“Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 41:14)
I had often wondered where some people and preachers got the idea of being a worm before the Lord. I had never read it in Scripture before, but in study, I’ve found this reference in Job and in Psalms. It seemed very unbiblical, but here it is. A worm is a despicable slimy thing. It has no means of defense and is very vulnerable. But its strength is in its mouth. Isaiah prophesies here, comparing it to Jacob, meaning the descendants of Jacob. They were despicable before God because of their sin. Without God, they were unable to defend themselves. But their strength was in their mouths, the Word of God and prayers in their mouths. So, saying, “I am a worm” is Biblical in a way. Taking into consideration the work of Christ, we need to realize that we are worms without God, in our flesh and in a worldly sense, but not speaking spiritually, truthfully and biblically.
In studying the Old Testament, we must keep in mind that it was before the redemption. There was no forgiveness of sin. And people didn’t have the Holy Spirit indwelling. And yet through Isaiah, the Lord says, “I will help thee.” Jesus is saying this. He is the Redeemer and the Holy One of Israel. It’s so heavenly that Jesus in heaven before the Incarnation, saw Israel and said to them that He was their Redeemer. I think this is where we get the idea that people in heaven look down upon us. But I tell you, when I get to heaven that will be the least of my occupation. My focus will be on the Lord and His glory.
Even though Israel was a worm, the Lord said He would help them. Do you need help? If the Lord was willing to help a worm, would He not be more than willing to help His child. After all, didn’t He give His life for us, leaving the wonder of heaven for this ball of dirt? Didn’t He suffer calvary to deliver and rescue us? Didn’t He shed His blood and suffer death for us? Wouldn’t He help us? Do you feel your need is so insignificant you think you can help yourself instead of bothering the Lord with it? If the Lord came willingly to suffer and die for us, whatever small thing we need help with, He is willing and able to help us with it.
The three apostles, Matthew, Mark and Luke all record the time Jesus heals a leper. The leper tells Jesus, “Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.” (Matthew 8:2; Mark 1:40; Luke 5:12) Jesus responds, “I will; be thou clean.” (Matthew 8:3; Mark 1:41; Luke 5:13) Jesus is willing to help. All three Gospels record that Jesus touched the man. Something that was not ever done by a healthy person. Jesus is willing to touch whatever part of our lives that needs help; our bodies, our souls (mind, will, emotions), our spirit if it’s not renewed, the circumstances that we’re in, the situations that arise that trouble us. He is willing to touch us and to help us.
We are the redeemed of the Lord, the children of God (John 1:12) and His beloved. Paul writes: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1Corinthians 15:58) The “beloved” are the dearly loved. This is the same word God the Father used of Jesus in the transfiguration. “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him.” (Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35) If God would help a worm, believe that He will help us, His beloved, in our time of need.
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