I am God, and There Is No Other

Text: Deuteronomy 13:1-11

Reflection and Question: It is hard for us to imagine the audacity of Isaiah’s proclamation that the God of Israel is the One God who made heaven and earth. In his time, each people, including Israel, conceived of god as the divine power that protected a particular group. The transition is marked by the shift from “God who hides” to the One who “did not speak in secret.” Consistent throughout is the prohibition against images. God cannot be seen but can be heard and declares through Isaiah, “I, God, speak the truth. I declare what is right.” How do you understand God as One?

Prayer: God of all righteousness and strength, to You every knee shall bow and every tongue shall swear. Not only the offspring of Israel, but of all nations shall triumph and glory in You. Our hope in this Promise sustains us, dear God. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).