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Isaiah 46:9-10 - The End From The Beginning.

Isaiah 46:9-10 (NKJV) Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,'

Isaiah 46:9, 10 (NIV) Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.

INTRODUCTION

We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us. LS196

COMMENTARY PEARL

The End from the Beginning
   Some people so desperately want to know what will happen in their future. When God speaks of the future, when He tells us of the events that are going to unfold in human history, He knows what He is talking about.
   That's because God can see into eternity. Speaking through the prophet Isaiah, God said, "Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done" (Isaiah 46:9-10 NKJV).
   God knows "the end from the beginning." The arrangement of those words is striking, because it's the exact opposite of the way that humans know history.
   We are limited by time and space and learn about things as they unfold in time, from the beginning to the end. But God says, "I know the end from the beginning. I already know what will happen."
   He is eternal, infinite, perfect, and timeless. Therefore, if God tells us when certain things will happen, we can take it to the bank. When we read Bible prophecy, we can be sure that it is always accurate and that these things will happen just as He has said.
   And not only does God know about the universe, not only does He know about every little bird that falls to the ground, not only does He know every thought that we think, He also searches us and knows us. He knows the intimate details of our lives.
   The psalmist David wrote, "O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me" (Psalm 139:1 NLT). The word "examined" in the original language means "to pierce through." We sometimes speak of seeing through a person, meaning we know someone's real intentions. In God's case, this is literally true. And on more than one occasion, this was a source of particular irritation for people around Jesus because He could read their minds.
   He read the minds of His disciples. And He reads our minds today. We must remember, as the adage says, that Jesus is the unseen listener to every conversation. He is the unseen guest at every table. There He is, taking it all in, aware of everything.
   Sometimes we forget things, but God doesn't forget anything, except that He chooses to "never again remember [our] sins" (Hebrews 8:12 NLT). He has knowledge of all things. Now, if you're trying to run from God, that is a cause for concern. It means that your efforts will meet with failure. But if you're walking with God, that brings great comfort, because that means you never will be alone.
   David went on to say, "You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head" (Psalm 139:5 NLT). Or, as the New King James Version puts it, "You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me."
   God hedges us in on every side. He is there, watching us and taking care of us. [Greg Laurie from Harvest Ministries; https://www.harvestdaily.com]

COMMENTARY

Call To Mind
   Remember. God wants us to call to mind who he is and what he has done. He wants us to take our eyes off our everyday circumstances to look up and look back. He wants to completely reshape our thoughts as we remember what he has done for us over the course of our lives. Recall those things, and be grateful for them. It's so easy to forget these past kindnesses and think only of current needs, but he wants us to remember.
   Even more, he wants us to remember the things he did before we were born: calling Israel to be his chosen people and shaping a family into which the Savior could be born; sending Jesus to live on earth as a man like us; allowing Jesus to be killed for our sins; raising Jesus from the dead. When we call these mighty acts to mind, we are assured that he alone is God.
   What do you need to remember today about God's deeds?
   Remembering what God has done will remind us that God has more than enough goodness and power to help us reach our goals. [The Daniel Plan 365-Day Devotional]

God Ordains Or Permits Events For His Good Purpose
   Though we cannot fully comprehend what He is doing in each incident, every disaster is a wake-up call for humanity. He is alerting us of the need to repent - so the lost can be saved and the saved can be revived to live totally for Him. Catastrophes open our ears to hear from the Lord.
   The One who loves us perfectly is in full control, working everything out according to His good purpose. Knowing this should fill us with hope, even in the midst of crisis situations. The Lord even promises to turn disaster to good for those who "are called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28). [In Touch Daily Devotional by Charles Stanley at www.intouch.org]

CLOSING THOUGHT

   My friend Judy loves mystery novels. But here's the catch. To determine whether or not she will buy a book, she stands in the bookstore and reads the last few pages to see how it turns out. If it has a "good" ending, she'll buy it. But what about the mystery? What about solving the puzzle? She doesn't care about that; she simply refuses to invest time in a story with a disappointing ending.
   When it comes to the story of our world and our destiny as Christians, we can look ahead in the book of Revelation to see how it all ends. Sin, death, and Satan are defeated forever. It's a very happy ending. And God tells us all about it. Today's Scripture reads, "I am God ... I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come." We know the ending to the story; we don't have to wonder. It's the promise of heaven, a glorified body, and joy forever.
   Lord, there are so many mysteries in life as it is. But it fills me with joy to realize my eternal destiny isn't one of them. How joyous, how glorious to think about the new heavens and a new, restored earth! Thank You, Jesus, for salvation. Thank You for including me in Your eternal plan. [A Spectacle of Glory by Joni Eareckson Tada and Larry Libby]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Proverbs 19:21 - Make Plans According to Gods Will for His Purpose Will Prevail.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220819-0959.html

Isaiah 14:24 - God is Sovereign.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2010/20100915-1237.html

Isaiah 40:8 - Gods Word Is Eternal!
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220730-0846.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/