Isaiah 46. 10.02.25
SCRIPTURE
“Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel,
you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born.
Even to your old age and gray hairs I AM He, I AM He, who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
Isaiah 46:3-4 NIV
OBSERVATION
I would like to begin by sharing the NLT version of this verse:
“Listen to me, descendants of Jacob, all you who remain in Israel.
I have cared for you since you were born.
Yes, I carried you —BEFORE —you were born.
I will BE your God throughout your lifetime— until —your hair is white with age.
I made you—and I WILL — care for you…”
In Isaiah 46 the LORD grants Isaiah the prophetic eye to see the history of the Babylonian Empire all the way through to its demise—BEFORE the first of its days had even begun. Bel was the chief god of the Babylonians and Nebo was his son.
These gods/idols were made by human hands of gold and silver. Not only unable to save or help people—they were a heavy burden—needing to be “carried” physically on ox carts. Anyone putting their trust in these lifeless idols would be crushed under their weight both physically and spiritually.
God reminds His People through Isaiah to “LISTEN”
What idol can EVER be compared to—GOD? (vs.5)
APPLICATION
What Modern Day Idol—can ever be compared to God?
This chapter speaks about a disobedient time in Israel’s life when they purposely chose to worship idols over God.
Though our idols may not be handmade statues of silver and gold, our modern day idols can be every bit as idolatrous. Anything we put an ultimate value on above Christ is a “substitute savior” and an Idol.
Modern day idols include money, material possessions, career ambitions, hobbies, sports, entertainment, and addictions. While it’s not wrong to have ambition, money, enjoy hobbies or entertainment.
The question becomes—who or what has the First Place in our heart?
For Twenty Eight Years I experienced a Career as a high level executive with companies such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales—interfacing with Vice Presidents, Presidents and CEO’s of every known beauty brand.
In the beginning of my career there was no question who was First in my life. Prayer was a priority and connection at Sunday Church was a Priority. I came into work early so I could pray over my department, office, appointment book and even my phone. God gave me such tremendous favor and literal-miraculous business transactions happened that were unheard of. Business was so exceptional that many took notice.
As time went on and I continued to climb the corporate ladder—each position wasn’t enough. It became an addiction.
Without realizing it, I began making my career an idol. Although my relationship with God was still present..it was my career—then God. God took a backseat as I began working seven days a week and twelve hour days.
God allowed this to continue for a period of time until one day I began to notice a change in my health. Interestingly, it was a change that was undetectable by doctors.
Even more interesting, it slid by me that God was giving me a warning that I didn’t pick up on.
Finally one day I couldn’t get out of bed. This happened after my husband informed me that he had watched me work 24-days straight for 12 hour full days. I didn’t believe him, but he said he had been watching and waiting for me to collapse.
I never returned to work after that day.
The fibromyalgia diagnosis came a year later—which is another story.
I had made my career an idol and…
I literally carried the burden of this idol on my back—
There was a cost to this…but God in His Very Great Mercy…
Was on the porch, Waiting
for His Prodigal daughter to return, to repent, to surrender all-
So HE could put His Robe on me and welcome me home.
GOD-IS the ONE who CARRIES —us—EVEN -BEFORE—we -are -BORN.
And—Cares For us—every —SINGLE —DAY—throughout—our —entire —life.
His WORD…not mine. His TRUTH.
“The Lord is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.
The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.”
(Psalms 145:8, 17-18 NLT)
God carries us even into our old age when our hair is white with age.
I can look back and say with certainty that God has indeed Carried me.
There is NO God like HIM.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
YOU have cared for me since I was born. And indeed, I know full well that YOU carried me even BEFORE I was born. You protected me against any harmful side effects of alcohol that my mom was drinking when she was continually told into her 19 week that she was not pregnant. YOU Carried me as a child, as a young teenager, all through my adult years…through my rebellion…and now you carry me—
into my old age with white hair (under the color) —Yes..YOU are still carrying me.
Lord Jesus, Be my First obsession. First and Only Obsession in my Life. Everything else pales to YOU. And today, I say thank You for fibromyalgia. This thorn in my side is a constant reminder that I can do no-thing without You. I need Your Strength, Your mind, Your heart, Your portion and cup for every single day.
Spirit of the Living God..Fall afresh on me, Melt me, mold me, Fill me, use me.
I Love You, Thank You for First Loving me.
In Jesus Name. Amen.
Tina L Kudelka