God is always... even when...
Isaiah reminds us who God is, regardless of what people do. He boldly declares that there is no other God. The Lord chose His people, formed them, and made them. His character never changes, even when theirs does.
Yet Isaiah also exposes a struggle that is just as real today as it was then: "And the rest of it he makes into a god, His carved image. He falls down before it and worships it, Prays to it and says, "Deliver me, for you are my god!" He feeds on ashes; A deceived heart has turned him aside; And he cannot deliver his soul, Nor say, "Is there not a lie in my right hand?"" Isaiah 44:17, 20
We may not carve idols from wood or shape them with a blacksmith's hammer, but we still create them. Our idols simply look different. We run to success, comfort, approval, money, entertainment, or relationships instead of running to the Lord.
Yet God's heart toward His people then is still His heart toward us today: ""Remember these, O Jacob, And Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me! I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, And like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you."" Isaiah 44:21-22
What incredible grace. He is the God who forgives. He blots out our transgressions. He redeems us. And His invitation is simple: "Return to Me."
God is always faithful, even when we are not.
Take a moment today and ask the Lord to search your heart. Is there anything you've given greater affection, trust, or attention than Him? Lay those idols down. Return to the One who has never forgotten you, never stopped pursuing you, and has faithfully redeemed you.
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.