July 30 - Isaiah 44-46
One of the main themes of the book of Isaiah is idolatry. It must have been a terrible problem then as it is now. Isaiah shows the folly of idolatry over and over, and he declares that those who practice it have no understanding of reality. This was especially true for the Israelites. God had revealed Himself to them in so many ways that it was unbelievable that they would begin to worship dead, worthless idols, who could not speak or act. However, we must not be too quick to criticize the Israelites. Today, there are just as many people who claim to be believers, who worship at the altar of sports, materialism, pornography, and other idols. They fool themselves into thinking they are getting some good out of their worship, and they think they can worship their idols and God at the same time. Those people lack understanding just as the Israelites did in Isaiah's time. If you have anything that comes before God or beside God in your life, get rid of it, and confess your sin to Him.
Who can God use to do His will in this world? Is God limited to using believers? No, God is not limited to using only believers to accomplish His will. Isaiah speaks about God using King Cyrus. Cyrus was the king of the Medes and the Persians. They conquered the Babylonians, and Cyrus decreed that the Jews could return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple at his expense, even though he was not a believer. (45:4,5) This is a remarkable fact of history, but more importantly, it is an encouragement for us when we pray. Is God limited in how He can answer a prayer? The only thing God can't do is the wrong thing. He will not use unrighteous means to do His will, but He can use anybody or anything in the universe to do His will. That opens up a whole new realm for our prayers. Don't allow yourself to think God is limited when you pray. God is truly All-Powerful in every way.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Isaiah 47-49.
Who can God use to do His will in this world? Is God limited to using believers? No, God is not limited to using only believers to accomplish His will. Isaiah speaks about God using King Cyrus. Cyrus was the king of the Medes and the Persians. They conquered the Babylonians, and Cyrus decreed that the Jews could return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple at his expense, even though he was not a believer. (45:4,5) This is a remarkable fact of history, but more importantly, it is an encouragement for us when we pray. Is God limited in how He can answer a prayer? The only thing God can't do is the wrong thing. He will not use unrighteous means to do His will, but He can use anybody or anything in the universe to do His will. That opens up a whole new realm for our prayers. Don't allow yourself to think God is limited when you pray. God is truly All-Powerful in every way.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Isaiah 47-49.