Chapter 49
written from the Servant's point of view, is an account of his pre-natal calling by God to lead both Israel and the nations. The Servant is now portrayed as the prophet of the Lord equipped and called to restore the nation to God. Yet, anticipating the fourth song, he is without success.
lessons
God had prescribed how Israel should act in the world in order to be a light to the world. But they didn't fulfill that prescription. So, God sent his own Son to do exactly what Israel had not done. He fulfilled all those prophecies, so that the work of saving the world might be accomplished.
Chapter 50
Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God. But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze.
lesson
God is saying that he sent the Israelites away into exile because they did not obey him. That is why God is no longer there to keep Zion city safe. Zion is like a 'mother' for the Israelites. It is as if God has sent her away.
Chapter 51
When God lights the candle of faith, none can blow it out. God reminds his people in tribulation that he is faithful to his promise. The Christian may justly say, “I can trust him in my present condition, and I can trust him for the time to come.” Because the Lord is God, and my God, I can rejoice in tribulation.
lesson
The price paid by the Redeemer forget our salvation, was not silver or gold, or corruptible things, but his own precious blood. Considering the freeness of this salvation, and how hurtful to temporal comfort sins are, we shall more value the redemption which is in Christ.
