Isaiah 46 – God revealing Himself and caring for us.

 Isaiah 46 – God revealing Himself and caring for us.

God compares the idols that the Israeli people were worshipping and is telling them He far surpasses them all.  He states that idols are a burden to them.

God goes on to make an amazing statement in verses 3-4:

 “Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth.  Even to your old age and grey hairs I am he, I am he, who will sustain you.”

This is a fantastic promise! Unto the people of God, first Israel and now us, we are assured we have our Father God  watching over us, sustaining and looking after us. When we give our lives to Him, we have the Lord Almighty over the whole universe looking after us, over the whole course of our lives. This is a special privilege that only Christians are given. We rejoice and are glad in the personal care of our God.

He challenges us in verse 5. With whom can He be compared? Certainly not a man-made object of worship. God states regarding idols:

“Even though someone cries out to it, it cannot answer;

It cannot save them from their troubles.”

But our Heavenly Father does hear and saves us from all our troubles! The Lord Almighty is far bigger than any focus of the human imagination forged into an idol. We may not believe we worship idols today, but we often allow lesser things to draw our attention. We also easily lose touch with the Holy Spirit.

What or whom occupies the majority of your attention? In 2020 we have all had our plans changed against our will. We wanted to go places we now cannot go, we had to avoid seeing people, with whom we wished to, and cannot play sport we wished to play. Some people have lost livelihoods and much more. However, we can always draw near to our Heavenly Father, we can give Him our attention and worship.

When we begin to consider the question God asks in verse 5;

“With whom will you compare me or count me equal?
    To whom will you liken me that we may be compared?

The answer is that no-one can compare to His glory! He is bigger, stronger, wiser, better and more imaginative than anyone else! No other can compare with Him. And He invites us to spend time with Him and mature in Christ. In verse 10 He states:

“I make known the end from the beginning,
    from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
    and I will do all that I please.’”

He knows the past, present and future. All of time is open before Him. When we draw near to Him, he reveals His plans to us, He shows us the way we should take. He saves us from harmful and foolish ways that sometimes appear good at the time but later we often regret. He knows us and knows the best way for us to live our life. He knows much better than we do. We can and should trust Him even when it does not seem convenient or comfortable to do so.

He makes clear in verse 11 No-one can make a fool of Him. No one can ultimately thwart His will.  

“What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do.”

He has a plan to reveal Himself. He says in verse 13:

“I am bringing my righteousnessnear,
    it is not far away;
    and my salvation will not be delayed.
I will grant salvation to Zion,
    my splendour to Israel. “

Suggested prayer: Heavenly Father. You are far above all others and are worthy of our worship and praise. You are perfect in righteousness and wisdom. We thank You for your wonderful promises. May we continue to seek Your face and make Your ways, our ways. May we set our hearts and minds on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. May we grow in our faith and obedience and not allow other priorities to have Your place in our lives. In Jesus Name. Amen.