SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 44
MEMORY VERSE:
“All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame.” (Isaiah 44:9)
ISRAEL CHOSEN THE QUEEN (vs. 1-5)
THINGS GOD WILL DO WHEN HE CHOSE ISRAEL AS HIS SERVANT:
- He will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground. (v. 3a)
- He will pour out his Spirit on their offspring and blessings on their descendants. (v. 3b)
THE LORD, NOT IDOLS (vs. 6-23)
The Lord is Israel’s king and redeemer. He is the first and the last. Apart from Him, there is no God. He established ancient people and foretold what will come. Idols are nothing. They are things made by man. They have eyes but blind, mouth but speechless and a mind that cannot understand. People shape it with hammers and forge it with his arms. The blacksmith forms and makes it dwell in a shrine to bow down and worship it.
JERUSALEM TO BE INHABITED (vs. 24-28)
WHAT THE LORD DID:
- He made all things who stretched out the heavens and spread out the earth by himself. (v. 24)
- He foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense. ()v. 25)
- He carries out the words of his servants and fulfills the predictions of his messengers that Jerusalem will be inhabited, the towns of Judah will be rebuilt and all the ruins will be restored. (v. 26)
- He dries up the streams (v. 27)
- He let the King of Cyprus accomplish what God pleases. (v. 28)
THOUGHTS:
Isaiah described how the people made their own god from the same tree that gives firewood. Sometimes, we also make our gods – money, fame, power – and expect them to improve our lives.
We are supposed to serve our creator. But the idolaters do the opposite by worshiping the idols they make. Creator set us free from our sins but the idols did nothing to us. Therefore, is it logical for men to worship idols?
God reminded His people that He formed them, chose them and would help them. He will provide every needs and keep his promises. So, there is no need to be afraid if you belong to God’s people.
God reminded the people not to trust something other than the Lord. Those who trust in false god will live in substitutes. And their souls will feed on ashes.
Because God is truth, His word is completely accurate which we can measure it against all other teachings. Any teachings that are against God’s Word are considered false teaching. And God condemn prophets who teach false teachings.
The future of Israel was foretold. Jerusalem would be restored and the temple rebuilt. God would use a pagan ruler to accomplish His purpose.