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"The Trial of the False Gods" A Meditation from Pastor Rob Snyder

In what is often called 'the trial of the false gods,' the LORD, through Isaiah in chapters 40-48, mocks the false gods of Babylon who do not help their worshipers but rather, are "borne as burdens on weary beasts (46:1)." In other words, not only do the false gods of this world not offer any help, they actually become heavy burdens to be borne. In stark contrast to the false gods, Yahweh, the one true God, reminds his people in a time of great trial that He has borne them from before their birth and he will continue to do so "even to your old age (46:4a)." He goes on, "I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save (46:4b)." Into this stark contrast, Yahweh then asks the most fitting question: "To whom will you liken me and make me equal, and compare me that we may be alike (46:5)?" 

Personally, I have found great comfort in recent days in reading and meditating upon 'the trial of the false gods' as I have been reminded, not only of God's sovereignty, but also of his steadfast love towards his people. In the midst of these uncertain times, we can have great confidence in our God's sovereign care for us; something which the world does not have. This reality ought to drive us to our knees to pray for the lost that they would be humbled and turned to the Lord in repentance and faith. Indeed it is the LORD who makes well-being and creates calamity (45:7a), but He does it with a purpose, proclaiming: "Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God and there is no other (45:22)." As the false gods of this world are exposed, in a time such as this, for their utter impotency, lets rest in the LORD's sovereign care and call others to turn to him as well. 
Lastly, this whole pandemic, with all the economic consequences which follow it, is exposing our hearts for where our treasures truly lie (Luke 12:34). My prayer for our church and the global church is that, because of God's grace towards us, we will be overflowing "in a wealth of generosity," even in a "severe test of affliction (2 Cor 8:1,2)." Just as the Macedonian churches of old begged the apostle Paul that they might give "according to their means.....and beyond their means (2 Cor 8:3)," may God grant us the same generous spirit for the welfare of the church. As a non-staff pastor at Calvary Grace, let me urge you, as you are able, to continue to give for the well-being of our staff pastors and for those in need in our care. In a time when the world is panic-buying and panic-hoarding, this will be a great testimony to the watching world as we give freely because God has so generously given us his Son (2 Cor 8:8,9). 
God bless dear brothers and sisters,
Pastor Rob