Isaiah 46. God is Indescribable, Incomparable.

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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.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.

*Indescribable written by Jesse Reeves and Laura Story.

Isaiah 45. Every Knee Will Bow.

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Everyone will bow to Jesus, who walked along this shoreline of the Sea of Galilee.

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 45.

This chapter opens with what some commentators suggest is a continuation of the last verse of chapter 44. We see that someone named Cyrus is called His anointed. And we ask, “Is he talking about King Cyrus or maybe Jesus? Most agree this is a prophecy about King Cyrus, written 150 years before Cyrus led the Jews out of captivity and even helped them build the temple in Jerusalem! How did Isaiah know?

Then the prophet pivots to again using “I Am” statements. Four of those are “I Am the LORD, and there is no other.” You think he repeats it four times for emphasis?

Nothing is more important in our lives than our relationship with God through Jesus. He alone will sustain and provide. He alone is our joy! And, like God used Cyrus, He uses all kinds of things and people and circumstances to meet our needs and bring us peace and joy!

Key to those who live in Israel today and are waiting for Messiah: “But Israel will be saved by the LORD with an everlasting salvation; you will never be put to shame or disgraced to ages everlasting.” (v 17, NIV).

And then there is this celebratory conclusion:

“Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. They will say of me, ‘In the LORD alone are deliverance and strength.’ …All the descendants of Israel will find deliverance in the LORD and will make their boast in him.” (v 23-25, NIV).

See why the words of Isaiah are so important to Israel?! The people of The Land will find their salvation, their deliverance, their strength in God alone! And, because there is only One True God, their salvation will also be found only in Jesus from Galilee!

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

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.

Isaiah 44. The LORD is the Source of Your Life.

Posted on by richlyspeaking

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 44.

We start with a promise that was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, in Acts, Chapter 2: “I will pour my Spirit into your descendants and my blessing on your children.” (v3, MSG). Can we live today without the Holy Spirit? Not at all! God has blessed us with His Spirit. That’s a direct answer to this prophecy!

Isaiah continues to speak about the greatness of God, quoting God himself. Again, as in chapter 42, there are lots of “I Am” statements, which are really big deals.

That’s why Jesus raised so many eyebrows when He used the phrase “I Am…” in the Gospel of John. Only God is the great “I Am.” And how could Jesus, a man, also be God? The Pharisees who challenged Jesus found out at the resurrection, the Son, the Messiah, is also God!

Isaiah also takes note of the eminence of God in comparison to idols made with mere human hands. There is God. Then there is the polar opposite: an idol made of wood. The same wood used to cook your dinner can be fashioned into something one might worship? “How can anyone be stupid enough to trust something that can be burned to ashes?” (v20, CEV).

And it causes me to ask, “What man-made object am I trusting in?” I might not worship money, but do I trust it to provide security for my future? Or do I truly trust only God? Are there things in our life that consume more of our energy than the Lord and serving Him?

“I am the LORD. The source of your life and I have rescued you!” (v 24).

He is worthy of our worship. He is worthy of our praise and our complete trust! Let everything in all of Creation praise the Almighty.

“Tell the heavens and the earth to start singing! Tell the mountains and every tree in the forest to join in the song! The Lord has rescued his people; now they will worship Him.” (v23, CEV).

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

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.

 

Isaiah 43. I’m About to do Something Brand New.

Posted on by richlyspeaking

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 43.

Wow wow wow!

Oh, how much God loves Israel. How much He loves you! He’d trade the whole of creation for you! For me! He calls us by name! Can you hear Him?

“But now, God’s Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel: “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead-end— Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in! That’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you! I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you.” (v1-4, MSG).

I’ve called your name. You’re mine.

When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.

He has paid a price for you. I believe that the price He paid was with the life of His one and only son, Jesus.

Isaiah continues with this beautiful, amazing promise:

“Be alert. Be present. I’m about to do something brand new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.” (v19, MSG).

Doesn’t that just fill your heart with hope?! I’m so thankful that, as we trust Him, He’s quick to do new things in our lives. New seasons of radical blessing. New seasons of His provision. A roadway, a path, through a rocky, desolate, desert.  And streams of living water, where there are fish and life and quenching a thirsty soul.

Certainly, Isaiah had traveled through the desert south in Israel. If you’ve been to Ein Gedi, you can see it!

May He give us all eyes to see this new thing He is doing! Can you join me in joyfully trusting this promise today? I hope so.

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

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.

Isaiah 42. God Will Guide Us.

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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 42.

“I am God. That’s my name. I don’t franchise my glory.” (v8, MSG).

