We are a data-driven society. We crave information because knowledge is power. We rely on lists that provide tips for improving life and ministry.
Having lots of information can lessen anxiety, but only to a point. God is the source of all knowledge, truth, and wisdom. Yet in Isaiah 44 even God admits to some gaps in knowledge. And when God admits to not knowing something, we do well to take notice. God admits to knowing of no other gods that can compare with the God who belongs to Israel.
In this passage God presses an argument against Israel, taking on all others who offer a counter proposal. God is the redeemer, the first and the last. Can Israel name anyone else worthy of love, praise and devotion? No, they cannot, and neither can God. We have, in the words of a former White House official, "a known unknown." There is no other rock and redeemer to be had.
In Christ Jesus, you are fully known by God. This is more important than any knowledge we can acquire or muster. Safe in the protection of a God who knows us, we need not fear.
Lord of Hosts, you are the alpha and the omega, our rock and our redeemer, may our anxious hearts rest in you, freeing us to be witnesses to your greatness. Amen.
Jason W. Talsness
Pastor, Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, Lawrenceville, Ga.
Master of Divinity , 1997
Isaiah 44:6-8 (NRSV)
6 Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.
7 Who is like me? Let them proclaim it, let them declare and set it forth before me. Who has announced from of old the things to come? Let them tell us what is yet to be.
8 Do not fear, or be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? You are my witnesses! Is there any god besides me? There is no other rock; I know not one.