Reformation Sunday (OTA)

Isaiah 46:8-13

⁸  “Remember this and stand firm, 

recall it to mind, you transgressors, 

⁹  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 not yet done, 

saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, 

and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ 

¹¹  calling a bird of prey from the east, 

the man of my counsel from a far country. 

I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; 

I have purposed, and I will do it. 

¹²  “Listen to me, you stubborn of heart, 

you who are far from righteousness: 

¹³  I bring near my righteousness; it is not far off, 

and my salvation will not delay; 

I will put salvation in Zion, 

for Israel my glory.” 

There is none like God himself.  God alone is the one who kills and makes alive.  God is the one who has provided salvation in Zion.  God is the one who has brought various birds of prey against his people.  But in all cases God asks his people to remember him.

God brings evil men and enemies against even his own people.  He does this in order to punish disobedience.  God has set aside a certain time for all things.  God has set aside a time for violent men to rule in Zion.  But the stubborn people will still not turn their heart toward God.  Do you remember God and take a stand against false teachings and sinfulness?

Isaiah then recalls our attention to the salvation in Zion.  The people of Zion should be saved from their transgressions and sins.  The people of Zion will be redeemed of their disobedience.  God comes to accomplish his purpose.  He does so even by means of violent men and birds of prey.  He offers this salvation to all people through Faith.