There is so much in that statement.  “I Am.”  His name is our life and breath. You’ve likely heard how “I Am” is often translated “Yahweh.” When you pronounce “Yahweh” in Hebrew it can sound like breathing. “Yah. Hey. Wey. Hey.” Each breath we take is a gift from the great I Am. There is none like Him. Look around. God created all of this.  He is the only One who deserves our praise, our worship. He is the One we give our lives to. He is the One True God. There is no other.

“Sing to God a new song, sing His praises over all the world… make God’s glory resound; echo His praises from coast to coast. ” (v10, 12 MSG).

This God who reigns in Glory, whose praises are sung from sea to sea and mountaintop to mountaintop, this God doesn’t merely sit on a giant throne somewhere demanding our homage. No, look at this:

“I’ll take the hand of those who don’t know the way, who can’t see where they’re going. I’ll be a personal guide to them, directing them through unknown country. I’ll be right there to show them what roads to take, make sure they don’t fall into the ditch. These are the things I’ll be doing for them— sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute.” (v16, MSG).

Yes, LORD, guide us. Lead us by your Spirit. Show us your ways. Show us which roads to take. Thank you that you are a personal God who is always with us, protecting us, never leaving us.

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

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.

Isaiah 41. I Am the LORD.

Posted on by richlyspeaking

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 41.

“Who controls human events? I do. I am the LORD.” (v4).

This is the first of nine “I am” proclamations in this chapter. Think back to the burning bush in Exodus 3 where God first identified Himself as “I Am that I Am.” Now, go forward to the gospel of John where Jesus proclaims eight times that “I am.”

Here in Isaiah 41:

    • I am the LORD (v4).
    • I am with you (v10).
    • I am your God (v10).
    • I am the LORD your God (v13).
    • I am holding your hand so you don’t have to be afraid (v13).
    • I am here to help you (v13).
    • I am the holy God of Israel (v14).
    • I am he who saves and protects you (v14).
    • I am the LORD, the King of Israel (v21).

Can we be thankful that the great “I Am that I Am” loves you and me deeply and fills us with strength and joy and hope and peace and grace? Even today!

I also love the heart behind this verse: “When the poor and needy are dying of thirst and cannot find water, I, the LORD God of Israel, will come to their rescue. I won’t forget them.” (v17, CEV).

Do you know people in third world countries? Children in Kenya or India? Medical professionals staffing a clinic in Malawi? Caregivers supporting an orphanage in Central America? Missionaries in Asia? God says, “I won’t forget them.”

How about our neighbors who may suffer from spiritual thirstiness?  Or those we know who are poor in spirit, or poor in hope, or poor in confidence,  or poor in  ____(fill in the blank)____. The great I Am comes to their rescue, comes to our rescue.

He won’t forget them. God is God. He won’t forget us.

This chapter is also filled with “I will” promises. God says:

    • I will be there (v4).
    • I will make you strong (v10).
    • I will come to their rescue (v17).
    • I will make rivers flow (v18).
    • I will send streams to fill the valleys (v18).
    • I will fill the desert with all kinds of trees (v19).

God keeps His promises. And nothing compares with Him. Isaiah concludes by noting that especially not even deities made by the hands of man can match God’s greatness. “None of these idols are able to give advice or answer questions. They are nothing, and they can do nothing…” (v28-29, CEV).

Today, let us put our trust and our hope in the great promise keeper, I Am that I Am.

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

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.

 

Isaiah 40. Those Who Trust the LORD Will Find New Strength.

Posted on by richlyspeaking

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 40.

“There is good news for the city of Zion. Shout it as loud as you can from the highest mountain. Don’t be afraid to shout to the towns of Judah, “Your God is here!” Look! The powerful Lord God is coming to rule with his mighty arm. He brings with him what he has taken in war, and he rewards his people. The Lord cares for his nation, just as shepherds care for their flocks. He carries the lambs in his arms, while gently leading the mother sheep.”” (v9-11, CEV).

Your God is here! He rewards His people.  Listen up, everyone! God knows you. He knows that you get exhausted in this life. He knows your struggles and daily challenges. He knows that we slog along through the daily grind and sometimes we fall. Sometimes we fail.  But, here is good news worth shouting from the rooftops:

“The Lord gives strength to those who are weary.  Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall. But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.” (v29‭-‬31, CEV).

Think of the eagle. It is created to soar high above the cliffs on its strong wings. Its eight-foot wingspan keeps it aloft for hours as it takes advantage of thermal updrafts from the surrounding terrain. Think of how you were created. Each one of us has various strengths and abilities that help us function daily. We even have a “sweet spot” that energizes and fills us up when we are doing it. What is that for you? I believe, like an eagle, whether you are a mom or a dad or an accountant or an artist or a construction worker or a pastor, if you are operating in that place where you flourish,  you will walk and run and thrive.

