Are Idols Real?

O. T. #1637 "Are Idols Real?"
Feb. 27, 2020
Isaiah 41-Part 6
That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it. (verse 20)

LET IT GLOW

One thing I enjoy about living in the country are the different kinds of birds that come around. Yesterday morning, there was a red headed woodpecker, a red cardinal, and a blue jay that all came to eat on my front porch. Oh, and the little plain sparrow, too. Isn't God so creative? For a surprise, we had a dusting of snow on the ground. As I look around, the bare trees raise their branches in praise of their Creator.

Can we look around at nature and recognize that God did it? Now if you live in a city, I understand there are not a lot of such evidences, like trees, green plants, and flowers, so look up at the sun, moon, stars, clouds, and around at the people-God created them all. It's good to stop and smell the roses every once in a while, although, they aren't in bloom here.

Looking at the rest of our chapter, beginning with verse 20, we read why God replenished the divested land of Judah after it had been wiped out and taken over by Babylon.

It was so His people would:

• see (experience; view; behold; look) God did it;
• know (recognition) God did it;
• consider (appoint; determine) God did it;
• and understand (to be, make, or act intelligent; wisdom) God did it.

Can we look around us and behold, recognize, determine, and understand that created everything and is in sovereignly control of all things? So instead of saying that is nature out there, tell others that God did it.

Let everything which has breath give praise to the LORD. (Psalm 150:6)

LET IT GROW

The cause for God to judge Judah and Israel was that they turned from worshiping God and worshiped idols. Their God presented a challenge to the idol-gods in which Israel vainly trusted.
God is telling Judah to present a case for their idols:

• Let them show what they can do. (verse 21b)
• Let them try to tell us what happened long ago so we may consider the evidence. (verse 22a)
• Let them tell us what the future holds so we can know what's going to happen. (verse 22b)
• Tell us what will occur in the days ahead. Then we will know you are gods. (verse 23a)
• Do anything good or bad-something that will amaze or frighten us. (verse 23b) 

We know those idols of wood, stone, gold, or silver could do none of the above for they were not real nor alive. They had no foresight, power, nor could speak.

A god with limited or no power at all is not really a god. (Life Application Study Bible)

But our God can do those things. He was going to send His Only Begotten Son, Jesus, their Messiah, in the future. Jesus would predict His own resurrection, which occurred. He would bring good tidings to Jerusalem and to the world.

There is forgiveness of our sins available. We don't have to pay the penalty of our sins-death. Jesus has already done it, fulfilling the requirement of God. Without Jesus, there is no remission of sins.

When we are tempted to put our trust in something other than the living God-money, career, family, or even military power-we should stop and ask some serious questions. Will it come through? Will it unfailingly provide what I am looking for? God delivers. When He makes a promise, He keeps it. He is completely trustworthy. (Life Application Study Bible)

LET IT GO

You alone are Almighty God and worthy of worship. Everywhere I look, I see You.
Thank You for choosing me to be your child.
May I proclaim salvation in no other than Jesus Christ.