In Isaiah 44-48, God predicts the coming of a king named Cyrus who will defeat the Babylonian empire and allow the people of Israel to return to their land.

And around 200 years later, Cyrus comes, defeats the Babylonians, and allows Israel to return to their land.

God predicts and brings it to pass – that we might believe.

In Isaiah 49, God predicts the coming of His Servant whose words will be like a sharp sword, who will glorify God, and who will labor in vain. This Servant will gather the people of Israel and be a light to the nations. He will be both despised and honored. He will be a covenant for the people.

And around 600 years later, Jesus comes. His words are like a sword that pierce the heart. He lived for God’s glory. He labored among the people, but many didn’t understand or accept him. He gathered many in Israel, and his gospel has spread to the nations. He was despised by rulers, and yet will one day be honored by all. He is a new covenant through whom we can have a relationship with God.

God predicts and brings it to pass – that we might believe.

Cyrus and Jesus came just like God said they would, and they did just what God said they would do. And because God predicts and brings it to pass, our faith is strengthened. We have reason to believe in the one true God. We need not doubt. We need not chase after idols. We can trust Him with our lives. We can trust Him with our future.

God predicts and brings it to pass – that we might believe.