Isaiah 48:17

NASB	NLT	VOICE
17 This is what the LORD says, He who is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to benefit, Who leads you in the way you should go.	17 This is what the LORD says – your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.	17 The Eternal One, who rescued you, the Holy One of Israel declares, I am the Eternal One your God. I have given you My instruction for living well and right, leading you in how you should be and do.

The Background of the Redeemer and the Holy One

The term “Redeemer” would have recalled the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt. It shows that God delivered them from their bondage. He will also deliver them from their bondage to sin through a future decision. The term “Holy One of Israel” highlights his covenant relationship with Israel. God is one of authority and intentionally involved with his creation. God’s teaching is beneficial, a source of life and prosperity. It’s intended for those that follow it to flourish and find success in life. God’s word guides his followers on a path that He prepared for each individual specifically. 

History of His Rules

God’s instructions are not just rules or commandments. These instructions are a part of the redemptive plan to restore His people from their bondage to sin. Many people can look at the commands of God and feel overwhelmed that they can’t keep up. They see the list of laws listed in the Torah. They think it’s impossible to be a Christian. They believe it’s impossible to commit to keeping these commands. They believe being a Christian is a boring, struggle of life – not allowing for fun.

We Overcomplicate God’s Simple Plan

Christians have overcomplicated the relationship with Christ. Jesus showed us to live by two commands through his ministry and life. Love God and love people. Every piece of law that was given to the Israelites in history has a foundation of either command. When we accept God’s moral law, we are to love him with all parts of our life. We must also love our neighbor as God loves us. Through that love, the laws are fulfilled. If the laws are fulfilled through God’s moral law, shown through Jesus’ ministry, why are the individual laws still enforced? What is the reason for continuing their enforcement? Why do they continue to try to enforce them? 

God’s Path is For You

God teaches us what is good for us, but humanity often forces a teaching about what is good for them. God leads us along the paths that we should follow. The world leads us along the paths that make their world better for them. The difference is that God has you as the priority; the world has itself as the priority. Don’t judge others for the path that God has them on. We truly don’t know what others are walking through. It is a path that we prefer or are comfortable with, but God’s paths for us are individually created. We do not know more than God, but we need to yield to God’s wisdom.

Reflection Question

1. What does it mean to you that God is your Redeemer and the Holy One?
2. What laws have you unknowingly or unintentionally judged others by?
3. How can you live by God’s moral law: loving God and loving others?

Call to Action

Take sometime today to think about God’s moral law. Ask yourself: “Do my words and actions show my love of God and others?” Create a list of three things you can do to fulfill God’s law.  

Next slice of manna: Manna for the Mind #267