Isaiah 43:21. This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.
But A sorrowful «but»; and the strain sinks from a triumphant shout to a doleful lamentation: «But «
Isaiah 43:22. But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel.
How sad it is that those who have been loved so much, should make such a shameful return for it all!
Isaiah 43:23. Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings;-
No kids of the goats, or lambs from the fold,
Isaiah 43:23. Neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense.
«I have not been a cruel taskmaster, or tyrant, demanding of thee more than thou couldst give.»
Isaiah 43:24. Thou hast brought me no sweet cane with money,
«No calamus has sent forth its perfume from mine altar,»
Isaiah 43:24. Neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.
These are the people whom God had loved so long and so well, those upon whom he had set his unchanging affection; yet they acted thus shamefully. What will follow upon such conduct as this? their swift destruction? No. Listen to the Lord's gracious message,
Isaiah 43:25. I, even if, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
Here is a great wave of mercy washing away everything that could bear witness against the people of God.
Isaiah 43:26-28. Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.Tthy first father hath sinned, and thy teachers have transgressed against me. Therefore I have profaned the princes of the sanctuary, and have given Jacob to the curse, and Israel to reproaches.
This exposition consisted of readings from Isaiah 43:1; 21-28; And 44. 1-5.