There Is None Else

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Isaiah 45-47.

The prophecy of Cyrus the Great (c.f. Ezra 1:2), actually begins with Isa 44:28 was to be fulfilled some hundred and fifty years thereabouts later! Again, we note that often times, God uses characters from Gentile nations to fulfil his purpose.
The subsequent 2 chapters speak of judgement upon the rising empire of the Chaldeans. (At this point in time, the Assyrian empire was the 'world power' so to speak, though in it's last throes) As great as they were (The Hanging Gardens of Babylon is one of the 7 wonders of the Ancient World), the empire was relatively short-lived, which was again an example of what God raised up to fulfil his purpose of judgement against Judah (c.f. Jer 27:7-22).
Even as Cyrus was well established, king Nebuchadnezzar had to suffer a much more drastic experience, yet at the end of it all, upon coming to his senses and finally restored to his former glory, declared:
"...I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation...I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase." (Dan 4:34,37)

Truly there is none else but God! Declared no less that 5 times in chapter 45 alone by the inspired prophet.
There is none besides because of His power to bless whom He wills, even the pagan kings, to provide bountifully for his children.
There is none besides because of His total control over the elements he has created - the heavens, the earth and all it's host and the powers therein.
There is none besides because all nations are subject to Him and with all other idols can only be confusion.
There is none besides because He is the only God and Saviour, to whom all honour and glory is due, to whom all knees would ultimately bow down, and all tongues confess.

Let us be continually be awed at our One and Only God and serve Him faithfully and fervently.

The Lord bless our weekend ahead!

in Him
Paul


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But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. ~ Revelation 22:18,19