Isaiah 49-50

Isaiah 49
1-7 The Servant's Mission

1-4 Listen, you people far away, the LORD called me before I was born, prepared and protected me, calling me Israel, his servant. Even though I have felt useless, my cause and my reward are with him. A message from the Messiah to Gentiles about the nature of his birth, the power of his word (the sword), and the failure of the Jews to accept his message.
5-6 The LORD has given me strength to gather Israel to him, and not only Israel only, but all nations.
7 For a time Christ as servant would be despised by those in power, but in due time they will recognize his authority and power.

8-26 Zion's Children to Be Brought Home

8-12 In the "day of salvation" God will send the Messiah to call sinners out of darkness, giving them the sustenance and direction they need along the road to freedom.
13 The LORD's compassion is cause for rejoicing in the heavens and earth.
14-18 Israel perceives the LORD has forgotten them, but sooner will a woman forget her nursing child than I will forget my people. I will make you stronger than any who would destroy you.
19-21 You will be surprised when that which was once desolate will be so crowded the young will want to move away to get more space. Judah, once in exile, will be returned to their country of birth. As a prophecy of the church, what begins as a "Jewish sect" of followers of Christ, will swell into a world of Gentiles who accept him as the Savior, which Jews could never have fathomed.
22-23 The nations (Gentile Christians) will carry on your heritage as the chosen ones of God. You will be part of the same royal nation, and they will honor you. 1 Peter 2:9-10 - "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation...."
24-26 Though under usual circumstances you can't take captives from a tyrant, I will fight those who fight you, and I will save your children, causing your enemies to destroy themselves, so all will know that I am the LORD your Savior and your Redeemer. Applicable both to Judah's release from Babylonian captivity and to what God did through his Messiah.

Isaiah 50
1-3 Zion's Children to Be Brought Home (cont'd)

1-3 You were taken into slavery because of your sins, because you did not trust in me to save you. There is no one else to blame.

4-11 The Servant's Humiliation and Vindication

4-6 Words of the Messiah: The LORD God has made me a teacher and a learner. I did not rebel, but submitted to both physical and verbal abuse.
7-9 Because the LORD God helps me I have courage to face whatever comes, for I know he will vindicate me. Therefore, with those who stand with me, I will face my enemies until they have no more strength.
10-11 Who among you fears God, walking in faith, trusting and relying on God? Be warned, those of you who would trust in your own light – the fire you build for yourselves – all you will receive from my hand is torment.