"Now Our Salavation Is Nearer"

Some of those in exile in Babylon may wonder, 'Is it really possible that Israel will be released?' Jehovah takes that question into account by asking: "Can those already taken be taken from a mighty man himself, or can the body of captives o the tyrant make their escape?" (Isaiah 49:24) The reply is yes.  Jehovah assures them:  "Even the body of captives of the might man will be taken away, and those already taken by the tyrant himself will make their escape." (Isaiah 49:25a) What comforting assurance!  Moreover, Jehovah's goodwill toward his people comes with a firm commitment to protect them.  in no uncertain terms, he says:  "Against anyone contending against you I myself shall contend , and your own sons I myself shall save." (Isaiah 49:25b)  That commitment still stands. As recorded at Zechariah 2:8, Jehovah says to his people:  "He that is touching you is touching my eyeball."  True, we now enjoy a period of goodwill during which peoples throughout the earth have opportunity to flock to spiritual Zion. However, that period of goodwill will come to an end.

what will happen to those who stubbornly refuse to obey Jehovah and who even persecute his worshipers?  He says: "I will make those maltreating you eat their own flesh; and as with the sweet wine they will become drunk with their own blood."  (Isaiah 49:26a)  A grim prospect!  Such stubborn opponents have no long-term future. They will be destroyed. Thus, both by saving his people and by destroying their enemies, Jehovah will be seen as a Savior. "All flesh will have to know that I, Jehovah, am your Savior and your Repurchaser, the Powerful One of Jacob." -Isaiah 49:26b. 

Those words first applied when Jehovah used Cyrus to free His people from Babylonian bondage.  They applied equally in 1919 when Jehovah used his enthroned Son, Jesus Christ, to release his people from spiritual enslavement. Hence, the Bible speaks of both Jehovah  and Jesus as saviors.  (Titus 2:11-13; 3:4-6) Jehovah is our Savior, and Jesus, the Messiah, is his "Chief Agent."  (Acts 5:31)  Indeed, God's saving acts through Jesus Christ are wonderful. By means of the good news, Jehovah frees righthearted ones from bondage to false religion.  Through the ransom sacrifice, he delivers them from bondage to sin and death.  In 1919  he delivered Jesus' brothers from spiritual bondage. And in the fast-approaching war of Armageddon, he will deliver a great crowd of faithful humans from the destruction that will come upon sinners.

What a privilege, then, to be recipients of God's goodwill!   May all of us use this acceptable time wisely. And may we act in harmony with the urgency of our times, paying heed to Paul's words to the Romans:  "You people know the season, that it is already he hour for you to awake from sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than at the time when we became believers.   The night is well along; the day has drawn near. Let us therefore put off the works belonging to darkness and let us put on the weapons of  the light.  As in the daytime let us walk decently, not in revelries and drunken bouts,m not in illicit intercourse and loose conduct, not in strife and jealousy.  But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not be planning ahead for the desires of the flesh." -Romans 13:11-14.

Jehovah will continue to favor those who heed his counsel. He will provide for them with the strength and abilities  needed to carry out the preaching of the good news.  (2 Corinthians 4:7) Jehovah will use his servants as he uses  their Leader, Jesus.  He will make their mouth "like a sharp sword" so that they will reach the hearts of the meek with the message of the good news.  (Matthew 28:19, 20)  He will protect his people "in the shadow of his hand." Like "a polished arrow," they will be concealed  "In his own quiver." Indeed, Jehovah will not forsake his people! -Psalm 94:14; Isaiah 49:1, 15.

Next time: "Do Not Put Your Trust in Nobles," Chapter Eleven

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