Glorifying God

Isaiah 43:1-13; 22-26

Isaiah was a prophet, poet and politician, and despite his unpopular message of God's coming judgment, he was respected in royal circles.  The book of Isaiah is quoted more in the New Testament than all the other prophets combined.  And for good reason - verses like the ones we read today are well loved and often quoted to bring encouragement to those in stressful times:  "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you; when you  walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (vs. 2-3).

 Isaiah tells us in verse 1 that God created us and formed us.  Twice, in verses 1 and 5, he tells the Israelites not to be afraid.  Remember, Isaiah is prophesying that the Jews will be in exile (and this prophecy came true about 150 years later) and you can imagine that hearing those words "don't be afraid" when you have been sold into slavery, would sound a bit hollow.

Of course, the Israelites were conquered because they didn't trust God - they trusted in their own strength.  But God remains faithful, constant, and true, and Isaiah tells the Jews that despite their faithlessness, God still loves them.  Verse 4 brings such comfort - to those who read it in Isaiah's day, and to us today:  "Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life."

God loves me.  He honors me.  Humbling, profound truth. 

And what do I do to deserve that love, that honor?  Ah, there's the crux of our faith, and what separates our God from all others who claim to be god.  We simply can't earn God's favor or his love.  He offers it freely to all who believe, who call on his name, who repent of their sin and give their lives to the Lord.  We can't earn it.  We don't deserve it.

How do we respond to such unmerited favor?  Isaiah tells us we are created for God's glory (v. 7).  He commands us to worship him in response to what he has done for us.  Let these words soak in:

You are my witnesses, and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.  Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.  I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior .  (vs.  10-11)  I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.  (v. 25)

Lord, it's Sunday, and I'm headed to church.  Help me to kneel at your feet and to once again give my heart, my life, and my all to you.  You are Lord of Lord and King of Kings, Amen and amen.