Rev Renewal
Rev Renewal“This is what the Lord says – Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and the last; apart from me there is no God (Isaiah 44:6)”
When it comes to the notion of God, the statement made by the prophet Isaiah may at first glance be an obvious statement and one that can be easily acknowledged. However, how many times in our lives do we seek to try and be “God”? We desire certain outcomes that leave us in control. We desire familiar settings and comfort. Our challenge becomes allowing the God who is the true King and Redeemer be the first and the last within our lives.
“Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one (Isaiah 44:8)
The main reason that our actions lean towards being God is that we are afraid. We fear the unknown. We fear change. We fear that which we do not fully understand. So, we seek to do things that will allow us to know what is going on. We want to keep things the same because we are familiar with them. To change things up, to look at things from a different perspective is not easy for us and leaves us feeling vulnerable. However, the prophet declares that we are to not tremble or be afraid. Not only is there no other God but the Lord Almighty, there is also no other “Rock”. As much as we want to be in control and have a grasp of all that is taking place, we stumble, shift, and are not as sturdy as we would like to think. Therefore, the only solid rock – one who can provide support in the most unsettling circumstances – is the Lord Almighty.
Our current life situation has become an ongoing learning experience. While some may have experienced similar situations, the setting we are in has changed and thus how we navigate through this situation is not fully clear to anyone. We need a solid rock. We need someone that can sustain us through the unknown, the fears, and the doubts. As much as we try to be in control, it is evident that there are certain parts of our lives that we cannot fully control.
May we lean on the one true God. May we seek the solid rock – Jesus Christ – who has overcome the power of death, evil, and our continual sinful nature. It is through Jesus Christ that we have redemption. It is through the gift of grace, mercy, and love that we can move forward.
“Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one (Isaiah 44:8)
Our efforts to be fully God are not necessary. Yet, we do not have to fear or be afraid. The Lord Almighty has our back. The Lord Almighty is our solid rock – through all situations that life may bring.
Blessings
Pastor Arlyn><>