Israel was chosen by God. “But now hear, O Jacob my servant, Israel whom I have chosen! Thus says the Lord who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, Jeshurun whom I have chosen.” (Isaiah 44:1-2) Isaiah concluded that he saw no sign of God’s presence among His people. God has promised not to abandon them (Isaiah 21), and He didn’t. But where sin is rampant, God is certainly capable of shrinking the presence of the Holy Spirit and leaving virtually no signs of His presence. The nation of Israel had been given everything, yet they refused to receive and be satisfied. They traded what their hearts could know for what their eyes could see. I, like Israel, have experienced the withdrawing of God’s obvious presence in my life in seasons of sin.
Israel had submitted to idolatry (Isaiah 44:9-20). We are given descriptions from these verses about the destructiveness of idols: can profit nothing (v.10), ultimately reap shame (v.11), failure to meet needs (v.12). People can become so engrossed in their idols that even their physical needs are no longer being met. Sound familiar? For me it does. In verse 13, we see that idols can also be made in the form of humans. At some point everyone has exalted a thing or person in the place of Christ.
Even after we see the cataloged evidence of Israel’s idolatry, we are humbled by God’s promise, “You will not be forgotten by me.” (v.21) The mercy of God is indescribable! Even when His people turned to idols (turned away from God), He swept away their offenses like a cloud, their sins like a morning mist (v.22). Even as we face some of the idols we have worshipped in our quest for satisfaction, we need never doubt the mercy of God! Also in verse 22, God asks us for one thing in His outpouring of mercy, “Return to me, for I have redeemed you!” Despite all the sin, despite all the mistakes, the idolatry, the filth, the disobedience, despite everything, God wants me, wants us, to return to Him. He is always calling His people back to Himself! Praise God.
God created a void for Him in our lives, and it demands attention. We desperately look for something to satisfy us and fill the empty places. Our craving to be filled is so strong that the moment something or someone seems to meet our need, even momentarily, we feel an overwhelming temptation to worship it. And I’m not necessarily talking about falling on the floor at its/their feet and lifting your hands in awe, but the simple act of turning all your affections towards it/them and seeking after it/them to fulfill you. The way you live, the way you think, the way you feel, all of that can be in worship of an idol.
Even with all of the powerful, insightful, and thought provoking verses in Isaiah chapter 44; I found that verse 20 was probably the most convicting. “He feeds on ashes, a deluded heart misleads him; he cannot save himself, or say ‘is not this thing in my right hand a lie?” (Isaiah 44:20) Fresh conviction washes over me like a storm! How many times have I fed on ashes instead of feasting on the life-giving Word of God? How many times has my deluded heart misled me? How many times have I tried to save myself? Too many times, each time requiring the powerful and merciful hand of God.
I could fall on my face, right now in this moment, and praise God for all eternity for awakening me to say, “This thing in my right hand is a lie.” I can remember many instances, but one more recent, that I held on with a virtual death grip. But I also remember the harrowing moment God opened my eyes and refocused my heart to what lie I had believed. I cried for days.
I had allowed myself to believe a lie and saw it as good. My heart, handicapped by malnourishment, had deluded me. Although, I would never have acknowledged this at the time, I had bowed down and worshiped that sin, finding pleasure in the midst of its destructiveness. My only consolation in my idolatry and sinfulness is that I finally allowed God to loosen my fingers and peel away my hand. Now I am striving to hold tightly to God outstretched and unwavering hand. Yes, I plunged to the darkest depths to discover satisfaction. Sadly, I often learn things the hard way. I pray to settle for nothing less the rest of my days. I am very aware of Satan’s pattern and technique to constantly cast temptations and idols before me- I hope never to forget again that I can fall!!
Only God can satisfy. He is the truth that sets us free. We have to ask ourselves, if we are holding anything in your craving for satisfaction, are we willing to acknowledge it as a lie? Even if we feel we cannot not let go of it at this moment, we need to lift it before God and confess it as an idol. God does not condemn you. He calls you. Will I, will you, open your hand to Him? He is opening His hand to me and you. His arms and hand have always been outstretched for us; He has the scars to prove it J
Isaiah 44:21-22, “Remember these things, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are my servant; I formed you; you are my servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me. I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.” Amen. Thank you Lord for your love and mercy and faithfulness.
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