do for the people in verses 18-23? How are they exalted in the world? How are these promises reaffirmed in other places in scripture?
13.  What kind of protection does the Lord promise for His people in verses 24-26? How does this remind us to keep praying for God’s people? How often do you pray for Israel? How often do you pray for Christians around the world?
14.  As you think over the principles from Isaiah 49, how does this chapter help us see that God has not forgotten or forsaken His people and His covenants with them? Yet also, what role will they have in the New Israel when it is finally and fully established?

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