Isaiah 51 reminds me that life can
sometimes feel like a boxing career. We start out fast and a little
reckless, throwing jabs and slipping punches. We spar with many
opponents and feel the sting to the face and maybe a few body blows
along the way. Everyone who continues to stand will take some
punishment in the process. I’m convinced that having a good corner
man is the key to getting the victory. Today Isaiah is talking to
the champ, the old scared veteran fighter, Israel. He reminds him of
his roots, and encourages him. It is time to get back to the basics,
“Look to the rock from which
you were cut“. On the wall is
an old faded picture of his inspiration, Abraham, the father of the
faith. Above the image a quote, “When
I called him he was only one man“.
Isaiah the trainer has to get the champ’s attention by repeatedly
saying, “Listen to me“.
Between rounds we hear, “Instruction
will go out from me“. He
lists the three-punch combination this gym is famous for, “My
righteousness draws
near… My
salvation is on the way… bring
justice to the nations“.
These promises were given to the original “Rocky” and all who
follow his footsteps. The weary fighter knows, “the
earth will wear out… But
My salvation will last forever“.
The instruction continues, “you
who know what is right… taken
my instruction to heart: Do
not fear the reproach of mere mortals“.
He says, the champ will enter the Promised Land, “with
singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads“.
At that time, the bumps and bruises, “sorrow
and sighing will flee away“.
Every
great coach is feared and respected. Their voice can be heard over
the crowd noise. “I am He who
comforts you… Who are you that you fear mere mortals that you
forget the LORD your Maker“.
Your opponent may look tough, but it is a well-rehearsed psych job.
He wants you to quit before the first bell. In a calm voice God
speaks, “you live in constant
terror every day“,
but adds this observation, “Where
is the wrath of the oppressor?“.
The adversary knows the outcome before you stepped into the ring.
“The cowering prisoners will
soon be set free“. God’s
voice thunders to every corner of the arena; “For
I am the LORD your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar“.
You think you are unprepared? “I
have put My words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of My
hand“. Why? “You
are My people“.
The chapter ends with what appears to be
the final round. After many years of not listening to the coach, the
old boxer is no longer is no longer quick and pretty, but now looks
feeble. The trainer screams, “Awake,
awake! Rise up“. The words
penetrate the fog, “you who
have drunk from the hand of the LORD
the cup of his wrath… the
goblet that makes people stagger“.
Isaiah describes his home, “there
was none to guide her… there was none to take her by the hand…
Your children have fainted… They are filled… with the rebuke of
your God“.
Isaiah makes a keen observation, “you
afflicted one, made drunk, but not with wine“.
Isaiah describes the Lord this way, “your
God, who defends His people“.
He never sees us as washed up. From the corner we hear a new hope,
“I have taken out of your hand
the cup that made you stagger… you will never drink again“.
Friend, what is the cup that makes you stagger? Jesus spoke to all
the broken brawlers, giving us a different cup. “This
cup is the new covenant” (Luke
22:20). It is the cup of forgiveness, will you accept it? Maybe it
is time to stop fighting against God.