The Court Room
In Isaiah 41:21-29, the Lord calls all the nations to a court proceeding. He asks the nations to provide evidence of the greatness of their gods.
For most of the world and for most of history, might has made right. If you won, then clearly the gods were on your side and your gods were higher and better than the gods of the people you conquered. This is a variation of the idea that the “History is written by the winners” (Napolean and bunch of other people). Winning is everything.
But the challenge the Lord asks the world is this: where are those gods now, where are those nations? The Lord stands outside and beyond nations. His legend has endured. He is not subject to the whims of humanity. As it states in Isaiah, “Behold, they are all a delusion; their works are nothing, their metal images are empty wind” (Isa 41:29 ESV).
Take some time read Isaiah 41:21-29. Reflect on the history of the last 100 years. What did the world think was important that turned out to be nothing but a vain idol? What do you rely on in life that will be gone tomorrow? How do we learn to trust in the Lord?
For most of the world and for most of history, might has made right. If you won, then clearly the gods were on your side and your gods were higher and better than the gods of the people you conquered. This is a variation of the idea that the “History is written by the winners” (Napolean and bunch of other people). Winning is everything.
But the challenge the Lord asks the world is this: where are those gods now, where are those nations? The Lord stands outside and beyond nations. His legend has endured. He is not subject to the whims of humanity. As it states in Isaiah, “Behold, they are all a delusion; their works are nothing, their metal images are empty wind” (Isa 41:29 ESV).
Take some time read Isaiah 41:21-29. Reflect on the history of the last 100 years. What did the world think was important that turned out to be nothing but a vain idol? What do you rely on in life that will be gone tomorrow? How do we learn to trust in the Lord?
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