11-22-06 Isaiah 49:9

Isaiah 49:9 (KJ21)
That Thou mayest say to the prisoners, ‘Go forth,’ to them that are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ "They shall feed on the paths, and their pastures shall be in all high places.

Isaiah 49:9 (NAS)
Saying to those who are bound, ‘Go forth,’ To those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ Along the roads they will feed, And their pasture will be on all bare heights.

Isaiah 49:9 (NIVUS)
To say to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’ "They will feed beside the roads and find pasture on every barren hill.

Isaiah 49:9 (NLT)
Through you I am saying to the prisoners of darkness, ‘Come out! I am giving you your freedom!’ They will be my sheep, grazing in green pastures and on hills that were previously bare.

When someone is in prison, he longs to hear the words, “You have been pardoned and are free to go." He does not realize that Someone has already declared his freedom. Yeshua the Messiah, through His selfless sacrifice, provided pardon for every prisoner.

Once you were locked in a prison made by your sins and you had no way to be set free. You were held fast in satanic bonds and you daily battled to loosen them, to no avail. Then you became aware of and acquainted with the Savior. As you believed, He simply said that you could go free and liberty became yours. Jehovah became your way of escape.

Darkness, misery, and death used to be your lot, for you were a companion with the wicked, but then the Light of the world shined on you. Now you do not need to hide in the blackness of night, but can plainly reveal yourself to others. You are no longer covered in shame, but have been robed in the righteousness that Jehovah freely gives you.

Along the way that you have chosen, there is more than enough land on which to graze. You never lack for food and provision, as you travel with the Lord. You do not wander in a wasteland, but in a green and open pasture. The Good Shepherd has become your friend and He leads you to high places. Even if the path appears bare, He will always provide. You will suffer no lack, but will receive all that you need. You stick out to others as a blessed man of God.