Tag: Isaiah 44:28
“I Am your God”
Scripture reading for July 8: Isaiah 41:8-10 “But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, My friend; you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, “You are My servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.””
Isaiah the prophet was speaking to the nation of Israel during a time of war and political upheaval. Many in Israel were fearful and had difficulty trusting that the Lord was with them. God spoke clearly to them to encourage them. They were not alone nor were they cast off by the Lord as they were saying.
Instead, Isaiah reminded them that they were chosen by God. They had a new identity because of the covenant God made with Abraham, a friend of God. God had not forgotten the covenant or His promises. God was working in the midst of the political turmoil to bring about His purposes and establish His people firmly in their inheritance in His forever family. God was with them and was their “I Am” to drive out fear and dismay. He would uphold them against their enemies. In fact, in this case, Cyrus of Persia would actually be used to restore God’s people (Isaiah 44:28, 45:1) back to their land. Political intrigue and powerful tyrants make for fear and frustration of those who fail to know God and His promises. But for those who know their God and trust that He is with them, they experience God’s right hand of help.
Believers today can come under attack from sickness, disease, or demonic power. They often live in fear and forget God’s promises. But God reminds His people that “I Am with you” and “I Am your God.” He gives us His Holy Spirit to encourage and strengthen us day by day.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your amazing presence with us each day. Forgive me when I have let my circumstances, my attitude, and my weaknesses define me and my understanding of You. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and faith to overcome and live as Your child. Amen.
There was no remedy!
Scripture reading for May 1: 2nd Chronicles 33-36
“The Lord, the God of their fathers, sent word to them through His messengers again and again, because He had pity on His people and His dwelling place. But they mocked His Words and scoffed at His prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against His people and there was no remedy.” 2 Chronicle 36:15-16
The period of the Kings and Chronicles ends with the declaration about the futile state of God’s people. God had sent messengers again and again. His mercy had suffered long with this people. He had loved them and provided for them. He had driven out their enemies and delivered them miraculously time after time. He had given them His presence in their midst in the Temple and a way to return to Him. But they mocked His Words and mistreated the prophets that were sent to them. This aroused God’s anger and He decided to allow the consequences He had promised to fall upon them. There was no remedy!
But God is faithful, even when we are faithless! (2 Timothy 2:11-13) God allowed the consequences of their own stubbornness to fall on them. They would see the destruction of their temple and go into captivity. The land would enjoy it’s sabbath rests that they failed to give in accordance with God’s Word. (2 Chronicles 36:21) Seventy years would pass in captivity as decreed by Jeremiah, the prophet. (Jeremiah 25:11-12) After this time of captivity and punishment, God would again restore the nation to their land and rebuild the temple. Isaiah the prophet correctly named Cyrus as the ruler who would give the decree to rebuild Jerusalem more than 150 years before it happened! (Isaiah 44:28) The Book of 2 Chronicles records the last Word of God concerning this rebuilding. It is as a word of hope to all who would trust God and follow Him through the captivity! (2 Chronicles 36:23)
God is merciful even in judgment! God has a plan and is working it out. Another day is coming when there will be “no remedy” for those who reject Jesus Christ! (Revelation 20:12-15) Have you applied God’s “Remedy” for sin in your own life? Are you listening to God’s messengers sent to call you to repentance?