Appointed and Protected by Jehovah

The Messiah enjoys God's goodwill, or approval.  Jehovah gives him the authority and credentials needed to fulfill his mission.  Appropriately, then, the future Messiah says:  "Listen to me, O you islands, and pay attention, you national groups far away.  Jehovah himself has called me even from the belly. From the inward parts of my mother he has made mention of my name." -Isaiah 49:1.

Here the Messiah directs his remarks to peoples from "far away."  Although the Messiah is promised to the Jewish people, his ministry will serve to bless all the nations.  (Matthew 25:31-33) The "islands"  and the "national groups," even though not in a covenant with Jehovah should heed Israel's Messiah because he is sent to bring salvation to all humankind.

The prophecy says that Jehovah will name the Messiah before he is born as a human.  (Matthew 1:21; Luke 1:31)  Long before his birth, Jesus is named "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."  (Isaiah 9:6)  Immanuel, likely the name of  a son of Isaiah, also turns out to be a prophetic name of the Messiah. (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21-23)  Even the given name by which the Messiah will come to be known-Jesus-is foretold before his birth.  (Luke 1:30, 31) This name comes from the Hebrew word that means "Jehovah Is Salvation."  Clearly, Jesus is not a self-appointed Christ.

The Messiah's prophetic words continue:  "And he proceeded to make my mouth  like a sharp sword. In the shadow of his hand he has hidden me. And he gradually made me a polished arrow. He concealed  me in his own quiver."  (Isaiah 49:2) When the time comes for Jehovah's Messiah to begin his earthly ministry in 29 C.E., Jesus' words and actions do indeed prove to be like sharp, polished weapons, able to penetrate the hearts of his listeners.  (Luke 4:31, 32)  His words and actions provoke the wrath of Jehovah's great enemy, Satan, and his agents.  From the time of Jesus' birth, Satan tries to take His life, but Jesus is like an arrow concealed in Jehovah's own quiver.  He can confidently count on his Father's protection.   (Psalm 91:1; Luke 1:35)  At the appointed time, Jesus gives his life in behalf of mankind.  But the time will come  when he will go forth as a mighty warrior armed in a different sense, with a sharp sword proceeding out of his mouth.  This time, the sharp sword represents Jesus' authority to pronounce and execute judgments against Jehovah's enemies. -Revelation 1:16.

Next time: The Labors of God's Servant Are Not In Vain

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001