Who Is Like The Lord?

WHO IS LIKE THE LORD? (Outline)

July 22, 2007 -

PENTECOST 8 -

Isaiah 44:6-8

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INTRO: Who is the best? Our nation is obsessed with the best. Just look at the many award shows that seem to flood our airwaves. Every occupation tries to award someone the honor of being the best. There is nothing wrong with being the best. As believers we always try to do our best. We do our best not for the praise of the world but to glorify God. This morning we want to examine why we, as believers, do our best. The Bible abounds with the reasons for every believer to be motivated in living for the Lord by doing what is best. "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below--you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way"(1 KINGS 8:23). Who is like our God? Truly, really, our God is the best. Today’s theme is the question that we will answer with God’s holy word.

WHO IS LIKE THE LORD?

I. Our Lord is the Redeemer, and;

II. Our Lord is the only Rock.

I. OUR LORD IS THE REDEEMER

A. Isaiah was one of God’s prophets sent to proclaim God’s judgment against this disobedient nation.

1. One would note that in the midst of God’s judgment there is also seen God’s great mercy.

2. Isaiah chapter 40 is a chapter of comfort. Chapter 43 introduces the Lord’s suffering Servant.

B. In chapter 44 Isaiah reminds this disobedient nation of Israel that they are still God’s chosen people.

1. The Lord challenges Israel to compare him with their false gods, ver. 7a. “Who is like me?

2. Verse 7b continues God’s challenge to the false gods. Were these gods present at creation?

3. Verse 7c. Let your false gods proclaim the future, accurately. “Who is like me?”

C. Isaiah wants the people to understand that this is the voice of the Lord, not him. Verse 6a.

1. “The Lord says—“ and God’s people are to listen, carefully and paying attention.

2. Verse 6b. Their God is the Lord Almighty, Israel’s King and Redeemer.

3. Verse 6c. From the beginning to the end their Lord God Almighty has not and will not change.

D. Friends this Lord God Almighty, the Creator of the heavens and the earth and everything in it is my God, your God, OUR GOD! We are comforted today in knowing that there is no other God like our Lord God Almighty. Scriptures are filled with the wonderful, blessed titles that convey to us the grace, mercy, and blessings from our loving heavenly Father. You may recall a few of those blessed titles. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Father, Lord, Jehovah are only a few. In awe we rejoice that this Almighty God is a loving God. We almost cannot comprehend the great mercy and love of our heavenly Father. "Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy"(MICAH 7:18). God delights to show mercy!

E. In all the titles and descriptions of God there is none greater than Redeemer. A redeemer is one who buys back that which is held captive. Sometimes the price is small. Sometimes the price is great. In any case, to be set free is the purpose the redeemer. We have been held prisoners of our daily earth-bound living. In the midst of sin we are held captive by sin. "But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe"(GALATIANS 3:22). Who is like the Lord? His Son, Jesus, sets us free.

F. Sadly, today many look at the Lord Almighty as just that. They consider God as a supreme being who makes men jump through the hopes of one disaster after another. Some feel that God wants us to earn heaven by our good works, or worse—good intentions. Hardly. Some question the Lord’s love simply because there is hell. How can a just God send anyone to hell? God does not do that. Man chooses hell for himself. Through disobedience and unbelief those who reject God will have an eternity filled with constant pain and torture. But our salvation – this the Lord Almighty freely provides. "O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins"(PSALM 130:7,8). Our hope is in the Lord, our only Redeemer.

WHO IS LIKE THE LORD?