Isaiah-46
Trust in the Living God: A Devotional Study on Isaiah 46
Introduction
The book of Isaiah is a treasure trove of God's profound revelation. Isaiah 46 is a passage that showcases the strength, sovereignty, and superiority of God over all earthly idols and false gods. Follow along as we discover the lessons we can learn from this powerful chapter.
Section 1: Asking for Help (Isaiah 46:1-2)
Devotional Thought: As the kings of Babylon and Medes cry out for help in war, they turn to their idols. Yet, these idols cannot answer, save, or deliver them. In contrast, God can, for He is the everlasting King, creator of the ends of the earth, and has made them all. If we're struggling and feel the need for help, we must turn to God, who is able to help, save, and deliver us.
Reflection Questions:
- In what ways do we sometimes turn to idols or false sources of help instead of turning to God?
- What are some practical ways we can turn to God when we need help?
Section 2: The Futility of Idols (Isaiah 46:3-4)
Devotional Thought: The idols of Babylon and Chaldea are powerless, being made of mere wood and stone. They're hammers of copper and idols of steel. In contrast, God, whose name is Jehovah, declares the end from the beginning and from ancient times things that are not yet done. Trust in the Living God, who hears and answers spoken prayers, for He alone is God.
Reflection Questions:
- How do we sometimes give idols or materialistic objects more power or reverence than they deserve?
- How can we recognize the difference between vacuous, non-living idols and the living God who hears and answers prayers?
Section 3: Remembering God's Past Faithfulness (Isaiah 46:5-9)
Devotional Thought: God recalls the generations of old, His faithfulness, and His deeds. He miraculously delivered His people from the house of servants. Let's remember and hold on to God's previous faithfulness as we trust in His current and future faithfulness.
Reflection Questions:
- Have we forgotten God's past faithfulness or tried to operate as if we're self-sufficient?
- How can we remind ourselves of God's past and present faithfulness?
Section 4: The Faithfulness of God (Isaiah 46:10-11)
Devotional Thought: God declares that His counsel shall stand, and He will do all My pleasure. This declaration comforts us, knowing that God's ways are not like ours. As He works all things according to the counsel of His own will, we can trust in His sovereignty.
Reflection Questions:
- How do we sometimes struggle with the ways of God and the decisions He allows in our lives?
- How can we trust in God's sovereign and perfect ways?
Conclusion:
As we conclude our devotional journey through Isaiah 46, let's stand in faith and trust in the Living God. May we recognize and refrain from reverence to idols, remembering and holding to God's past and present faithfulness, trusting in His sovereignty, and acknowledging that He is always the better way.