Isaiah 42 is a prophecy of the coming Messiah. We see glimpses of His character and of what He will accomplish.
The first time that Christ came He had an overwhelming effect on the world. During His earthly ministry, He healed the sick and made the blind see, but even more so, since His return to heaven His power has been felt in the massive distribution of Christianity around the globe. The Word of God has gone out powerfully. It has had an unmatched influence on the world. The compassion that Jesus taught has helped millions in times of need. What’s even more spectacular is the salvation that is found only in the work of Christ on the cross has changed the hearts of countless numbers of men, women, and children. Jesus established His church and even though Satan and scores of evil men have tried to destroy it; the church continues to grow. Jesus said to Peter:
The first time that Christ came He had an overwhelming effect on the world. During His earthly ministry, He healed the sick and made the blind see, but even more so, since His return to heaven His power has been felt in the massive distribution of Christianity around the globe. The Word of God has gone out powerfully. It has had an unmatched influence on the world. The compassion that Jesus taught has helped millions in times of need. What’s even more spectacular is the salvation that is found only in the work of Christ on the cross has changed the hearts of countless numbers of men, women, and children. Jesus established His church and even though Satan and scores of evil men have tried to destroy it; the church continues to grow. Jesus said to Peter:
Matthew 16:18
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
This chapter also looks ahead to the second coming of Christ. One that is also spoken of in Revelation chapter 19:
Revelation 19:11
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.
Christ first came peacefully, but His life didn’t bring peace to the world. In fact, it brought division. Jesus said as much in Matthew:
Matthew 10:34-36
Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.
Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.
This is the cost of following Christ. We will have tribulation in this world. At the second coming of Christ, there will be peace, but it will come as a result of Christ appearing as the god He is. He will conquer every rebel power and bring into submission all that has rebelled against Him. This truth should give all of us who desire to follow Him both encouragement and warning. Praise the Lord that He has saved us!!! Now, let us continue to walk in His ways so that we do not disqualify ourselves and fall away!Pastor Jonathan Welch
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