Sabbath Thought – Fear Not

The first part of Isaiah 41 is a very encouraging discourse from God to Israel. All of the Bible translations that I have title this portion of Scripture with the subhead, “Fear Not, for I Am with You.”

God begins by reminding Israel that all nations will stand before Him in judgment (verse 1). He then asks them questions, “Who raised up one from the east? Who in righteousness called him to His feet? Who gave the nations before him, And made him rule over kings? Who gave them as the dust to his sword, As driven stubble to his bow? Who pursued them, and passed safely By the way that he had not gone with his feet? Who has performed and done it, Calling the generations from the beginning? 'I, the LORD, am the first; And with the last I am He,’ ” (Isaiah 41:2-4, NKJV).

This is the preincarnate Jesus Christ speaking to Israel. He states that He is “…the first…the last…,” – a statement not only made in Isaiah 44:6 and 48:12, but also in Revelation 1:17, 2:8, 2:19 & 22:13. We know that He is not only the author of the work He has begun in each of us, but will also finish what He has started (Hebrews 12:2).

God sought to encourage Israel continuing in Isaiah 41:8 – “But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, The descendants of Abraham My friend.” Several places in the New Testament make the connection that Israel is no longer a singular people, but those whom God has given His Spirit to (i.e. Galatians 3:7-9). By extension, if Abraham was a friend of God because of his belief and faith, then his “sons” also have that opportunity. 

Next in Isaiah 41:10 we read of God’s encouragement to His people – “fear not”. Fear is the enemy of faith. Fear is doubt, uncertainty, worry and concern that God doesn’t know (or doesn’t care) what is happening to us. But notice, He says “I will uphold you with My righteous right hand….” The right hand in ancient imagery was symbolic of power, authority and favor. God upholds us with His power and favor toward us. We see this in verses 13 & 14 as He again says, “Fear not, I will help you.”

In the future, God will use His people to correct the nations (verse 15), but also to teach them (Micah 4:2). This will be done to show God’s glory (Isaiah 41:16). God hears the anguish of the needy and promises that He will not forsake them (verse 17). We have confidence knowing we can go to God and He hears us. In fact, our prayers are like sweet incense before Him (Ephesians 5:2, Revelation 5:8, 8:4). 

He then promises Israel in Isaiah 41:18-19 that He will plant them in their land, never to be removed again. We will be “planted” in His Kingdom, and no man will be able to remove us (Revelation 3:12). All of this is for all of mankind to know that God – the Holy One of Israel – will accomplish His purpose (Isaiah 41:20).

What a great God we have! What a wonderful future awaits us, and all of mankind, as He works out His plan of salvation!

I wish you a very meaningful Sabbath,

Dan Dowd

15 August, 2026