A God of History
Posted by Karah
Pause
Turn off or put away anything that could distract you from focusing on God and His Word. Find a quiet place and sit in silence for a few minutes. Ask God to guide your study and prepare your heart.
Read through Isaiah 44:21-23. As you read, record who is responsible for what action under each of the column headers below.
God’s People God
“I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” —Isaiah 44:22
• Look at what the people are to do in this verse and what God says He has done. How do they compare?
• Originally, this passage was aimed at the people of Judah who were worshiping idols. God wanted to remind them of who they were and Whose they were. Why would this be important?
• To redeem something is to buy it back, to pay the price. What does it mean for God to say that He is the Redeemer? Explain.
Respond
• Mull over this question: If redeeming us was not part of God’s character, where would we find true, lasting hope? Journal your response and praise God for His redeeming character.
• For further study and context of this passage, read Isaiah 44:28-45:6; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; and Ezra 1:1-4. Compare Isaiah’s prophecy about King Cyrus and the fulfillment 100 years later.
Behind the Story
Isaiah was a prophet called by God to speak to the southern kingdom of Judah during a tumultuous time in their history. In this call to redemption, God sought to remind the sinful people of their true identity (His servants, His people) and who He is (Creator, Redeemer). Do you think today’s world needs to be reminded of these things? Why or why not?
The Point
God is a redeeming God. Throughout history He has been working to redeem His people, buying us back from the power of sin.
Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Weekly Devotions