In this chapter, God emphasizes He is God alone and for us to place our trust in Him, not idols. Here’s the chapter in its entirety: “The idols of Babylon, Bel and Nebo, are being hauled away on ox carts. But look! The beasts are staggering under the weight! Both the idols and the ones carrying them are bowed down. The gods cannot protect the people, and the people cannot protect the gods. (Wow! That’s an interesting concept. If our idols (anything we place ahead of God) can’t protect us, then why are we placing them before our God Almighty?) They go off into captivity together.
“Listen to me, all you who are left in Israel. I created you and have cared for you since before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” (Yes, Lord! God will take care of us!)
“To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal? Some people pour out their silver and gold and hire a craftsman to make a god from it. Then they bow down and worship it! They carry it around on their shoulders, and when they set it down, it stays there. It cannot even move! And when someone prays to it, there is no answer. It has no power to get anyone out of trouble.”
“Do not forget this, you guilty ones. And do not forget the things I have done throughout history. For I am God – I alone! I am God, and there is no one else like me. Only I can tell you what is going to happen even before it happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish. I will call a swift bird of prey from the east – a leader from a distant land who will come and do my bidding. (This statement confirms that Cyrus is the leader the Lord was talking about in lesson 41. Considering what’s been going on with Israel currently, my first response to this leader from the east mentioned in lesson 41 was maybe it’s the United States. Not knowing who that leader could be, considering we’ve discussed all of the kings that God had placed in power, I was confused about whether what we were reading has yet to come or has come to pass. It is now clear that Isaiah’s prophecy has come to pass, and Cyrus’ anointed life that wasn’t talked about in 2 Chronicles and Ezra, has now been revealed. Lord, thank you for connecting the dots.) I have said I would do it, and I will. Listen to me, you stubborn, evil people! For I am ready to set things right, not in the distant future, but right now! I am ready to save Jerusalem and give my glory to Israel. (Isaiah 46) (Wow! And God set things straight immediately and brought His people back to Israel!)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Thank you for making your Word clear. You are not the author of confusion, and all we have to do is be patient and let you reveal your truth. Lord, we love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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