Isaiah 46
The Victory of God!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Wednesday, February 14.
In ancient times, wars between nations were considered the battle grounds of the gods. In Isaiah 46, Yahweh took on the Babylonian gods, overtly calling them by name in the first verses, then contrasting them with Himself in verses 1-4:
Bel has bowed down, Nebo stoops over; their images are consigned to the beasts and the cattle. The things that you carry are burdensome, a load for the weary beast. They stooped over, they have bowed down together; they could not rescue the burden, but have themselves gone into captivity. Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, you who have been borne by Me from birth and have been carried from the womb; even to your old age I will be the same, and even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; and I will bear you and I will deliver you.
Bel, also known as Marduk, was the principal god in the Babylonian pantheon of gods. He was a storm god associated with fertility and creation. Nebo was his son and was popularly paraded during Babylonian festivals. Isaiah portrayed them both as idols, false gods who burdened their worshippers. Then he contrasted them with Yahweh, the true God who bears the heavy burden of His worshippers. God declared of Himself in Isaiah 46:9-10, “For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, ‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.’”
Seize the moment and trust Jesus for every victory – “He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him” (Colossians 2:15; cf. 2 Corinthians 2:14). It is done!
God bless you!
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YOUTUBE:
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