Introduction: Today is the concluding portion of Isaiah 45. For context remember that God ordered Cyrus to allow the restoration of Jerusalem and Israel . There are many passages decrying idols and acclaiming God’s glorious power and His promises made to Israel both as an individual and to the nation named after him.
20 “Assemble yourselves and come;
draw near together,
you survivors of the nations! – All Israel, those released captives of Cyrus and those left in their native land but subject to others!
They have no knowledge
who carry about their wooden idols,
and keep on praying to a god
that cannot save. – These days most idols are not carved in wood or ivory. Rather paper made as money or travel tickets, steel shaped as fancy cars or as part of constructing fancy large buildings to their own glory! Or other times they are a concept held in front of their minds and followed relentlessly – such words like ‘New Age’, ‘climate change’, ‘success’ or even ‘family happiness’!
21 Declare and present your case;
let them take counsel together!
Who told this long ago?
Who declared it of old?
Was it not I, the LORD?
And there is no other god besides me,
a righteous God and a Savior;
there is none besides me. – No other idol even begins to compare with Jehovah, although Jehovah isn’t a frequently worshipped ‘god’ these days.
22 “Turn to me and be saved,
all the ends of the earth!
For I am God, and there is no other.
23 By myself I have sworn;
from my mouth has gone out in righteousness
a word that shall not return:
To me every knee shall bow,
every tongue shall swear allegiance.’
24 “Only in the LORD, it shall be said of me,
are righteousness and strength;
to him shall come and be ashamed
all who were incensed against him.
25 In the LORD all the offspring of Israel
shall be justified and shall glory.” – Twice here the word commonly written ‘Lord’ is written ‘LORD‘, Written this way it means ‘I AM‘ or ‘Almighty Everlasting Creator God’. Remember that the portion in red is quoted in Philippians and Paul says in Romans that saying (in a true believing and life changing way) Jesus is LORD brings salvation. Isaiah is often called ‘the fifth gospel’ because of passages such as this!
Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Prayer: I gladly acknowledge Your call to righteousness and justice. Please strengthen me to walk in Your way.