Isaiah, 44
6. Thus says the LORD, Israel's King and redeemer, the LORD of hosts: I am the first and I am the last; there is no God but me.
6. Thus says the LORD, Israel's King and redeemer, the LORD of hosts: I am the first and I am the last; there is no God but me.
Chapter 44 of Isaiah begins with a message from God to the people of Israel, reminding them that he is his Creator and Redeemer, and that they should not worship idols or trust in other gods. God promises that he will bless and restore Israel, and that they do not need to fear, for He is with them. Next, five verses related to the topics addressed in Isaiah 44:
Psalm 115:4-7: "Their idols are silver and gold, work of man's hands. They have mouth, but they do not speak; they have eyes, but they do not see; they have ears, but they do not hear; they have nose, but they do not smell. " This psalm describes the idols that people worship, contrasting them with the true God, who is alive and active.
Acts 17:24-25: "The God who has made the world and all that there is, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made by the hands of men, nor is served by human hands, as if needed to Something, for he himself gives everyone life, breathing and all things. " Paul uses this speech in Athens to explain that the true God is the creator of everything and cannot be confined to a temple or image.
Jeremiah 10:6-7: "You are not like you, O Lord; you are great, and great is your name in power. Who will not fear you, O king of nations? Every wise nations, and throughout his kingdom, there is no other way to you. " Jeremiah talks about the greatness and uniqueness of God, which is superior to all other gods or idols.
John 14:6: "Jesus answered him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but for me." Jesus states that He is the only way to know God and have eternal life, reinforcing the message of Isaiah 44 about the need to trust God and not in other gods.
Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his own, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has previously prepared for us to and to and will." Paul talks about our identity as creatures of God, created to do good and glorify him, in line with the message of Isaiah 44 about the importance of recognizing God as our Creator and Redeemer.
“A prática das bem-aventuranças não requer atos de heroísmo, mas a aceitação simples e humilde das várias provações pelas quais a pessoa passa.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
