Reasons for Confidence in Jehovah

Calling for renewed attentiveness, Jehovah says: "Pay attention to me, O my people; and you national group of mine, to me give ear.  For from me a law itself will go forth, and my judicial decision I shall cause to repose even as a light to the peoples.  My righteousness is near. My salvation will certainly go forth, and my own arms will judge even the peoples. In me the islands themselves will hope, and for my arm they will wait." -Isaiah 51:4, 5.

Jehovah's call to give ear to him means more than just hearing his message.  It means paying attention with a view to acting on what is heard.  (Psalm 49:1; 78:1) The nation  must appreciate that Jehovah is the Source of instruction, justice and salvation.  He alone is the Source of spiritual enlightenment.   (2 Corinthians  4:6)  he is the ultimate Judge of mankind.  The law and judicial decisions that emanate from Jehovah are a light to those who allow themselves to be guided by them. -Psalm 43:3; 119:105; Proverbs 6:23)

All of this is to be true with regard not only to God's covenant people but also to rightly disposes people everywhere, even on the most distant isles of the sea. Their confidence in God and in his ability to act in behalf  of his faithful servants and to save them will not be disappointed.  His might, or power, represented by his arm, is sure; it cannot be stayed by anyone.  (Isaiah 40:10; Luke 1:51,52) Similarly today, the zealously preaching work of the remaining members of the Israel of God has led millions, many from remote islands of the sea, to turn to Jehovah and put faith in him. 

Jehovah next refers to a truth that Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon will have to learn. Nothing in heaven or on earth can stop Jehovah from carrying out his will.  (Daniel 4:34, 35)  We read:    "Raise your eyes to the heavens themselves, and look at the earth beneath. For the very heavens must be dispersed in fragments just like smoke, and like a garment the earth itself will wear out, and its inhabitants themselves will die like a mere gnat. But as for my salvation, it will prove to be to time indefinite, and my own righteousness will not be shattered." (Isaiah 51:6)  Although it is against the policy of the Babylonian monarchs to allow captives to return home, Jehovah's saving of his people will not be thwarted.   (Isaiah 14:16, 17) The Babylonian  "heavens,"  or ruling powers, will be broken in defeat. The Babylonian "earth," the subjects of those ruling powers, will gradually come to an end. Yes, even the greater power of the day cannot stand against Jehovah's might or prevent his acts of salvation. 

How encouraging it is for Christians today to know that these prophetic words were completely fulfilled! Why? Because the apostle Peter used similar expressions regarding a yet future event. He spoke of the rapidly  approaching day of Jehovah, "through which the heavens being on fire will be dissolved and the elements being intensely hot will melt!   Then he said:  "There are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell."  (2 Peter 3:12, 13; Isaiah 34:4; Revelation 6:12-14)  Although the mighty nations and their lofty starlike rulers may stand in defiance  of Jehovah, in his due time they will be brought to nothing-crushed  as easily as a mere gnat.  (Psalm 2:1-9) Only God's righteous government will rule forever, over a righteous human society. -Daniel 2:44; Revelation 21:1-4.

Next time: Conclusion of Reasons for Confidence in Jehovah

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