Isaiah 51

v1 Israel is told to look "to the rock from which you were dug"..  look back to Abraham.. to the beginning of their nation.  Abraham was called, blessed, and multiplied by God's own hand.   Israel had every opportunity to be treated in the same way... if they would just listen;  "Pay attention to Me, O My people; and give ear to Me, O My nation." We must look to the Rock of Ages... to our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone.

Joy and gladness, thanksgiving, righteousness and salvation.. are all gifts that the Lord gladly bestows on His people.  There will be a time, the Lord declares, when the sky will vanish and the earth will wear out.  But, even though everything we think we can count on is gone... He will forever reign! His righteousness will not fail.  His salvation will never end.  Hallelujah!!

"Who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, and the son of man who is made like grass; that you have forgotten the Lord Your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth;"  the Lord asks Israel.  He reminds them that :
He is the One who comforts them. ( v12)
He is the One who covers them with His hand. ( v16)
He is the One who calls them, saying , " You are My people." 
He is the One who "contends for His people" (v22)
These are truths for us today as well!

Our God dried up the seas, stretched out the heavens, and laid the foundation of the earth.  He is the One who tells what will happen and then does what He says.  Our God is the One Who judges in righteousness and does justice.  He removes our sins.  He slays the dragons.  He redeems His people.
His desire is to give us joy and gladness, salvation and righteousness.

Father in heaven,  You are the Lord of hosts, our Mighty God and there is no one like You.  We praise You and we worship You.  We are Your servants.  How can we serve You today?  Your word tells us that You require us to do what is just, love mercy, and walk humbly with You.  May Your will be done in each of us today. Jesus gave us the commandment to love one another as You have loved us.  May we be faithful to obey Your commands today.  Fill us Holy Spirit and lead us in paths of righteousness for Your Name's sake.  We ask this in the Name of the Holy Son of God, Jesus. Amen.