Trust in the Name of Jehovah

Now note a striking contrast:  "Who among you people is in fear of Jehovah, listening to the voice of his servant, who has walked in continual darkness and for whom there has been no brightness?  let him trust in the name of Jehovah and support himself upon his God.'  (Isaiah 50:10)  Those who listen to the voice of God's Servant, Jesus Christ, walk in the light. (John 3:21)  No only do they use the divine name, Jehovah, but they also put their trust in the one who bears that name. Even if at one time they walked in darkness, now they do not fear men.  They support themselves on God. However, those who persist in walking in darkness are gripped by the fear of man. Such is the case with Pontius Pilate.  Although he knows that Jesus is innocent of the false charges that have been brought against him, fear prevents that Roman official from releasing Jesus.  Roman soldiers kill the Son of God, but Jehovah resurrects him and crowns him with glory and honor. What of Pilate? According to the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus a mere four years after Jesus' death, Pilate was replaced as Roman governor and ordered to return to Rome to answer charges of serious wrongdoing. What of the Jews  who brought about Jesus' death?  Less than four decades later, the armies of Rome destroyed Jerusalem and caused her inhabitants to be slain or taken into slavery. There is no bright light for those who prefer the darkness! -John 3:19.

To look to men for salvation is the height of folly. Isaiah's prophecy explains why:  "Look!  All you people who are igniting a fire, making sparks  light up, walk in the light of your fire, and amid the sparks that you have set ablaze.  From my hand you will certainly come to have this:  in sheer pain you will lie down." (Isaiah 50:11)  Human leaders come and go. A charismatic individual may capture the imagination of the people for awhile. But even the most sincere human is limited in what he can accomplish. Instead of light a roaring fire, as his supporters expect, he may succeed in only in igniting a few "sparks," which give off a small measure of light and heat but soon die out. On the other hand, those who put their trust in Shiloh, God's promised Messiah, will never be disappointed. 

Next time: Comfort for God's People, Chapter twelve

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