Isaiah 41:17-29

“Let them try to tell us what happened long ago so that we may consider the evidence. Or let them tell us what the future holds, so we can know what’s going to happen. Yes, tell us what will occur in the days ahead. Then we will know you are gods. In fact, do anything—good or bad! Do something that will amaze and frighten us.” (Isaiah 41:22–23, NLT)

People are fascinated with high profile court cases. We watch them on the evening news, and TV shows are written about them. We understand the need for a working judicial system. How else can we judge the guilty from the innocent and discern lies from the truth?

In this passage of Scripture, the LORD summoned the other gods to court. These were the gods and idols that the people of Judah were worshipping. Were they real gods or merely imposters? God gave them a test. Could they speak? Could they explain the things that happened in the past? Could they predict the things that would happen in the future? Could they even do anything at all—either good or bad?

“Indeed you are nothing, and your work is nothing. He who chooses you is an abomination.” (Isaiah 41:24, NKJV)

The other gods had their day in court, but they were judged to be liars. In fact they were not even real. At best, they were demons impersonating as gods. They could not predict the future nor do anything worthwhile at all.

But a person soon becomes like the god he chooses. Since idols are abominations (detestable things) those who worship them are abominations themselves.

Because the people refused to listen to the LORD and clung to their idols, they would soon be delivered up to the Babylonians. They thought they would be protected from invasion because they had the temple, but King Nebuchadnezzar would destroy the temple, burn the city, and take the people captive into Babylon. Those who insist on believing lies will be given over to the lies they believe. This leads to slavery and spiritual death.

Yahweh, on the other hand, tells us the future and then brings it to pass. Fulfilled Bible prophecy is the greatest evidence we have that the LORD is the only true God. The other great sign is the resurrection of Jesus Christ!

If we truly believe that the LORD is God, then are we obeying Him?