Isaiah 41:21-29.  In yesterday’s reading we saw the invasion by Sennachebib sweeping over the costal nations near Israel (Judah).  The response of those nations was to give their idols a little tune up, polish them up and make sure they were securely nailed to the walls.  In contrast we saw God presented as a strong and active God taking care of his people.  We left the idols nailed to the wall.  Today we return to them to see how they stack up to the real God, Yahweh (LORD).  In verse 22 theses idols are challenged to foretell the future.  They are also challenged to explain the past.  In verse 23 that are challenged to do something, anything, so we can know we should fear them.

Verse 24 tells us that they are nothing and they do nothing and anyone who trusts in them is an abomination or detestable.  Basically it tells us that worshipping something we have made like it is our maker is disgusting, gross, uncool, stupid; pick whatever word you want.

The end of the chapter contrasts God’s actions with the non-actions of the idols.  God brings a crushing force against the people of the area.  The question is did any of the idols warn about this coming invasion.   No they did not.  According to verse 27 God did warn his people on Mount Zion (Jerusalem) but as we saw in the first part of the book they didn’t listen much to Isaiah as he told them over and over again that Assyria would invade but not win.  Verses 28-29 tell us that the idols and false prophets are worthless.

We need to listen when God talks and not look for answers in our own manmade world. The world that God made is useful but should not be worshipped and served.  Purpose comes from God not from the things he has made and our main purpose is to use all that we are and all that he created to honor him.  As we saw in yesterday’s reading this is not some one way relationship (like idol worship necessarily always is).  God gives and gives and gives.  He always is watching and caring about us.  We need to be watching too.  We need to see what he has already said he was going to do and as we see his plan unfold we need to give him credit for being so faithful.  Peter tells us that God is not slow about fulfilling his promises, he takes the right amount of time, but they will be fulfilled.  We need to learn and remember the promises of God and tell the world as they are fulfilled.  To God be the glory and honor.  Lord help me learn and remember your promises.  Help me understand them and understand when they are fulfilled.  Let me share them with others so they too can trust in you.  Help us see you for who you are, the one true creator God.  Help me not honor my own ideas but only you.