When foreign armies reduced Israel into a thirsty land and a dry ground, it was not easy for her to believe in God's power to save. God comforts his chosen people-don't be afraid-for he will pour out his Spirit on their offspring to revive them, restore them, and bless them so they spring up like grass in a meadow after the rain. The Spirit gives life, quenches our thirst, and deepens our relationship with God.

God alone is Israel's King, Redeemer, and the LORD Almighty who can foresee the future and save his people. He is the Rock. Apart from him there is no other God. But idols are nothing; they cannot hear or answer, for they are fashioned by craftsmen from iron or wood. Idolatry is offensive to God and stupid. God expects his covenant people not to succumb to the idolatry around them but to bear witness to him: the only true God.

The Lord will not forget his covenant people, for he redeemed them and swept away their sins like the morning mist. God asks them to remember what he has said and done and to return to him (21-22). God frustrates the words of false prophets and fulfills all his promises. He even uses Cyrus, king of Persia, to rebuild Jerusalem and its temple.


Application: Lord, take away all the idols from my heart and pour out your Spirit on me to bear witness to you, the only true God, to the idolatrous world.
One Word: "You are my witnesses"