Redeemer Teacher And Leader

Welcome to Faith Talk.  I’m Rev Jay Stuart Glover. I’d like to share a very brief portion of scripture with you that we can certainly draw relevance from for guidance as we navigate our way through this difficult historical period in this world. 

These words of God through were delivered through the mouth of the prophet Isaiah, to a people that were rejecting God’s word, wisdom and His invitation to live within the safe and secure parameters of a covenant relationship. As a result of this voluntary rejection, they we’re experiencing extreme hardship under the rule of ungodly governing authorities. Through the prophet God reveals who he is and his desire for their returning to a right relationship with Him. This it what he said: 

Is 48:17-19

Thus says the LORD, your redeemer,

the Holy One of Israel:

I, the LORD, your God,

teach you what is for your good,

and lead you on the way you should go.

If you would hearken to my commandments,

your prosperity would be like a river,

and your vindication like the waves of the sea;

Your descendants would be like the sand,

and those born of your stock like its grains,

Their name never cut off

or blotted out from my presence.

Through the prophet, God is named as our redeemer, teacher, leader and the source of our prospering in this life. 

It started out by saying

Thus says the LORD, your redeemer,

the Holy One of Israel:

In the Old Testament, the term "redeemer" primarily  means one who rescues and restores. 

Illustration: 

Imagine a person bringing used cans and bottles to a redemption center. Each can and bottle is empty, discarded, and seen as having no more purpose—yet, when taken to the redemption center, there is someone there that is willing to pay a price  and take ownership of that bottle or can. No matter how bad a shape the can is in, the redemption center doesn’t see these containers as worthless; rather, it recognizes their potential for renewal. 

In a similar way, God, as our Redeemer, sees value in us even when we might feel empty, discarded, or worn out by life. Just as the redemption center offers new worth to what was cast aside, God takes us, no matter our past or our brokenness, and restores us. He doesn’t see us as beyond repair; instead, He gives us renewed purpose and value, exchanging our brokenness for new life in Him. 

He reshapes us, fills us with purpose, and integrates us into His plan, just as redeemed bottles and cans are transformed and given new life. 

Secondly God reminds them that He is their teacher.

The scripture went on to say 

I, the LORD, your God,

teach you what is for your good,

God functions as a teacher by guiding, instructing, and revealing truth to His people, shaping them in wisdom, character, and becoming more  understanding of His will. His role as teacher is woven throughout scripture and unfolds in several ways:

God teaches through His Word, which provides wisdom, moral guidance, and insight. In the Bible, we find instruction on living righteously, building a healthy relationship with God and people in our lives, as we becoming more understanding God’s nature. Psalm 119:105 captures this beautifully: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God’s Word illuminates the path of life, showing us His ways and helping us avoid pitfalls.

   God teaches us as we journey through our life experiences both positive and challenging.He accompanies us  through our victories and our struggles. Along our journey He reveals deeper truths to us about ourselves and about Him. He teaches resilience, dependence, and faith, and through his blessings, we develop gratitude and a sense of stewardship. 

   The Holy Spirit acts as a divine teacher who provides daily guidance, and insight. Jesus promises this in John 14:26: “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” Through the Holy Spirit, God offers wisdom, reminding us of His words and helping us apply them to our lives.

Then there is God as leader. 

As a leader he said that he would “lead you on the way you should go.” 

God functions as a leader by guiding, protecting, and providing for His people, showing them the way through His presence, wisdom, and commandments. His leadership is marked by compassion, patience,  justice  and a clear sense of purpose for the well-being of those He leads. 

Jeremiah 29:11 reflects this purpose, as God declares, “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

In the New Testament God exemplifies leadership through Jesus, who embodies humility, service, and sacrificial love. Jesus’ life demonstrates that God’s leadership is not authoritarian but compassionate and willing to serve. Jesus said in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” In Christ, God models what true leadership looks like—empowering others, guiding with love, and laying down His life for those He leads. He leads us toward transformation, equipping us to reflect His image and join in His purpose. As a leader, God doesn’t just point the way; He walks with us, empowering us to become partners in His work and heirs of His promises.

In a practical sense, this message encourages us to trust that God’s guidance truly leads us toward our highest good, even when it may not align with popular culture or immediate gratification. When we embrace God’s ways, we are promised a prosperity that flows beyond material wealth, bringing peace, stability, and an enduring legacy. God’s assurance of “never being cut off” reminds us of His unbreakable commitment to us, inviting us to walk in a relationship with Him that brings peace, resilience, and a legacy that honors His love.

The relevant question for us today is are we willing to be redeemed, taught and led by God? Or do we let pride and arrogance shut out the voice of God from our hearts and minds. 

I’m Rev Jay Stuart Glover, your have been listening to Faith Talk. These episodes are available on Apple, Amazon, Spotify, YouTube and other podcast platforms.  Please like, follow, subscribe  and share with your friends and family.  Thank  you for joining our global listening audience. And let God lead you to the right choice during this a election.   Amen.