The LORD calls the nations and their idols into the courtroom and challenges to bring forth any compelling testimony. Can idols tell what things will happen in the future and bring those things to be? Can idols correctly interpret all of history? Can idols do anything at all? The LORD gives the answer: “No! Idols are nothing, and all who trust in them are an abomination.” The LORD then provides testimony of His own. He is the One who will bring Cyrus as a deliverer of His people; He is the One who sends the herald to announce the good news of salvation. Although idols are a delusion, the LORD is the true God who brings salvation for His people, ultimately in Jesus Christ.

Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, pastor and evangelist at Trinity Lutheran Church in Denver, CO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 41:21-29.

"The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 40-66. Though Isaiah lived one hundred years beforehand, he writes to the people of God in exile in Babylon to assure them that their God reigns and will rescue them through the work of His servant. These promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose work Isaiah proclaims vividly seven hundred years beforehand.