It is one thing to delight in Old Testament prophecies — even those that were fulfilled in the time of Jesus, but another thing to extract them from that biblical setting and apply them to our needs 2,000 years later. But Paul the apostle encouraged the church at Corinth to do that, and Christians everywhere to do likewise.
“We then, as workers together with you, beseech you also that you do not receive the grace of God in vain. (For he says [in Isaiah 49:8] In an accepted time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.” (2 Corinthians 6:1-2) This promise referred to God’s people Israel in general, and to those living in the time of Jesus in particular (Luke 4:19).
The “accepted” time in those days was the Year of Jubilee, which occurred every 50th year, when (among other things) all debt was forgiven, and land titles reverted to original owners. (No wonder the people rejoiced!) But Paul was writing to Greeks, who had no knowledge (much less claim to) this wonderful year of celebration (which would have occurred but once in a person’s lifetime).
But as the old chorus goes, “Every promise in the Book is mine, every chapter, every verse, every line…” Meaning that they are for every believer — then and now! Which brings me to Paul’s point, which was that the Christians at Corinth could claim Isaiah 49:8 as well as the Jews in Jerusalem!
Whatever future application Isaiah 49:8 might have, believers worldwide are “children of Abraham through faith” along with that patriarch’s natural descendants. (This is not Replacement Theory but Inclusive Fact.)
Paul doesn’t just quote Isaiah 49:8 and its fulfillment in the Messiah — he adds two words that make it relevant to believers everywhere in every place and at any time. The words are “Behold” and “Now”.
To behold means to look, to take notice! Paul uses both words twice.
“Behold, now is the accepted time.” Not “an” (indefinite article) accepted time as in Isaiah 49:8 but “the” (definite article) accepted time! Paul then adds “Now”, which relates to the time, a limited time, of God’s grace. In Acts 3:4 Peter fixes his eyes on the crippled beggar and says, “Look on us.” — “Give us your complete attention.” The beggar did so, and in that limited time of grace was healed. He not only walked but leapt and entered into worship along with Peter and John!
To sum up: while it is good to rejoice in what the LORD did for His people in Old Testament times, those who are not Jews but who also believe in the God of Israel can and should possess those promises which, by God’s grace, we share as “the Israel of God” (Galatians 6:16).
They are promises that include both Jew and Gentile that place their trust in the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. So, don’t just read the promises — claim them as yours as well!