Yes, we will have the occasional struggle and set back. Paul addresses that in the New Testament:

“We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us. We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-9, CEV).

The real power comes from God. May we all find new strength today as we trust in Yahweh! God is with you!

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

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.

Isaiah 39. Whatever happens, keep thanking God.

Posted on by richlyspeaking
Even during a spring storm in the Midwest… keep thanking God. From 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

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 39.

“Hezekiah replied to Isaiah, “Good. If God says so, it’s good.” Within himself he was thinking, “But surely nothing bad will happen in my lifetime. I’ll enjoy peace and stability as long as I live.”” (v8, MSG).

This is Hezekiah’s reply to what one might think was bad news. Isaiah has just warned Hezekiah that God says that one day there will be nothing left in the kings’ palace. And that even his sons will be enslaved in Babylon.

Yet Hezekiah has this amazing attitude: “If God says so, it’s good.”

No matter if it appears to be possible bad news, if God is in it, it is all good!

And that really is the truth, you know? It’s all good. We can’t have a bad day when we’ve given the day to the Lord. We might have challenging situations, we might be facing trials, storms, unemployment, hunger or grave illness, but we have a choice. We can allow them to be opportunities to see God’s glory and grace.

This is similar to the advice Paul gives to the believers in Thessalonica: “Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18, CEV.) There is great power in giving thanks. And that’s what Hezekiah was doing. And it’s what we are to do as well.

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

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.

 

Isaiah 38. Changing God’s Direction? Yes.

Posted on by richlyspeaking

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 38.

What an interesting and encouraging story! We can change God’s direction through our prayer!

This chapter opens with our friend Hezekiah gravely ill. In fact, he is told to put the affairs of his house in order for he will surely die soon. He begs God: “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” (v3, (NIV). He weeps before God as the prophet ponders that his work on earth might be finished.

The Lord’s answer? “I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life.” (v5, NIV). And the sunlight went back 15 steps on the stairway!

About his near-death illness, he says: “Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.” (v17, NIV).

“In your love…”

Can I tell you dear child, how much God loves you? How much He loves us all? Yes, He does things that we don’t understand, but they are for our benefit. Our gratefulness for those things is a blessing for our future.

It is up to us to share what God has done with our children: “Only the living can thank you, as I am doing today. Each generation tells the next about your faithfulness.” (v19, CEV).

“The Lord will save me, and we will sing with stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the temple of the Lord.” (v20, NIV).

Worship Him with Hezekiah… today and every day! And tell your kids about God’s trustworthiness. For He has saved you in His great love!

 

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

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.

Isaiah 36 and 37. Pride vs. Humility.

Posted on by richlyspeaking

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 36 & 37.

These two chapters tell a sad story of pride and the good story of humility before God.

Sennacherib, the king of Assyria arrogantly threatens Hezekiah and blasphemes the name of God in the process. He taunts Hezekiah by bragging about all his victories, and even lies saying “the LORD himself told me to march against this country and destroy it.” (36:10, NIV).

Hezekiah can respond in a couple of different ways. He might panic and accept the bribe of 2000 horses and sell his soul to the devil. Or, he might turn to God. Thankfully, he makes the right choice and lays before the Lord and proclaims “… You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth…” (37:15-18).

God affirms Hezekiah for making the right decision: “I will defend this city and save it, for my sake and for the sake of David my servant!” (Isaiah 37:35, NIV).

And, boy, does God bring His holy vengeance against Sennacherib:

v36: an angel of the LORD put to death 185,000 in the Assyrian camp.

v37: Sennacherib withdraws.

v38: While he is worshiping a false god back in his home temple, his two sons murder him.

Wow! What a story! What a mess for Sennacherib. Our faith lesson? Make the right choice. I used to tease my children when I dropped them off at high school with a similar caution: “If you don’t know which way to turn today, make the right choice.” It was a dad-ism with just a bit more direction than Yogi Berra’s “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” But the point is this: Turn to God. Always. He will not only defend you, He will fight for you. He has a plan. In this case it was to defend Jerusalem for His servant David.

In the same way He has a plan and a warning for us. We might be tempted to believe it when someone  – like Sennacherib – says “the Lord told me to tell you…”  We must back away, take a moment or season to breathe and worship and seek God’s wisdom. Confirm the advice with a check of Scripture. And then, trust God as Hezekiah did. And we can stand on this promise: “The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this!” (37:32, NIV).

Humbly give your choices and challenges to the Lord and see what He will do!

One additional thought. I love the final words of the angel when he tells Mary that she will give birth to a son, the Messiah. The future mother of Jesus asks the messenger how this might happen. His reply is one we can own in whatever situation we might question: “Nothing is impossible for God.” (Luke 1:37, CEV).

The zeal of the Almighty will accomplish this for you and for me!

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

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.