When speaking and writing of our relationship with God we have to use human language. As a result we need to be careful lest misunderstandings arise. When we say that there is a treaty, a covenant, an alliance between God and a human being or a group of human beings we need to know exactly what we are saying. Back in the 1950's and 1960's when biblical scholars began to speak of a treaty between God and man, eyebrows were raised. The question was asked how God could "sign" a treaty with one of his creatures. The two parties to the treaty are not and cannot be equal signatories! God cannot be under an obligation to anybody less than Himself.

Precisely! In today's reading from Isaiah we find one of the first, if not the very first reference to God as a Redeemer (Is. 41:14). In the culture of that time and place a redeemer was usually a close relative who undertook the obligation to come to the help of the person in need. The Redeemer of todays reading says simply and unequivocally, "I will help you." He tells Israel that there is no need to fear.

God has bound himself by His love, faithfulness and reliability. He took on an obligation, thus signing a treaty, when He rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. We too are recipients and beneficiaries of that promise. He sealed his promise when our relationship with Him became abundantly clear. Jesus became our brother. Now we really know what the word Redeemer means.