6-23-20 Today in the Word

HOW GOD WORKS THROUGH FAILURE
Tuesday, June 23, 2020 | Isaiah 51:1–6
 
THE UNFAILING NATURE OF GOD

Entropy is the natural tendency for things to become more and more disorganized. The second law of thermodynamics describes it as matter’s tendency to lose energy and decline into disorder when left to itself. My sock drawer is the perfect example of entropy! My neatly paired socks seem to disintegrate overnight into a jumbled collection of random single socks.
Entropy is a property of everything in the universe. Everybody is changing...except God. He doesn’t change; He never fails. This final section of our month’s study contrasts our human weakness with God’s absolutely trustworthy nature. Scripture affirms this again and again: “Every promise [of God] has been fulfilled; not one has failed” (Josh. 23:14). “His compassions never fail” (Lam. 3:22). “No word from God will ever fail” (Luke 1:37). This is why Moses said: “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he” (Deut. 32:4).
Today’s passage asserts: “My righteousness will never fail” (v. 6). God as the speaker in these verses reminds His people of His attributes, including His constancy. The phrase “the rock from which you were cut” describes His choice of Israel as His special people (v. 1). It’s also a prompt to remember God’s faithfulness throughout their history (v. 2). What could they expect in the future? More of the same, because God is the same.
He comforts, shows compassion, and changes bad to good (v. 3). His truth and justice will be seen (v. 4). His righteousness and salvation will win (vv. 5–6). Verse 6 contrasts creation’s temporality with our eternal, unchanging God. Nature, the most permanent thing we know, will “wear out like a garment” (entropy), but God’s “salvation will last forever.”
>> God’s unchanging nature is our rock-solid source of hope. Encourage yourself with this truth today by reading Psalm 62:5–8 aloud. No matter what you’re facing, you can rely on the Lord!
PRAY WITH US
We invite you to reflect on the powerful words from Isaiah in today’s key verse. May God’s eternal salvation, righteousness, and His unchanging nature be your source of confidence and hope.
This month's devotional is written by Dr. Brad Baurain who has worked as a writer and editor for Today in the Word since 1993. Currently, he serves as associate professor and TESOL program head at Moody Bible Institute. Brad has the unique privilege of holding a degree from four different universities (including Moody). He has also taught in China, Vietnam, the United States, and Canada. Brad and his wife, Julia, have four children and reside in Munster, Indiana.

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