"Muster up Courage"

Having demonstrated the futility of idol worship, Jehovah now gives his people reasons why they should serve him:  "Remember this, that you people may muster up courage.  Lay it to heart, you transgressors.  Remember  the first things of time long ago, that I am the Divine One and there is no other God, nor anyone like me."  (Isaiah 46:8, 9)  Those who waver between true worship and idolatry should remember history.  They should bear in mind the things Jehovah has done. This will help them muster up courage and do the right thing.  It will help them return to worshiping Jehovah.

This encouragement is still needed today. Like the Israelites, sincere Christians have to fight against temptations and their own imperfections.  (Romans 7:21-24)  In addition, they are locked in a spiritual battle with an unseen but immensely powerful enemy.  The apostle Paul says:  "We have a wrestling, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places." -Ephesians 6:12.

Satan and his demons will stop at nothing to turn Christians aside from true worship.  To wage a successful fight, Christians need to follow Jehovah's counsel and must up courage.  How?  The apostle Paul explains:  "Put on the complete suit of armor from God that you may be able to stand firm against the machinations of the Devil." Jehovah does not send his servants into battle ill-equipped. Their spiritual armor includes "the large shield of faith, with which [they] will be able to quench all the wicked one's burning missiles."  (Ephesians 6:11,16)  The Israelites were transgressors  because they ignored the spiritual provisions that Jehovah had made for them. If they had  reflected on the powerful acts that Jehovah repeatedly  performed in their behalf, they would never have turned to disgusting idol worship.  May we learn from their example and be determined never to waver in the fight to do what is right. -1 Corinthians 10:11.

Next time: Conclusion of "Muster up Courage"

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001