+DEV+ By Grace: Light of Nations [23 of 27]

Date: April 8, 2013 11:41 PM
Topic: +DEV+  By Grace: Light of Nations [23 of 27]

By Grace: Light of Nations [23 of 27]

"I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." (Isaiah 49:6b)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 49:1-36; John 3:16-21

Chapter 49 speaks of the coming Servant of the LORD and of Israel's restoration. That restoration will include the islands (vs. 1) — the distant Gentile nations. Israel was a conduit — a pipeline, if you will — for the blessing of people everywhere, not without exception, but without distinction. Through Israel would come the Servant to shine light in the world's darkness. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).

We must not separate the nation Israel from the invisible Church universal. God's plan was to raise up a chosen people through whom would come the Savior. It is a plan established in history and in the Word of God that came to men like Isaiah as it unfolded. That Word is all about Jesus, the Light of the world. "... But men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil" (John 3:19). They crucified the "Holy One of Israel" (vs. 7)! Yet their dark actions only played into God's gracious plan.

Insight:  "But you are a chosen people... a people belonging to God...who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.