Is God Guilty
"Is God Guilty?" "God hauled off to court!" I suppose these could have been some hypothetical headlines in the prophet Isaiah's day.
In chapters 41-47 of his Old Testament book, Isaiah features a trial. God wants His people to evaluate His own faithfulness to them (in spite of their idolatrous hearts) and compare His track record with that of the other local gods they were flirting with. At moments in the trial, God takes opportunity to reveal His character, and His intentions for the families of His people.
In this and next week's Dearly Beloveds, I want to take some moments to consider a stunning portion of text in Isaiah 44.1-5 and consider it's implications for you and your family.
Part 1 - Isaiah 44.1-2
*for the sake of understanding, you can swap the names Jacob, Jeshurun, and Israel for "my people" as every time God uses those names here He's referring to His people.
As we approach this passage, let's be asking:
- Who does God do?
- What does God promise to do?
- What do I need to do?
Here we go!
"But now listen, O Jacob, my servant, Israel, whom I have chosen. This is what the Lord says -- He who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: 'Do not be afraid, O Jacob my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen'"
What does God do?
- Speak
- Choose
- Make
- Form
What does God promise to do?
- He will help you!
What do I need to do?
- Listen
- Serve ("servant")
- Trust ("do not be afraid")
Do you ever have moments when you question God? It's ok, we all do. Compare His track record versus the alternative gods of our day (money, power, sex, image, autonomous self...).
Do you find yourself feeling stuck or troubled at times? We all do. Some of us do right now. God's promise? He will help you!
Three final questions for you to ponder right now:
- What would it look like for me to take a moment to listen to God right now?
- Who is someone I could help today?
- How could I express my trust in God with an action?
Pastor Mike