When Man Failed, God Rescued: The Redeemer Who Steps In

A Hope-Filled Reflection on Isaiah 59:12–17

There are moments in life when the world feels upside down—when truth seems drowned out, justice feels distant, and darkness tries to settle in. Isaiah 59 describes such a moment in Israel’s history: a time when sin multiplied, lies prevailed, and people were trapped in the consequences of their own choices.

Yet even in such a bleak landscape, this chapter ends—not with despair—but with redemption. Because when no one else could save, God Himself stepped in.

Let’s explore this powerful scene and discover the hope it offers us today.

The Weight of Sin… and the God Who Still Sees

Isaiah 59:12–14 vividly describes the human condition:

• “Our transgressions are multiplied…”

• “Truth is fallen in the street…”

• “Justice stands afar off…”

Scripture doesn’t sugarcoat sin.

Sin is disobedience to God, a missing of the mark, a rebellion that leads us away from His purpose (Genesis 3; “chata”; “hamartia” ). Paul paints the same picture in Romans 1 and Galatians 5—when people reject God, moral confusion and chaos follow.

But here’s the breathtaking part:

God does not abandon us—even when we lose our way.

Isaiah 59:15 says,

“The LORD saw it, and it displeased Him…”

God saw.

God noticed.

God cared.

He does not look at humanity’s brokenness with indifference…He looks at it with compassion.

When There Was No Intercessor, God Became the Intercessor

Isaiah 59:16 delivers one of the most hopeful statements in Scripture:

“He saw that there was no man… therefore His own arm brought salvation.”

In other words:

When human effort failed,

When human righteousness couldn’t measure up,

When no leader, prophet, or system could fix the problem,

God Himself put on the armor of salvation (Isaiah 59:17).

This is the heartbeat of the Gospel.

Isaiah 59 is not only a diagnosis of human sin—It is a prophecy of a divine Savior who would come wrapped in righteousness, zeal, and victory.

Redemption: God Buying Us Back

The Bible paints a beautiful picture of redemption:

1️⃣ Redemption from Slavery (Exodus 6)

Just as God redeemed Israel from Egypt “with a stretched out arm,” He rescues us from spiritual bondage.

2️⃣ The Kinsman-Redeemer (Goel)

The "goel" stepped in when a family member was powerless to help themselves.

Boaz redeemed Ruth.

Jesus redeems us.

He buys back what was lost.

He restores what was broken.

He defends those who cannot defend themselves.

3️⃣ Redemption from Sin (Isaiah 44, 53)

Isaiah declares that our sins are swept away “like a cloud.”

How? Through the suffering Servant—

“He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

Redemption is not earned.

It is given.

It is love in action.

Jesus—the Promised Christ, the Light in the Darkness

Isaiah 9 foretold a Child who would bring light, peace, and freedom.

“⁶ For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. ⁷ Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this..” (Isaiah 9:6-7)

The New Testament reveals that this Child is Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.

To the Samaritan woman, Jesus declared:

“I that speak unto thee am He.” (John 4:26)

He is the Messiah.

The Anointed One.

The Kinsman-Redeemer of humanity.

The One who stepped in ..... when no one else could.

The Redeemer at Work in Us Today

When we put on Christ we are made whole.

• Christ Lives In Us - Galatians 2:20

• He Who Began the Work Continues It - Philippians 1:6

Through Christ’s death and resurrection:

• We are made new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17).

• We are reconciled to God.

• We are empowered to live righteously in a world that often rejects righteousness (Titus 2:11–14).

And when truth falls in the street today—When injustice or confusion rise—When sin tries to cling to our lives—

We have a Redeemer who fights for us.

A Savior who rescues us.

A Christ who covers us in righteousness and equips us to stand.

Final Encouragement: God Still Steps In

If you’re walking through darkness, confusion, or struggle—take heart.

The same God who saw Israel’s condition sees yours.

The same God who put on the armor of salvation is fighting for you today.

The same Redeemer who hung on the cross now reigns in victory.

And He promises:

“Return to Me… for I have redeemed you.” (Isaiah 44:22)

You are not abandoned.

You are not forgotten.

You are redeemed.

THE "BATTLE" IS NOT YOUR.......... IT'S THE LORDS

Let His light shine into every corner of your life today.