When God says, “Here I am!”

Therefore my people shall know my name. Therefore in that day they shall know that it is I who speak; here I am.

Isaiah 52:6

God, in power, in delivering might, in a mercy undeserved by His people Israel, promised to deliver them. They did not earn it, yet God gave them hope that after stern judgment would come a great deliverance. God had given them over to captivity (“You were sold for nothing” Isaiah 52:3) and He would bring them out again just as dramatically (“you shall be redeemed without money” Isaiah 52:3). Yet even though the captive rulers of Israel despised God’s name, He would be merciful and deliver them again (Isaiah 52:5).

Why would God do this? Why would He deliver them again? Why would He redeem a broken, rebellious, and oppressed people who did not worship Him despite their losses? He did it to make Himself known. He redeemed them so they would see Him, believe Him, worship God again. He did not wait for them. Without a doubt a redeemed generation would know God had brought them back. God didn’t just make their circumstances better. God redeemed them to HIMSELF. And they would know Him, not despise Him. The God Who had seemed distant would quickly rescue them and sweep them up close in an embrace, announcing with love and authority, “Here I am!” His power, presence, and mercy would be undeniable.

When God makes Himself known… when He redeems a people for Himself… Here are the experiences they should expect:

• Good news is proclaimed (Isaiah 52:7).
• Peace is known (Isaiah 52:7),
• Happiness is felt (Isaiah 52:7).
• Salvation is theirs (Isaiah 52:7).
• Joy abounds (Isaiah 52:8).
• Singing breaks forth (Isaiah 52:8-9).
• Comfort is real (Isaiah 52:9).

In Jesus, God has come near… announced to the entire world: “Here I am!” Jesus has brought redemption to the enslaved, healing for the broken, and pardon for the rebellious. And in Jesus we have good news, peace, happiness, salvation, joy, rejoicing song, and comfort!