REJOICING FOR THOSE WHO WALK IN THE LIGHT - "I Laud Your Name"

In the dark days during which Isaiah lived and in the even darker days  thereafter when the Babylonians carried Jehovah's nation off into captivity, what kind of guidance did Jehovah supply?  Besides supplying moral guidance, he clearly outlined in advance how he would fulfill his purposes with regard to his people.  Consider, for example, the wonderful prophecies  contained in Isaiah chapters 25 to 27.  The words in these chapters indicate how Jehovah handled  matters back then and how he does so today.

First, Isaiah declares:  "O Jehovah, you are my God.  I exalt you. I laud your name."  What a heartfelt expression of praise!  But what moved the prophet to utter such a prayer!  A major factor is revealed in the second half of the verse, where we read:  "For you [Jehovah] have done wonderful things, counsels from early times, in faithfulness, in trustworthiness. -Isaiah 25:1.

By Isaiah's day Jehovah had done many wonderful things for Israel,m and these had been recorded in writing.  Isaiah was evidently familiar with these writings.  He knew, for example, that Jehovah brought his people out of slaver in Egypt and saved them from the wrath of Pharaoh's army at  the Red Sea.  He knew that Jehovah led his people through the wilderness and brought them into the Promised Land.  (Psalm 136:1, 10-26)  Such historical accounts  showed that Jehovah God is faithful and trustworthy.  His "counsels" -all the things he purposes-come true.  Divinely provided   accurate knowledge strengthened Isaiah to keep on walking in the light.  Thus, he was a fine example for us.  If we carefully study God's written word and apply it in our lives, we too will remain in the light. -Psalm 119:105; 2 Corinthians 4:6.

Next time: REJOICING FOR THOSE WHO WALK  IN THE LIGHT - A City Is Destroyed

The Watchtower, 2001