Isaiah_46

Scripture:  Isaiah 46:9-10  Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.  I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.  I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ Observation-What does it say?  Chapter 46 of Isaiah takes place during Israel’s exile to Babylon.  In this section of the book (chapters 40-55), Isaiah is proclaiming the period of salvation for Israel and God bringing them out of captivity and judgement.  Although they had suffered His judgement-which was a result of their disobedience-He still loves them and cares for them.  Where chapters 1-39 spoke of a future king, chapters 40-55 speak of a coming servant who carries out God’s purpose at great cost.  Chapters 46-47 addresses the submission of God’s people to pagan idols and the burden these idols place on the backs of those who worship them.  But God, the real God, carries our burdens and has the ability to act on our behalf. Understanding-What does it mean?  The other day, I responded to an alarm call at work.  I found out from a neighbor, the homeowner had set the alarm off themselves as they left the house and would be back soon.  As a precaution, I did a check around the house to make sure there were no signs of a burglary before they arrived.  In the backyard, behind a pile of boxes and underneath a loose covering, I saw a motorcycle that looked as if it had been forgotten.  As I got a closer look at it, I saw it was a Harley Davidson and my interest peaked, because it was clearly older than me.  When the man and his wife of 60 years got home, I advised them their house appeared secure and jumped right into the important question.  “How old is that Harley?” It turned out to be a 1941 Harley Davidson servi-car and he had owned it since he was 15.  For the next twenty minutes or so, I spoke with this couple and their neighbor about cars and things of the past, how he had driven 150 miles an hour for nearly ten minutes in his Pontiac, which was also in the backyard.  The conversation reminded me that people often go through some pretty crazy things during life, and most often come out alright on the other side. In Christ, we have the ultimate security that things will be alright.  Actually, things are going to be much better than alright.  God has great and wonderful plans, which he always comes through with.  We know that He is “the same yesterday and today and forever!”(Hebrews 13:8).  His plans are for us to prosper (Jeremiah 29:11), and they always turn out for our good (Romans 8:28-30).  Despite all of the “uncertainty” of today, we can be certain that our God prevails. Life Application:  Jesus, help me to learn how to pray.  When I am anxious, help me to lay all my cares on you and actually trust you.  Even as things are uncomfortable and unknown, I know that my future is secure in you and that I have no reason to fear.  

-Tyler Galloway