Feb. 17, 2020
Isaiah 40-Part 5
Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is wary? There is no searching of His understanding.
(verse 28)
LET IT GLOW
Somehow, a ladybug landed on a book at my desk the other morning when I was typing a post. I got to look at it close up. Have you seen how tiny their eyes and feet are? It is amazing how God created such a tiny creature that can fly and walk. Judah's faith was going to be the size of that ladybug when Babylon comes and takes them into captivity. Is your faith that tiny today? We know that God gives the encouragement for them, so read on friend.
In verses 12-31, we read that God is incomparable for He is all-powerful Creator and Lord of the universe. Certainly, no one can compare to Him. It is always good for us to step back and look up, soaking in all that God created, from vast planets to the tiny ladybug.
Is there anyone or anything that we can liken or compare to our God? No, an idol is a god created by man and in the image of man. In fact, God provided all those materials that are used to make those idols. Isn't it crazy that mankind dues such a thing, and thin worships it and prays to it for strength and deliverance? An idol is only wood or gold and silver that God made. The thing is, in my opinion, those people are substituting something for God so they don't have to admit they are sinners.
God has already asked the same questions previously in verse 21 as in 28. Our God is the one-and-only Lord of creation and unique. Now whenever Israel and Judah are captives in Babylon, God reminds that He is sovereignly controlling the nations. Can we recognize too much that God is Creator and Ruler?
To bring this home to us, even when the terrorists attacked in 2001 the Pentagon and brought down the Twin Towers, killing thousands, God kept the rest of us safe. They could have done more damage that they did. (I watched a commentary last night. Did you know that at one point, it was thought that the enemies were attempting to kill President Bush? That is why Air Force One flew not to Washington D.C. to return him to the capitol, but went to two other states before that.) We can be grateful for God's protection.) Even those who brought down Flight 93 in Pennsylvania, His hand was on us.
The prophet sarcastically indicated the futility of trying to portray the immensity of God-His power, wisdom, and resources-in the form of a man made idol, no matter how ornate, durable, and immovable. (John MacArthur)
Can we look back throughout the Biblical times, ages, and our lifetime, and praise God for His protection and victories over evil?
LET IT GROW
The Broadman Bible Commentary mentions something that I never thought about:
In order to better understand these verses, one must remember that in ancient times war was regarded not only as a struggle between two nations but also as a test of strength between their respective deities. A nation's defeat, therefore, was interpreted to mean that its gods had failed; its victor, on the other hand, meant that its gods had prevailed over their rivals.
With that in mind, when the Jews go into captivity in Babylon, the pagans considered their deity as supreme. But the Jews were to remain strong in their faith that their Almighty God would provide and protect them. After all, he made innumerable stars, knows the by name, and keeps them in place. He had the power to do so with His children. So during their 70 years of living in a foreign land, they must believe that God had not forgotten them nor was ignorant of their condition.
Keep in mind, God does not faint nor grows weary. Although we may not understand the "why's" in our life, He is still in control. We must trust His good judgment and plans.
Dear one, sometimes we need those reminders in our life. The Ancient of Days can calm our fears, as He did Joshua whenever he took over as leader of Israel. How many times did God tell him to not fear, but to be strong?
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength. (verse 28)
In the Hebrew language, power means to be firm, force, substance; strength refers to powerfulness, abundance.
Are our faint and have no might? God can give you power to stand firm and strength to be powerful.
Is our faith the size of a ladybug? We know where to go. God awaits for us to ask.
LET IT GO
Grow my faith, God.
All things are possible with You.
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