The Idols of Babylon

ISAIAH       CHAPTER 46

God send the message through Isaiah that the idols of Babylon, Bel and Nebo were being hauled away on ox carts. But the oxen were staggering under the weight. The gods could not protect the people and the people could not protect their gods. They went off into captivity together.

Then the Lord said to all who were left in Israel, that he created them and cared for them since they were born and he would be their God throughout their lifetime. And the Lord said that no one was his equal. Even though some people poured out their silver and gold and hired craftsmen to make gods from it. Then they bowed before these gods. But they have to carry their god around on their shoulders - they cannot even move! And when the people pray to these idols, there is no answer. These idols cannot get anyone out of trouble.

The Lord tells these guilty ones to not forget the things he has done throughout history. For only he can tell what is going to happen before it happens. Everything God plans will come to pass. He says that he will call a swift bird of prey from the east- a leader from a distant land who will come and do my bidding.  Listen to me, says God, for I am ready to set things right, not in the distant future, but right now! I am ready to save Jerusalem and give my glory to Israel.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Cyrus would be the bird of prey from the east who would carry out God's judgment against Babylon. Nebo was the god of science and learning. However, these gods needed animals and people to carry them around.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY?  Just as the Israelites were tempted to waver between God and the pagan gods, we too need the message that Isaiah brought: God has all knowledge and has control over the future. Only God can promise pleasure, comfort, peace and security. We must remain committed to God.

Much of the book of Isaiah speaks of a future deliverance when we will live in perfect peace with God. But he also offers help for our present needs. We do not have to wait for his salvation. Our faith can bring us to the Lord and he hears and sees all that we do and say. Pray to him each day and ask him to deliver us as he did the wavering pagans. In our world today, many of us are wavering. Many are attached to their own modern idols. Pray for those who question. Help spread the word of Christ to those around you and watch it grow .

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:



HEALTH: Pray for Gabe.


Pray for Arlene’s nephew David and for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life.


Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer and for her sister Wanda’s soul which went to heaven.


Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with a form of MS.


Pray for Robert Sargent who is quite ill with lung cancer.


Pray for Gary Summers, my friend from church, who has cancer.


Pray for Judy’s husband who was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Pray for her too, that she can deal with the side effects of his illness.


Pray too for Charly’s husband Robert who is undergoing chemo for his prostate cancer. Update on Robert: he has one more treatment and then three months of waiting for his psat test to come back clean.


Pray for James’s sister Cynthia whose chemo has lost its effect as the cancer grows powerful.


Pray for another friend named Carolyn whose faith remains strong, but is lost and confused about where and how to spend her elder years.


SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary


RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John


LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian


SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.