Tuesday, December 24 – Isaiah 45, 46 – Additional Reading, Prophets and Kings, Chapter 45, “The Return of the Exiles”

1. How does God demonstrate His Sovereignty? (Isaiah 45:1-5)

2. What does God say about idols in comparison to Himself? (Isaiah 45:9-10, 46:1-4)

3. What does God promise His people? (Isaiah 46:3-4, 8-13)

Commentary and Reflection:

Amid the uncertainty, fear, and shifting circumstances, the book of Isaiah offers a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty. Chapters 45 and 46 are particularly focused on declaring God’s supremacy, the futility of idols, and the certainty of His plans. These chapters tell us about God’s unmatched authority, His purpose in history, and His care for His people.

Isaiah 45 begins by declaring that God raises rulers and nations to accomplish His purposes. He speaks explicitly to Cyrus, the king of Persia, whom God uses as an instrument to free Israel from Babylonian captivity. In verse 1, God calls Cyrus by name before his birth, showing that God orchestrates history according to His divine will.

It can be easy to get caught up in the turmoil of world events, wondering who is truly in control. But Isaiah reminds us that nothing happens outside of God’s will. God raises up and brings down nations and shapes the course of history for His glory and the good of His people. The fact that He can orchestrate such events with precision encourages us to trust in His control over our lives. When we feel uncertain about the future or anxious about the world’s events, we can rest assured that God’s purposes will not fail. He holds history in His hands, and He holds our lives, too.

In Isaiah 45:9-10, God rebukes those who question His authority or try to find power in false gods. God addresses the absurdity of worshiping idols—man-made objects that have no real power. He contrasts the living God with these lifeless things that cannot save. The idols people worship today are different; whether physical statues, modern-day comforts, or other distractions, they cannot protect, guide, or save.

What do we rely on in our lives? It’s easy to fall into the trap of looking to things like wealth, success, relationships, or even our abilities for security or fulfillment. But like the idols of Isaiah’s day, these things will ultimately disappoint. Only God is worthy of our trust and worship. He alone can bear the weight of our hopes, our fears, and our dreams. If you’re facing a season of difficulty, ask yourself: “Am I leaning on anything other than God for my strength? Are there idols in my life that need to be torn down so I can fully trust Him?”

These chapters also show that God sustained Israel through generations and promised to deliver them from captivity, and He also promises to be with His people today. When you face trials, remember that God has not forgotten you. He has carried you, and He will continue to hold you. His faithfulness is not dependent on our circumstances but on His unchanging nature. God’s promises are sure, and His character is unwavering.

As we celebrate Christmas this week and think a little more about what God did for us through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I can’t help to see the power of how Isaiah 46 closes. “Listen to me, you stubborn of heart,
you who are far from righteousness: I bring near my righteousness; it is not far off,
and my salvation will not delay; I will put salvation in Zion, for Israel my glory.”

The ultimate experience of God’s righteousness and salvation is Jesus. As we celebrate Christmas, let us reflect on how God foresaw everything that was going on with Israel and everything about their salvation as well as our salvation. He has brought His righteousness in the fulfillment of Jesus. So may we trust Him with our lives and our hearts. In both chapters, God challenges us to trust Him and to acknowledge His authority. He is not a distant or passive deity but the active and engaged ruler of the universe. He alone has the power to save, provide, and lead us through every situation. May we trust Him with our lives today.

Merry Christmas, and thank you, Jesus, for being Sovereign and my Righteousness.