Elmhurst CRC

Sunday's Comin' #166 - Isaiah 44: 6-11

July 18, 2022 Elmhurst CRC Season 1 Episode 166
Elmhurst CRC
Sunday's Comin' #166 - Isaiah 44: 6-11
Show Notes Transcript

Rebekah Wilson, Discipleship Coordinator

Rebekah Wilson: 0:07

Welcome to Elmhurst CRC’s daily dose of the word of God. Today is Monday, July 18th, and this is Rebekah Wilson. Today I’ll be reading Isaiah 44: 6-11.
 
Rebekah Wilson: 0:20

“This is what the Lord says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it.
Let him declare and lay out before me what has happened since I established my ancient people, and what is yet to come—yes, let them foretell what will come. Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.” All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame. Who shapes a god and casts an idol, which can profit nothing? People who do that will be put to shame; such craftsmen are only human beings. Let them all come together and take their stand; they will be brought down to terror and shame.

Rebekah Wilson: 1:23

The beginning of our passage today reminds me of chapters 38-40 of the book of Job. In these chapters, the Lord gives Job a valuable lesson about what being God is really like. “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.” Our God is the one and only God. He is the first and the last. It’s absolutely foolish to think that we know better
then God or even have more knowledge and wisdom than Him. And yet, as we trust in idols, as we allow them a more prominent place in our hearts, we are insulting the very nature and character of God. Why is that? Do we know God? Have we taken the time to read the Bible to know God more intimately and deepen our relationship with Him?

Some women from our church have been studying the character of God this summer. We’ve learned that the Lord describes Himself as compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loyal love and faithfulness. This description is so encompassing that it's repeated over 26 times in Scripture. When we have a proper view of God, our eyes are opened to having a correct view of the idols in our lives. Our passage today reminds us that idols are “nothing” and “worthless.” They promise much but deliver nothing. In contrast, our God is compelled to show us compassion when His children cry out to Him. Our God delights to hear our prayers and respond with His generous love and faithfulness. Take some time today to reflect on how you see the God of the Bible. How does knowing that God loves you and is generous with you encourage you to search after and learn more about His character?

Rebekah Wilson: 3:23

Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, We praise you for being our Rock, knowing our future, and being our King and Redeemer. We confess that we often fall short of understanding or appreciating your nature and character. We simply don’t know you, so we fall into the temptation of making gods that fill our needs or cater to our wants. Help us to see you, Lord. Please help us to know you more and more each day. Thank you for providing Your Word that we can study and meditate on to deepen our faith in You. Amen.