READING FOR APRIL 8, 2026: ISAIAH 49, 1 CORINTHIANS 4, PSALM 29
ISAIAH 49 A word of warning. After reading this chapter a couple times, this writer consulted with many commentaries written by faithful interpreters. The overwhelming majority of these helpful sources have a different view than this writer. Readers may wish to consult with these good commentaries posted on biblehub.com. Most commentaries believe this opening statement is spoken by Jesus as the servant. This writer believes the servant speaking is Israel, or at perhaps Isaiah representing Israel. In either case, the language is figurative in nature.
All agree that the speaker is a servant calling out to the nations of the world. Most comment- aries suggest that Jesus is the one called and named from the womb (vs 1). An argument against this is that the Bible says Jesus was with the Father in the beginning and given his mis- sion long before being in Mary’s womb: “The Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world” (Rev. 13:8). The image of Israel as God’s child is not unusual: “This is what the Lord says: Israel is my first- born son” (Exodus 4:42). Maybe the best argument that Israel is the servant is because the text says so: “He said to Me, ‘You are My Servant, Israel, in whom I will show My glory’” (vs. 4). Also, remem- ber: “The Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name. For the sake of Jacob My servant” (Isa 45:3-4).
As we move to verses 5-6 with the words “and now,” it become difficult to hold to Israel as the one being addressed. For example, how could Israel be tasked with restoring itself (vs. 6)? Who else could God use for this? Consider Isaiah 44:28-29: “It is I who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd, and he will carry out all My desire.’ And he says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be built,’ And of the temple, ‘Your foundation will be laid.’” Thus, this writer suggests Cyrus as being mentioned here also, although admits that a case has be made by most others that this references Jesus.
Verses 8-12, as with other prophesies in Isaiah, may have a double fulfillment. The more immediate fulfillment, from this context, likely is the return from the Babylonian exile. This may also be looking ahead, though, to the greater covenant and salvation found in Jesus for all who put faith in Him. In verse 14 we hear the complaint of God’s people (certainly including us oft-times) that the Lord has forgotten them. God’s response is goosebump-worthy and should be forever in our minds: “Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you” (vs. 15). Believe this and be encouraged!
Verses 16-21 look forward to inconceivable blessings. God’s bereaved and exiled people will wonder from where all these children of blessing came. God pours on the blessings by saying kings will protect them and princesses will be their babysitters. God will free the captives of tyrants (including Satan), fight our/their battles, and save our/their children so that the world will know the Lord is our/their savior and redeemer. As believers, we can claim this promise as much as Israel could.
READING FOR APRIL 8, 2026 CONTINUED: 1 CORINTHIANS 4 PSALM 29 1 CORINTHIANS 4 This chapter begins by talking about the trials of being a follower of Jesus Christ. In addition, those who are called to leadership (apostles) are in for more tough days. In the early church, the followers of Christ were subject to persecution. They faced being outcasts in their society and even death. The call to follow Jesus can be a rough ride. We are fortunate to live in a country where we do not face overt persecution. There are places in the world where being a Christian is illegal. Other places where every time a church gathers for worship, they face the potential of persecution (being beaten or killed for following Jesus).
Paul is warning the people of Corinth about having the right mindset in following Christ. He is calling them to turn away from being arrogant. Calling them to faithful adherence to following Jesus Christ. The chapter ends by Paul issuing a warning: “What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?” (1 Cor. 4:21). Paul wants to spend time with the people of Corinth. He hopes and prays that they will listen to his words in this letter and strengthen their faith. Paul is sending his “son,” Timothy to instruct the people of Corinth in Paul’s absence. If they had not improved the fruits of their faith, Paul’s teaching in their presence would have been much stronger.
PSALM 29 Psalm 29 may be one of the oldest psalms in the Bible due to the way it is constructed in the original Hebrew. This hymn is a song of praise to the God of creation. Yahweh, the name of God, is used eighteen times. It is used to emphasize the exclusive claims being made. It is a call to worship the Creator of the universe and to give God praise. The psalm begins by asking the hearer to assign or give credit to God for the attributes of glory, strength, and might. It is a call to worship and praise God for who he is and not necessarily what he has done.
The middle seven verses are a theophany. This is a visible appearance by God to humankind. This appearance by God in a thunderstorm is used to underscore the call to worship God. The theophany emphasizes the attributes of glory and strength. We are told of a storm brewing over the Mediterranean Sea. It moves east through the region of Lebanon, over Mt. Heron, and onward. Each verse in this section begins with God speaking (or thundering). It is an image of the power that God, our Creator, is capable of harnessing. This psalm ties into the imagery of the passage of Job. Both use the imagery of the storm to talk about the power and majesty of God.
The psalm ends by reminding the reader that God is the King of all. God is enthroned over all of Creation. God provides strength and power to those who trust in him.
