Re: Think 12-06-09

Written on December 7, 2009 by Matt

This is our Sunday Re: Think, an opportunity for us to continue to think on the events of last Sunday.

We began our time in Isaiah yesterday in part bemoaning the inadequacy of the English language; namely the fact that we can speak of our love of hot dogs in the same way we speak of our love for our spouse etc.  This inadequacy is not limited to the word love however but also finds evidence in the casual way we use the word “Awesome”.  Aside from the misuse of love, there is probably no more abused word than Awesome.  “Man, did you see that game?…it was Awesome!”  “Dude, these enchiladas are Awesome!”  “‘God is Awesome!”  Which one of these is not like the other?

If there ever were a word only to be used in relationship to God it would be “Awesome”.  Yet, in our casual culture, familiarity, in addition to breeding contempt, also breeds lack of awe, a lack of recognition of what is really really great.  This is where Isaiah is of utmost help.  In the midst of would be heroes and one night saviors, Isaiah presents a unified vision of a God to the nation of Israel that is anything but common or ordinary.  Simply put, Isaiah’s picture of God truly is Great, truly is Awesome!

In Isaiah 40-42, the author relays the greatness of our God by reminding us of what we already know to be true.

We have a Great God (Isaiah 40)

He has a Great Plan (Isaiah 41)

Jesus is a Great Savior (Isaiah 42)

Admittedly, we took a rather broad look at all of these chapters, much like climbing to the top of a water tower or small hill to see the surrounding area.  While with a view like this we are unable to be intimately acquainted with ever nook and cranny of our area, we are however able to get the overall lay of the land we find ourselves in.  So it is with our look here.

God’s Greatness is on full display in Chapter 40 of Isaiah as we are reminded of some aspects of His character.  First, Isaiah reminds us He has not abandoned us (40:1-6).  This is staggering when you consider that even when we don’t act like His people, He still chooses to identify with us.  In reality, this is part of the scandal of the cross is it not?  The fact that radical grace and radical forgiveness is offered to us who are the enemies of God is not something we think on enough.  What Christ accomplished on the cross, bearing our sin and shame through the outpouring of God’s wrath so that we might be reconcilled to Him, is the equivalent of adopting the man who murdered your son into your family, sharing meals with you, sleeping in your house, giving him an inheritance.  That is scandalous!

Secondly, Isaiah reminds us we serve a God who’s Word is sure (40:7-8).  In a world where we often question who in fact we can trust, Isaiah reminds us that it is the Word of God that remains forever.

Jesus is the Only fixed point in a world full of variables.

Next, Isaiah calls our attention to the reality that God is absolutely in control of everything (40:9-26).  There is no power stronger than Him, He asks permission or seeks counsel from no one and he is the One who will exercise all authority.

Finally, Isaiah reminds us that God is the One who strengthens those without hope (40:27-31).  While life disappoints, relationships disappoint, God never disappoints.  All of the trials we face, relationally, economically or occupationally serve the dual purpose of conforming us more into the image of Christ and making us long for a time when suffering and trial will cease.

Since this is running a tad long, we will continue our examination of God’s greatness through the mouth of Isaiah later this week.

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