Isaiah Meanderings (35): Ch 41:1-20 - When the God of the Universe Identifies with You as Friend

Isaiah 41:1-20 is a lovely turn of conversation. In the name of covenant to Israel, God identifies with Israel's pain. Israel is a nation God gladly befriended prior to nationhood. God's friendship with Abraham proceeded to God's faithful fellowship with the entire nation. God's fidelity is addressed in these verses. In a world of great enemies, the love of God preserves and, at the right time, restores. That time is now. Israel, though dispersed, is not to fear. God is redeeming and restoring. God's strength and vitality will create, within Israel, a strength that will flatten enemies - freeing Israel and glorifying God himself. God moving on behalf of Israel is God revealing God's own loyalty, by which many shall believe.