I Am the Lord, and There is No Other

This meditation is based on a passage for January 18, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Isaiah 44:24-45:7

Reflection and Question: What an astoundingly audacious claim that Cyrus (the founder of the Persian Empire, which is toppling the Babylonian Empire) is the servant of the God of Israel! It is as grand a declaration as seeing God as the creator of all things expressed in Genesis and the Psalms. Isaiah adds to this universal power of God the reassuring observation that God is directing Cyrus in this way “for the sake of my servant Jacob, and Israel my chosen.” Imperial power and small Israel are bound together by Isaiah. What does it mean for you that God says here, “Besides me there is no god?”

Prayer: Almighty God, Cyrus did not know that You led him to subdue nations, opening the gates for conquest. Thank You that You make it known to us through the words of Isaiah. It strengthens our faith in Your working, as well, in our world. Amen.