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Isaiah 40:25-26, The Holy One

Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today

To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing.
— Isaiah 40:25-26

NL Daily Devotion for Friday, August 23, 2019

by R. Fergus Moir, Clergy Stuff


There simply is no comparison. These two little verses are a part of a long passage in which the prophet speaks words of comfort to the people by extolling God’s greatness. Throughout the next chapters of Isaiah, God will be compared to lots of earthly images: shepherd, warrior, mother, father, friend, potter, redeemer, friend, etc. But here the prophet is clear that what God cannot be compared to is any other god or spirit, idol or the heavens themselves. Only God is God, and Isaiah 40 proclaims God’s unparalleled works.

God has made all the creatures on earth, and knows them by name. That includes you and me—we are created and known by name. What a great comfort that such an awesome and incomprehensible God knows and loves us individually.

Creator God, thank you for calling me by name, and knowing all that I am. Amen.


 
Earlier Event: August 22
Psalm 104: 14-24, God’s Creation
Later Event: August 24
Ephesians 2:1-10, From Death to Life