Daily Devotions
Isaiah
"Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons"
Text: Isaiah 45:11
VITAL LESSONS FOR ISRAEL TO LEARN
The LORD had many lessons to teach Israel. One of them had to do with learning to seek God in prayer. How should one relate to God?
“Thus says the LORD,
The Holy One of Israel, and his Maker:
‘Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons;
And concerning the work of My hands, you command Me.
I have made the earth,
And created man on it.
I—My hands—stretched out the heavens,
And all their host I have commanded.
I have raised him up in righteousness,
And I will direct all his ways;
He shall build My city
And let My exiles go free,
Not for price nor reward,’
Says the LORD of hosts.”
Isaiah 45:11-13
1. The Person of God.
a) He is the LORD.
b) He is the Holy One of Israel.
c) He is the Maker.
2. God’s relationship with Israel.
a) God has a special relationship with Israel.
b) This is a covenant-relationship that was established with Abraham.
c) In this relationship, God regards Abraham’s descendants as His sons.
3. What Israel may do.
a) The nation can ask what God plans to do with His sons.
b) Israel may speak openly to God concerning His works.
c) Israel unfortunately, spoke to God “commandingly”.
i) This was unfortunate.
ii) This reflects a poor comprehension of who God is.
iii) Yet, the LORD was still open to hear what Israel had to say.
4. Concerning Cyrus.
a) Cyrus may not be “a son”.
b) But God is still the Maker.
c) This was what He would do with reference to Cyrus.
i) God will raise him up in righteousness.
ii) The LORD will direct all his ways.
iii) He will be the one who will help Israel rebuild the country.
iv) He will release all who were made captives by the Babylonians.
v) God will cause His sons to be set free without having to pay
any “price or reward”.
vi) This was a solemn promise made by the LORD of hosts Himself.