God’s plan will not be thwarted
Listen to me, O family of Jacob, Israel my chosen one! I alone am God, the First and the Last. It was my hand that laid the foundations of the earth, my right hand that spread out the heavens above. When I call out the stars, they all appear in order.” Have any of your idols ever told you this? Come, all of you, and listen: The Lord has chosen Cyrus as his ally. He will use him to put an end to the empire of Babylon and to destroy the Babylonian armies. “I have said it: I am calling Cyrus! I will send him on this errand and will help him succeed. Come closer, and listen to this. From the beginning I have told you plainly what would happen. Isaiah 48:12-16 NLT
When the Israelites were in exile in Babylon, they established their roots and got used to living in there. But when the time to leave Babylon and follow God, they hesitated. They do not want to leave the materials things they have accumulated. They claim their loyalty to God but when it was time for them to prove this, they prefer to stay in Babylon. Isaiah spoke to the Israelites and reminded them of God’s goodness and grace. He reminded them of the events that will take place and will culminate in the destruction of Babylon. God’s plan will not be thwarted. “I alone am God, the First and the Last” (v. 12b). Isaiah leaves no doubt that the enemy will not succeed. God will carry things forward accomplishing His triumphant glory and will display the redemptive love in the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Israelites want people around them to know that they are the people of God but they are not willing to submit to the will of God. Because of our identification with God, we are expected to live following Him no matter what circumstance we are in. No matter how many surprises life will throw at us, God’s presence will be with us through the Holy Spirit. “And now the Sovereign Lord and his Spirit have sent me with this message” (v. 16b). God will not leave us without any help. That is what it means to be a follower of God. God’s presence is with us.
Blessings,
