June 30, 2023 - Isaiah 40-48

There’s the Messianic prophecy there in Isaiah 40: “A voice cries, ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord . . .” (40:3), which includes, “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken” (40:5). There’s just an absoluteness and a finality about that, isn’t there? The Lord has spoken. It’s done. It’s certain.

We do not know and serve a God who is “just doing the best he can.” In fact, this is what he says of himself: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. Who is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people. Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen. Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any” (44:6-8).

And: “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose’” (46:9,10). That’s our God! I read this verse and that verse, and I just want to shout. What a God! Our God!

Mortals, join the mighty chorus,

Which the morning stars began;

God’s own love is reigning o’er us,

Joining people hand in hand.

Ever singing, march we onward,

Victors in the midst of strife;

Joyful music leads us sunward

In the triumph song of life. -- Henry Van Dyke (1907)