July 23rd~No Equal

Isaiah 40:1-44:5

Trying to comprehend all that happened in these four chapters of Isaiah was like drinking from a fire hydrant. I consider it as one of my favorite days of reading so far, but it was still difficult to focus on just one thing. Let me briefly recap some of the key elements.

First, there was a prophecy of the fall of Judah’s enemy and captor, Babylon. “The Lord, Your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, says, ’For your sakes, I will send an invading army against Babylon, and they will be forced to flee...’” (43:14).

Second, the Lord promised that His people would return from captivity and again enjoy His blessings. “Forget all that! It is nothing compared to what I am going to do. I am about to do a brand new thing. See, I have already begun! I will make a pathway through the wilderness for My people to come home...” (43:18-21).

Third, there was a prophecy of John the Baptist, “Listen, I hear the voice of someone shouting, ‘Make a highway for the Lord through the wilderness. Make a straight, smooth road through the desert for our God...’” (40:3; Luke 3:4-6).

Fourth, there were prophecies of Jesus, “Tell the towns of Judah, ‘Your God is coming! Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in all His glorious power. He will rule with awesome strength. See, He brings His reward with Him as He comes. He will feed His flock like a shepherd and carry His lambs close to His heart...” (40:10, 11). “Look at My servant, whom I will strengthen. He is My Chosen One (or Messiah), and I am pleased with Him. I have put My Spirit in Him...” (42:1-4).

While there is so much more to consider, my favorite verses were those in which the Lord described Himself. “Who else has held the oceans in His hand? Who has measured the heavens? Who knows the weight of the earth? Who has made the stars? The nations of the world are nothing in comparison to Him. They are but a drop in a bucket, dust on the scales... To whom, then, can we compare God? Who is His equal? What image might we find to resemble Him? Can He be compared to an idol formed in a mold? Can God be compared to an idol that must be placed on a stand so it won’t fall down? Can idols make such claims as these? If they are gods, then let them tell what will occur in the days ahead. What miracles can they perform?” (40:12-26; 41:21-24).

“The people are like grass that dies away. The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever... You are My witnesses that I am the only God. From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can oppose what I do or reverse My actions” (40:6-8; 42:12, 13).

Daily Reflection

What else is there to say but that we serve an awesome God! Centuries have come and gone but He remains. Men and nations have lived and died but, still, He is here. He saw the beginning and He will see the end. There is no one else like Him. He is in a category of His own.

What response do these truths provoke in you?

It gives me a great deal of comfort and confidence to know that though I am small, my God is big. Though I am weak, He is strong. Though I can do little, He can do much; and, though I will pass away, He will remain.

BiAY.org | Day 204 — 161 Days to Go