Remember the former things, those of long ago;
Isaiah 46:9-11 NIV
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.
I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.’
From the east I summon a bird of prey;
from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.
What I have said, that I will bring about;
what I have planned, that I will do.
This chapter of Isaiah compared the gods of the nations, which Israel was often guilty of worshipping, with the Lord God. Those gods were made by their people, were a burden, and were powerless to help. In contrast, God made his people and could sustain and rescue them throughout their lives. God’s purpose for them will stand, regardless of what may come.
And in this passage, God expresses his uniqueness and sovereignty. There is no other god like the Lord God. He stands alone as God. And he is sovereign. His purpose and plans will be accomplished. He does what he pleases, and nothing can hinder him.
It is clear that humans act in ways that are contrary to God’s design. We are not mindless robots acting out the part God created us for. We are called to live in obedience to God. But we are not forced to. God has granted us the ability to choose to obey or rebel.
Yet, despite all we do, God still carries out his purpose in creation. He is sovereign over all of his creation, including rebellious humans. And that should bring comfort and encouragement to us. Despite all of the turmoil in the world and the opposition of sinful humanity, we can depend on God to accomplish his purpose, to sustain and keep his people, and to bring us into his presence when this life ends.
