Behold Your God!
Today’s Verse:
O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! ~Isaiah 40:9
A.W. Tozer has written books that have been very helpful in giving us incredible insight and increased devotion on our God. In one of his quotes, he said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” What comes to your mind when God is mentioned? Many ignorant people blaspheme God by calling Him the “man upstairs,” or “a cosmic force.” Another quote by Tozer says, “I want the presence of God Himself, or I don’t want anything at all to do with religion… I want all that God has or I don’t want any.” He is stating that anything less than God is a cheap substitute and unacceptable. Isaiah needed to correct unacceptable thinking about God. He challenges us to know God by the exclamation, “Behold your God!”
We see a God who has pity.
“Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.” Israel would be oppressed by the barbaric Assyrians because of their idolatrous practices. God chastened His people to bring them back to Himself. As He looked at their suffering and losses, God called on His messengers to give them comfort. God’s Word is a comfort to us in our times of sorrow and heartache. God reserves for us His songs in the night. God gives us the right word of encouragement when it is needed most. God speaks to us in that still small voice. He pities us with forgiveness and words that restore.
We see a God who is powerful.
“Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.” God showed Himself strong against the Assyrians when King Hezekiah was on the throne of Judah. In one night, the angel of God swept through their camp and 185,000 Assyrian soldiers died in their sleep. God did this with a strong hand and His ruling arm. The strong hand and ruling arm encourage us that God is mighty, powerful, unmatched, and unconquerable. The very thought of God being powerful brings to mind the parting of the Red Sea, the defeat of the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, the parting of the Jordan River, and the victories Gideon and Elijah accomplished. Never forget we have a mighty God!
We see a God who is protective.
“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” The metaphor of a shepherd reminds us that God is Jehovah Rohi, the Lord our Shepherd. He is the Great Shepherd of the sheep Who makes us perfect and complete to do all the will of God. He holds us in His arms. He leads us into green pastures and beside the still waters to feed our souls. He is gentle and kind with us, even when we are erring. His rod and staff comfort us. He anoints our heads with oil. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our life.
We see a God who is personal.
“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” He meets us at our point of need and gives us strength and power. He undertakes for our weaknesses. He does not leave us languishing. He knows when we have exerted all of our energy and need a fresh infusion of help. He is personal! He comes to us and lovingly provides.
“Behold your God!” Let God arise in your soul and circumstances. Let His attributes bring you closer to Him and for Him.
Have an inspired God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Hebrews 1-6