My Favorite Verses - Vol V (Feb 17 to Jun 17)
An illustrated collection of brief commentaries on some of the Bible’s most beloved (and some of its least understood) passages, parables, verses & sayings
An illustrated collection of brief commentaries on some of the Bible’s most beloved (and some of its least understood) passages, parables, verses & sayings
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Isaiah 40:23 … Homage <strong>to</strong> the Power of God<br />
(04/06/20<strong>17</strong>)<br />
“[The Power of God, that] brings princes <strong>to</strong> naught,<br />
and makes the rulers of the Earth as though nothing.”<br />
~ unknown (Isaiah 40:23)<br />
This is a most important verse if for no other reason than it comes from<br />
“Isaiah II” – the author of chapters 40-55 of the Book of Isaiah -- the Hebrew<br />
Bible author Jesus seemed <strong>to</strong> cherish above all others). Indeed, Jesus either<br />
specifically quotes or directly alludes <strong>to</strong> passages from Isaiah II over 50 times in<br />
the Gospels. And this is no accident, as archaeological evidence <strong>to</strong> date shows<br />
that Isaiah was by far the most popular of the “2nd Temple prophets” (those who<br />
prophesied in the days between the destruction of the first Temple in 586 BCE & the<br />
destruction of the second Temple in 70 CE) … More importantly, the concepts found<br />
in Isaiah II form the foundation for Jesus' entire theology – with Isaiah II<br />
seemingly serving as the inspiration for Jesus‟ revolutionary stance <strong>to</strong>wards<br />
human authorities (see Isaiah 40:<strong>17</strong> + Isaiah 40:23 + Isaiah 41:12 et al), … for Jesus‟<br />
seeing himself as a shepherd for the lost (Isaiah 40:11), … for Jesus encouraging<br />
others <strong>to</strong> “be not afraid” (Isaiah 41:10 + Isaiah 43:5 + Isaiah 44:8 et al), … for Jesus'<br />
message being called a “light <strong>to</strong> the nations” (Isaiah 42:6-7 + Isaiah 49:6 et al), …<br />
for Jesus being the messenger of a New Covenant that transcended the old (Isaiah<br />
43:18-19), … for that message being one of unconditional forgiveness of sins<br />
(Isaiah 43:25-27 + Isaiah 44:22 et al), … for Jesus‟ claim that our true Treasure<br />
resides within us (Isaiah 45:3), … for Jesus‟ teachings on Loving the enemy and<br />
turning the other cheek (Isaiah 50:4-6), … for Jesus‟ summons for us all <strong>to</strong> go forth<br />
and shine the Light of The Way for others (Isaiah 50:11 + Isaiah 51:4 + Isaiah 52:7 et<br />
al), … and for Jesus‟ belief in an all-Loving God and a Joy-filled redemption for<br />
all (Isaiah 55:12-13) … As such, the “power of God who brings princes <strong>to</strong> naught”<br />
mentioned here is – at least as far as Jesus was concerned – The Way of Selfless<br />
Love alluded <strong>to</strong> in Isaiah II – a Way that calls for a Humility that allows “princes”<br />
(i.e. each and every one of us) <strong>to</strong><br />
abdicate their own “power”<br />
(i.e. the inclination we have <strong>to</strong><br />
care first & foremost for<br />
ourselves), and a purity of Love<br />
within our Hearts that<br />
inevitably throws down all<br />
man-made, fear-based “power<br />
structures” -- in all those<br />
moments the same is enlivened<br />
for the benefit of others.<br />
62<br />
Amen ... Let it be so.
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