When you have something you do not want to forget, do you write it on your hand? Some people write things on the palms of their hands; others write things on the back; others don't do this at all.
There is a real danger that we are so familiar with John the Baptist fulfilling Isaiah 40:3 that we lose sight of the staggering implication this has for Jesus.
So France comments:
Think Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.
Think Isaiah 40-46.
Then read the story that appeared on the BBC News website today, entitled Hindu gods [sic.] get summons from court.
That depends on which God you are talking about.
People who embrace a set of views known as “open theism” like to say that God does not know the future (either his own, or that of his world, or both – there are different versions).
I’m reading Isaiah 41-44 again, and am freshly struck by what is here. God sets out one test or characteristic that will distinguish him, the true God, from an idol or false God.
God can tell you what is going to happen; an idol cannot
Here is the test, for example, in 44:7
“Who is like me? Let him proclaim it.
Thanks to Joel Green, commentary on Luke page 136, for this one
The ox knows its owner,
and the donkey its master’s crib,
but Israel does not know,
my people do not understand.
