Isaiah 41:21-29

In (21-24) the courtroom scene of (1) resumes, but now it is the idols of the nations who are on trial. God challenges them to explain the past or accurately predict the future (22, 23). Let them at least ‘’Do something’’ to show that they exist. But they can’t because they are not real. ‘’Ask them, ‘If you are gods, explain what the past means – or, failing that, tell us what will happen in the future. Can’t do that? How about doing something – anything! Good or bad – whatever. Can you hurt us or help us? Do we need to be afraid?’ They say nothing, because they are nothing – sham gods, no-gods, fool-making gods.’’ The Message. The word ‘’detestable’’ (24) was usually kept for heathen rites or idols (e.g.44:19). Transferred to the worshipper it shows how serious an issue it is to choose a lie for your ultimate allegiance. This point is followed through in Romans 1: 18-32. As someone said, a religion can only be as good as its gods. We will take on the character of what we bow down to

God could do what no idol was able to do (25-29). He could predict the future. This chapter is proof of it. God’s mention of Cyrus a century before his birth shows that He can do what no idol can. He is omniscient – all-knowing. These verses would touch the pagan world on a sore spot since divination was a major concern (see 47:13). The reference is again to Cyrus king of Persia in (25). Compare this with (2) where he is referred to as ‘’one from the east.’’ Cyrus originally entered the Babylonian Empire from the East. However, before invading Babylon itself, he conquered the kingdoms of Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), and only then turned south towards Babylon. So there is no contradiction. It is accurate to say that he came from both ‘’the east’’ and ‘’the north’’. In all of this we must not miss the all-important point about the sovereignty of God. It was the Lord who ‘’stirred’’ him ‘’up’’ (2, 25). ‘’History is His story!’’

‘’…who calls on my name’’ (25) must be taken with (45:4). Cyrus would invoke the Lord’s name (Ezra 1:2, 3), but not as a genuine convert. This is indirectly supported by his inscriptions, which diplomatically attribute his victories to the gods of the peoples he conquered. There’s nothing new about politicians using religion to win over a crowd!

Prayer: Thank you Lord that we have a God who does things. You are alive and you show yourself to be real.