This is what the Lord says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies: “I am the First and the Last; there is no other God. Isaiah 44:6
I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed, but the Bible doesn’t try to prove the existence of God. It distinctly says, “In the beginning, God…”
God revealed Himself at various times by declaring His sovereignty in the Old Testament. He spoke through the prophet Isaiah, reminding the Israelites of their knowledge of the only God.
You are my witnesses, O Israel!” says the Lord. “You are my servant. And you have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God—there never has been, and there never will be. Isaiah 43:10
God created Adam in His own likeness and then formed Eve from Adam’s body. However, the two of them sinned, causing a separation between God and humans.
Our sinful nature makes it impossible for us to fellowship with the Lord or enter into His presence. Man can’t do anything to rectify the situation. In fact, the only one who can is God.
I, yes I, am the Lord, and there is no other Savior. Isaiah 43:11
He exhibited His saving power early on for the Israelites as He delivered them from their Egyptian enslavement. Likewise, He made a way to save all people from their sins.
First I predicted your rescue, then I saved you and proclaimed it to the world. No foreign god has ever done this. You are witnesses that I am the only God,” says the Lord. Isaiah 43:12
God, The First and the Last
Our verse for today says, “I am the First and the Last.” Isaiah probably said it that way because we’d have a hard time wrapping our minds around the reality of God. God said the following.
“From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.” Isaiah 43:12
The phrase, “From eternity to eternity,” reveals that God Himself has stated He has no beginning or end. The Lord didn’t try to prove that a God existed. He declared that He is the only God.
Who is like me? Let him step forward and prove to you his power. Let him do as I have done since ancient times when I established a people and explained its future. Isaiah 44:7,8
What a challenge! I’m sure someone throughout human history has tried or will try to take God up on His challenge. God threw Satan out of heaven for trying to overthrow Him.
The old devil still uses his tricks to deceive people from turning to the Lord. Since he knows his future, he tries to trick people into making and worshiping other “gods.”
How foolish are those who manufacture idols. These prized objects are really worthless. The people who worship idols don’t know this, so they are all put to shame. Isaiah 44:9
In Isaiah’s day, all the nations living around Israel worshiped different gods. Some of the Israelites got caught up in worshiping false gods. Sadly, it still happens today.
People in our day and age don’t necessarily make their own gods. They buy and decorate with them, drive them, and even live in them. Yes, some people worship their homes.
Don’t be Disgraced
All who worship idols will be disgraced along with all these craftsmen—mere humans—who claim they can make a god. They may all stand together, but they will stand in terror and shame. Isaiah 44:11
People today have no problem loving their house or yard, their car, or their hobbies more than they love God. They will devote their time and energy to their sacred shrines.
Don’t get me wrong, I see nothing wrong with having a nice home with a manicured yard. Or if you keep your car spiffy and spotless. But I’ve met people who get upset if you get close to them.
Hobbies give us a pleasant change when done in moderation. But a person crosses the line when their devotion replaces their time with God. And many times, they don’t even consider church.
Moving towards the end of this chapter, Isaiah laid out the absurdity of worshiping false gods. He began talking about a wood carver who chopped down a cedar to use its log.
He uses part of the wood to make a fire. With it he warms himself and bakes his bread. Then—yes, it’s true—he takes the rest of it and makes himself a god to worship! He makes an idol and bows down in front of it! Isaiah 44:15
WOW
Years ago, when I first read these verses, I reacted by saying,” Wow.” For those who didn’t quite catch what the prophet had just said, he repeated it for them.
He burns part of the tree to roast his meat and to keep himself warm. He says, “Ah, that fire feels good.” Then he takes what’s left and makes his god: a carved idol! He falls down in front of it, worshiping and praying to it. “Rescue me!” he says. “You are my god!” Isaiah 44:16-17
Let me tell you why people give their reverence to things they consider sacred. Because Satan roams throughout the earth seeking whom he may devour.
He can make something look religious, yet it has nothing to do with the Lord. We’ll guard those objects with our lives because we think they represent Him. The Lord, however, points to their stupidity.
Such stupidity and ignorance! Their eyes are closed, and they cannot see. Their minds are shut, and they cannot think. Isaiah 44:18
One of the Ten Commandments says that we must worship the Lord only. When Satan tempted Jesus by asking Christ to worship him, the Lord quoted that commandment to him.
Worship God and only Him. Isaiah quoted the Lord again near the end of this chapter. He said, “I am the Lord, who made all things. I alone stretched out the heavens. In Revelation, Jesus said.
Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 22:12-13
Lord, receive our worship as we lift up your name unashamedly before all people.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Christian Perspectives
Featured Image by Toby Parsons from Pixabay
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