Passage: Isaiah 43:8-13
8 Bring out the people who are blind, yet have eyes,
who are deaf, yet have ears!
9 All the nations gather together,
and the peoples assemble.
Who among them can declare this,
and show us the former things?
Let them bring their witnesses to prove them right,
and let them hear and say, It is true.
10 "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD,
"and my servant whom I have chosen,
that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor shall there be any after me.
11 I, I am the LORD,
and besides me there is no savior.
12 I declared and saved and proclaimed,
when there was no strange god among you;
and you are my witnesses," declares the LORD,
"and I am God.
13 Also henceforth I am he;
there is none who can deliver from my hand;
I work, and who can turn it back?"
Journal: The picture here is of a courtroom. God is challenging the idols, and the assembly who worship them, to bear witness to the worthiness of such worship. Of course, there is no response. [v. 8 - 9 -- "Bring out the people who are blind, yet have eyes, who are deaf, yet have ears! All the nations gather together, and the peoples assemble. Who among them can declare this, and show us the former things? Let them bring their witnesses to prove them right, and let them hear and say, It is true."] Yet, the God of Israel, the only God, has a multitude of witnesses. His witnesses are His people, for whom He has done miraculous works throughout history. [v. 10 - 11 - "'You are my witnesses,' declares the LORD, 'and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. I, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no savior.'"]
His exclusivity annoys people, for they want a god of their own fashioning rather than the God that is, the God that fashions all things. Yet, what other can be placed with Him? He alone is worthy of worship, for He alone is eternal. He alone is worthy of worship, for He alone has provided atonement and salvation. He alone is worthy of worship, for He alone is faithful. [v. 12 - 13 -- "'I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses,' declares the LORD, 'and I am God. Also henceforth I am he; there is none who can deliver from my hand; I work, and who can turn it back?'"]
We are His witnesses. He deserves a testimony clothed in boldness and veracity. We are to bear witness to His glory.
Heard 'Round the House: I recently participated in the facilitation of the testimony of a professional athlete. When I got home that evening, Anna [age 8] asked me to sign her glove. I thought that was very sweet. However, as I was getting ready to sign she did mention that I should not sign it too big in case [name of athlete] ever wanted to sign it. I'll still take it . . .
