"Who Else But God? by Robin Radi
Isaiah 40:12 Who has counted the handfuls of water in the sea,
We humans are haughty with our science and station in life. We scarcely take to ask the mind-blowing questions found in Isaiah 40:12-22. Yet, life has a way of balancing us out. When we hit a time of struggle or despair, or we run out of valid answers to our deepest need, these questions gnaw at the recesses of our mind. “Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him?” (vv. 12-13, NLT).
These questions seem insensitive, even disturbing. But in all truth, at that crucial moment of hopelessness, these philosophical mind-stumpers can actually become a source of comfort. The overwhelming greatness of God brings ease into the hardest circumstances. We are not alone. We are not in charge. He is so incredibly big and awesome, eternal and present. At times my world feels like it is crashing. However, there is someone greater–oh so much greater than me! He is in charge, and He loves me. Sigh. Relief!
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Isaiah 40:12 Who has counted the handfuls of water in the sea,
measured off the sky with a ruler,
gauged how much dust there is on the earth,
weighed the mountains on scales, or the hills in a balance?
13 Who has measured the Spirit of Adonai?
Who has been his counselor, instructing him?
14 Whom did he consult, to gain understanding?
Who taught him how to judge,
taught him what he needed to know,
showed him how to discern?
15 The nations are like a drop in a bucket,
they count like a grain of dust on the scales.
The islands weigh as little as specks of dust.
16 The L’vanon would not suffice for fuel
or its animals be enough for burnt offerings.
17 Before him all the nations are like nothing.
He regards them as less than nothing.
18 With whom, then, will you compare God?
By what standard will you evaluate him?
19 An image made by a craftsman,
which a goldsmith overlays with gold,
for which he then casts silver chains?
20 A man too poor to afford an offering
chooses a piece of wood that won’t rot,
then seeks out a skilled artisan
to prepare an image that won’t fall over.
21 Don’t you know? Don’t you hear?
Haven’t you been told from the start?
Don’t you understand how the earth is set up?
22 He who sits above the circle of the earth —
for whom its inhabitants appear like grasshoppers —
stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
spreads them out like a tent to live in.
***We humans are haughty with our science and station in life. We scarcely take to ask the mind-blowing questions found in Isaiah 40:12-22. Yet, life has a way of balancing us out. When we hit a time of struggle or despair, or we run out of valid answers to our deepest need, these questions gnaw at the recesses of our mind. “Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him?” (vv. 12-13, NLT).
These questions seem insensitive, even disturbing. But in all truth, at that crucial moment of hopelessness, these philosophical mind-stumpers can actually become a source of comfort. The overwhelming greatness of God brings ease into the hardest circumstances. We are not alone. We are not in charge. He is so incredibly big and awesome, eternal and present. At times my world feels like it is crashing. However, there is someone greater–oh so much greater than me! He is in charge, and He loves me. Sigh. Relief!
***
Hymn for Today: "He Hideth My Soul" by Fanny J. Crosby
1. A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
a wonderful Savior to me;
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
where rivers of pleasure I see.
Refrain: He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
that shadows a dry thirsty land;
He hideth my life in the depths of His love
and covers me there with His hand,
and covers me there with His hand.
2. A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
He taketh my burden away;
He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved;
He giveth me strength as my day.
Refrain: He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
that shadows a dry thirsty land;
He hideth my life in the depths of His love
and covers me there with His hand,
and covers me there with His hand.
3. With numberless blessings each moment He crowns,
and filled with His fullness divine,
I sing in my rapture, oh, glory to God
for such a Redeemer as mine!
Refrain: He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
that shadows a dry thirsty land;
He hideth my life in the depths of His love
and covers me there with His hand,
and covers me there with His hand.
4. When clothed in His brightness, transported I rise
to meet Him clouds of the sky,
His perfect salvation, His wonderful love
I'll shout with the millions on high.
Refrain: He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
that shadows a dry thirsty land;
He hideth my life in the depths of His love
and covers me there with His hand,
and covers me there with His hand.
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Thought for Today: Therefore, submit to God. Moreover, take a stand against the Adversary, and he will flee from you.(James 4:7).
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Please pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Romania.
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