Isaiah 46

Summary Bel and Nebo - the gods of Babylon fail to provide for and protect people. They are powerless. They must be carried. In contrast, God carries us. God shows his care and compassion for those sucked into worshipping idols. However, he also challenges and corrects. God: God is correcting and teaching his people the right way to live. He can see them failing and He won’t let it persist. God here uses logic and reason to correct. Yet, God also talks about consequences and outcomes - worshipping idols does not increase people, it decreases them. God also states clearly their failure. He is compassionate but not afraid to challenge. We think that following Jesus is only nice and comforting things. God’s desire for us is to reveal our sins and failures and the right way to live. Gospel It is good news that God tells us to listen, to learn, and to live differently. If God speaks it, God also provides everything for his word to be effective. God does whatever he wishes. His wish is to make you whole. Jesus challenged his disciples often in their thinking and behaviour. There was unmeasured love for them, but they knew his challenges were for them to improve for their good. Reflection What do you find difficult about following Jesus? Why do you think it is challenging? Give it to God today.