Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"I am the First and I am the Last"
Text: Isaiah 44:6
THE ONE AND ONLY GOD
Israel had turned from their God to offer worship to numerous deities. The cries of their hearts to the idols were unanswered. The nation was under threat from powerful marauding countries.
“Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel,
And his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts:
‘I am the First and I am the Last;
Besides Me there is no God.
And who can proclaim as I do?
Then let him declare it and set it in order for Me,
Since I appointed the ancient people.
And the things that are coming and shall come,
Let them show these to them.
Do not fear, nor be afraid;
Have I not told you from that time, and declared it?
You are My witnesses.
Is there a God besides Me?
Indeed there is no other Rock;
I know not one.'”
Isaiah 44:6-8
1. The different titles of God.
a) The LORD
b) The King of Israel
c) The Redeemer
d) The LORD of hosts
e) The First and the Last
These were five titles that only God deserved! Israel needed just One true God to help the nation! Israel turned to many idols in the hope of receiving help from them. No idol had the power to give them the aid they sought.
2. The Challenge of the LORD.
a) God had issued this challenge before (Isaiah 41:21-24).
b) No one could offer any credible reply.
c) This challenge was uttered once again.
“And who can proclaim as I do?
Then let him declare it and set it in order for Me.”
Isaiah 44:7a
d) Another challenge was issued.
“And the things that are coming and shall come,
Let them show these to them.”
Isaiah 44:7b
3. The ancient people.
a) Only God alone would know the most ancient of people.
b) In fact, it was God who appointed the ancient people.
c) Both Assyria and Babylon were ancient people in the region of old Mesopotamia.
4. Dealing with fear.
a) God had warned Israel of the future threat of marauding nations.
b) Israel’s reaction was one of fear and dread.
c) God appealed to Israel to acknowledge Him as the LORD.
i) Israel had witnessed the power of God in ancient Egypt.
ii) Again and again, God had demonstrated His matchless power.
iii) God was their Rock.
iv) They need not fear the threat of any nation.
v) Israel needed just One God, who was the First and the Last.