Isaiah 46. God is Indescribable, Incomparable.

Because of the importance of Israel and its people, and my personal love for The Land, I’m inviting you to join me through the key Old Testament book of Isaiah.  Each day I’m posting some simple thoughts about this complex prophet.

Isaiah 46.

The prophet paints a picture of gods made by man being hauled around by mules, then set up and worshipped. Deadweight idols being carried by beasts of burdens.

And God says, “I’ve been carrying you on my back from the day you were born, and I’ll keep on carrying you! When you are old, I’ll be there, bearing you when you’re old and gray.” (v 3-4, MSG).

And then there is this: “I am GOD, the only God you’ve had or ever will have, incomparable, irreplaceable.” (v9, MSG).

This reminds me of the Chris Tomlin song called Indescribable* from his Arriving CD in 2004. The lyrics affirm the words of Isaiah:

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God.
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God.

Nothing compares to God. He is amazing! He is alive. He’s not a dead-weight lifeless idol. He carries our burdens and He does so with joy because He loves us so! Nothing compares to Him. Nothing!

That’s why we worship Him. That’s why we serve Him and serve others in His name.

Isaiah ends this word with a promise of salvation, a promise of deliverance, for the people of Israel, for all of us: “I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion, my splendor to Israel.” (v13, NIV). 

Indeed, God delivered His children from exile in Babylon which is what most scholars believe Isaiah is talking about here in this passage. But, can I assure you, He will deliver you and me from sin and the bondage Babylon represents. He has done so by the sacrifice of Jesus.

It is worth repeating: That’s why we worship Him.

If you’re new to this journey through Isaiah, you can start here.

*Indescribable written by Jesse Reeves and Laura Story.