S) "22 Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth;
For I am God and there is no other."
Isaiah 45:22 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Isaiah 45
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Isaiah 45
O) This chapter is written to Cyrus, the king of Persia, after the rise and fall of Assyria and Babylon. In the very first verse, he is called anointed by God. Then, there is a discourse explaining that all of the successes that Cyrus has had were because of the LORD. Throughout the chapter, the single most highlighted theme is probably the holiness of the LORD as the only God. This concept is presented at least seven times (and could be inferred a from a handful of other phrases). This makes sense, when we consider the audience. While God had declared Himself as the only true God to the Israelites, it wasn't always repeated the same way, because on some level, they already knew that. Even if their actions showed that they had no faith in the LORD, on some level, maybe they still knew that their idols were dead creations of their own hands. King Cyrus, on the other hand, wouldn't know that inherently. The other remarkable thing about this chapter (which is also captured by this verse), is that God's salvation was not always limited to just His chosen people, but it was always through His chosen people (involving them, somehow), even before the birth of the Messiah. Cyrus was anointed by God. There were scores of kings sitting on thrones for Judah and Israel, who were never said to be anointed. Yet, here we see an example of a gentile king, anointed by God, instructed that the LORD is the only God and there is no other.
A) This example has direct correlation to my own life. Except the part about Cyrus being a king over a nation. Still, I must remember that my salvation is contingent on turning to Jesus Christ. If I am turning to Him in obedient love, in submissive faith, then my salvation is secured. Jesus Christ is my God. Everything else that I would try to erect as god in my life will, not only fail me, but eventually kill me. I need to remember that He is God and there is no other. I need to turn to Him alone for my salvation, both eternal and temporal. He is my salvation, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He alone is my Lord and God.
P) Father, thank You for the grace and mercy You have shown me. Every time I let myself dwell on Your hand in my life, even before I knew who You are, I am humbled and amazed. Let me spend more time dwelling on Your providence, Lord. Let me think on it regularly, because it produces genuine, powerful worship in my life. Remind me of Your sovereignty, omnipotence, grace and love. Let me turn to You alone for my every need, for my salvation. You are God and there is no other. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
A) This example has direct correlation to my own life. Except the part about Cyrus being a king over a nation. Still, I must remember that my salvation is contingent on turning to Jesus Christ. If I am turning to Him in obedient love, in submissive faith, then my salvation is secured. Jesus Christ is my God. Everything else that I would try to erect as god in my life will, not only fail me, but eventually kill me. I need to remember that He is God and there is no other. I need to turn to Him alone for my salvation, both eternal and temporal. He is my salvation, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He alone is my Lord and God.
P) Father, thank You for the grace and mercy You have shown me. Every time I let myself dwell on Your hand in my life, even before I knew who You are, I am humbled and amazed. Let me spend more time dwelling on Your providence, Lord. Let me think on it regularly, because it produces genuine, powerful worship in my life. Remind me of Your sovereignty, omnipotence, grace and love. Let me turn to You alone for my every need, for my salvation. You are God and there is no other. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment