I love the book of Isaiah and especially this section of it. There are so many words of encouragement in these chapters. Over and over God assures his people of their peculiar identity as his chosen people.

“I have chosen you and have not rejected you..” Isaiah 41:9

“I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

“Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.” Isaiah 44:2

Jeshurun, by the way, is a kind of endearing nickname for the people of God. Think of that! God has an endearing nickname for his people.

Over and over, God also declares in these chapters that there is no God apart from him. Nothing, no one.

“Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the Earth; for I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:22

“I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9

“For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory to another.” Isaiah 48:11

One of my favorite passages is in chapter 49. The people of God think God has forsaken them, but no!! No, no, no. God underlines this no with one of the strongest metaphors. A mother might forget the child nursing at her breast, but I will never forget you! You would think a mother could never do that, but just in case, just in case she does, I will never forget you.

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” Isaiah 49:15

There has been so much judgment lately in these readings but these chapters in Isaiah are such an oasis of compassion and grace from the Lord.