[A ‘Tuesday Challenge’ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during October 2024]
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God.”
Isaiah 43 v12 [NIVUK]
The words above were part of a ‘Verse of the Day’ earlier this week.[1] What do they mean? What are the implications for us?
First, let us consider the context. This portion of Isaiah’s prophecy relates to the time when the Children of Israel were still in captivity in Babylon but it looks forward to a time when they will be released to return to their own land. However, it is not all good news, there is a rebuke in the latter part of the chapter, a rebuke that occurs in several other places in the Old Testament and one which has a modern day equivalent.
The opening verses of Isaiah 43 are very familiar; they are often quoted when we need reassurance of God’s care for us:
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
Isaiah 43 v1-2 [ESVUK]
The rebuke concerns the people’s paucity of worship. Despite God’s declaration of care for the people, they had been neglecting the sacrifices or treating them negligently. Elsewhere this is described as robbing God. Is there a risk that we too may become so preoccupied with our circumstances that we begin to neglect God and his expectations of us? Do our actions bear witness to our feelings?
The role of a witness is to give evidence. We might think of witnessing in the context of legal proceeding or a news report but basically it is simply one person relating a first-hand experience to someone else. In a court room a witness can appear for the prosecution side or for the defence; the value of their testimony will be judged by their credibility.
The assertion “You are my witnesses” appears twice in Isaiah 43, first in verse 10 and then in verse 12. In the context of verse 10, God’s people are called to join in the prosecution of those worshipping false gods and idols despite the evidence of God’s care and provision. In verse 12 the witnesses are called for God’s defence. Of course, God does not need witnesses for his defence; rather, this is an invitation to show allegiance and be part of the winning team.
We too are called to be witnesses.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1 v8 [NIVUK]
A witness can be animated or reticent, or even refuse to testify. What type of witness are you?
References:
[1] BibleGateway, 08/Oct/2024
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Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys