Isaiah 44:21
In Isaiah chapters 40-49 the imagery of creation is interwoven throughout this prophetic unit. In these chapters Yahweh claims to be the God who is “first” and the One who will also be “last” or with the last (Isaiah 41:4). He is indisputably sovereign, undeniably supreme and irrefutably the eternal Lord of history and nations. In every chapter from chapter 40-49, specific reference is made to Yahweh’s creative ability and genius.
It is with profound interest the reader takes note of Yahweh’s bold claim, expressed in Isaiah 44:24. In fact, this declaration prefaces the inspired, unalterable prediction that Jerusalem will again be inhabited. The exiles shall return to their homeland, and the towns of Judah shall be rebuilt, and the ruins thereof shall be restored. It reads “This is what the Lord says, your redeemer who formed you in the womb, I am the Lord, who has made all things, who above stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself . . .” (44:24).
The prophet hastens to point out it is His God “who foils the signs of the prophets and makes fool of diviners, who overthrows the learning of the wise and turns it into nonsense, who carries out the words of his servants and fulfills the predictions of his messengers” (44:25,26). He reinforces that it is this God who has spoken over Jerusalem. He controls the fate of men and nations. He is superior to all the other man-made gods and idols. Today, I just wanted to remind the church concerning the One who has spoken over us. He is sovereign. His word is inerrant and infallible. That which He has promised cannot ever be demolished or nullified.
This God who has majestically made all things without aid, instructor or counselor indeed reigns supreme over history and the nations (Isaiah 40:12-17). As the prophet contemplates His majesty in creation, he eloquently puts forward some thought-provoking questions for our perusal and consideration. He questions “who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breath of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales of the hills in a balance? Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord, or instruct the Lord as his counselor? Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and taught him the right way? . . . Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they are fine dust” (Isaiah 40:12-15). What a God! What an amazing God, we serve.
The prophet calls upon us to be sure to remember this. He specifically said to his chosen ones – “Remember these O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant; O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me“ (Isaiah 44:21). I trust that as long as we live, we shall never forget whose we are and who we are. Our God is the creator of the ends of the earth! He is the everlasting God – the Lord – the Exceedingly great Creator/Redeemer! He faints not! He never grows tired. There is no searching of His understanding. He gives strength to the weary! Remember, you are not forgotten! Never forget, you are not forgotten! People may forget us, but He never will. People of God, may you always keep in mind you are not forgotten. That is His avowed, unchangeable promise! Never forget this!
Presiding Bishop – Northeast Region
