July 23
Isaiah 40:1-44:5
A conversation in a noisy restaurant can be an impossible task. You speak, the other person nods their head, but they probably do not understand. This must have been what the prophets felt, they spoke but nobody listened. Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah─not the glory days of Judah. Much of his ministry was to rebuke people for their idolatry. Idolatry is to elevate something to the primary place in our life where only God should be.
This false worship in Isaiah's day was of other gods, while in our day it takes the forms of money, pleasure, power, fame, comfort, relationships, etc. Isaiah wanted his original listeners (and us) to understand that idols can never do what only God can do. He points out God alone has the ultimate power; he alone shepherds us tenderly, has wisdom, never tires, gives strength, eradicates fear, redeems, brings justice, transforms the world and our lives, and never leaves us. Idols can never hope to replicate these things. Therefore, we need to do an honest assessment of our idols, repent of our actions, and turn to God alone. For as God says, “I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols (Isaiah 42:8).”
Father God, nothing compares to you. Help me to give you the glory, praise, and service you deserve. Help me to clearly see the idols in my life so I can repent of them and allow you to reign over all of my life. Amen.
As you consider the idols in your life, what do these idols seem to offer and how does God ultimately offer what you seek?
A conversation in a noisy restaurant can be an impossible task. You speak, the other person nods their head, but they probably do not understand. This must have been what the prophets felt, they spoke but nobody listened. Isaiah prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah─not the glory days of Judah. Much of his ministry was to rebuke people for their idolatry. Idolatry is to elevate something to the primary place in our life where only God should be.
This false worship in Isaiah's day was of other gods, while in our day it takes the forms of money, pleasure, power, fame, comfort, relationships, etc. Isaiah wanted his original listeners (and us) to understand that idols can never do what only God can do. He points out God alone has the ultimate power; he alone shepherds us tenderly, has wisdom, never tires, gives strength, eradicates fear, redeems, brings justice, transforms the world and our lives, and never leaves us. Idols can never hope to replicate these things. Therefore, we need to do an honest assessment of our idols, repent of our actions, and turn to God alone. For as God says, “I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols (Isaiah 42:8).”
Father God, nothing compares to you. Help me to give you the glory, praise, and service you deserve. Help me to clearly see the idols in my life so I can repent of them and allow you to reign over all of my life. Amen.
As you consider the idols in your life, what do these idols seem to offer and how does God ultimately offer what you seek?
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