WHO IS LIKE YOU? ONLY ONE
The prophet Isaiah queried, “To whom will you liken God, or what likeness will you compare with him?” (Isa 40:18). He saw you coming with might, with light––the Sovereign Yahweh with a strong arm to rule, reward, and render recompense. Like a shepherd, you would tend your flock––like a shepherd, gathering, guarding, and guiding even the most fragile. Who, O Lord, can measure the vastness of your sovereignty? All the watery depths you measure in the hollow of your hand; you mark off the heavens with a span; the mountains you weigh because you can. You alone are God. Who, O Lord, gives you counsel? We are small; you are great. Your Spirit moves where he wills. You consult with no one, as if we could help you comprehend. You are the source of all justice, the spring all knowledge, and the shower of all understanding. Like a drop in a bucket or like dust on the scales are entire nations compared with you (Isa 40:10–17). “To whom then will you liken God, and what likeness compare with him?” There is but one.
Behold your servant, Jesus, whom you uphold––your chosen, O God, in whom your soul delights. You have put your Spirit upon him; he will secure justice for the nations. A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully sever all wrong––never weary, ever working for your own (Isa 42:1–4). You who created and sustain all things commissioned him in righteousness and gave him as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations to give sight to the blind, to make right all wrongs, and to give freedom to the prisoner (Isa 42:5–7). For those who need wisdom, he’s the “Wonderful Counselor”; for those who need help, he’s the “Mighty God”; for those who need love, he’s the “Everlasting Father,” and for those who need reconciliation or care, he’s the “Prince of Peace” (Isa 9:6). He is “God with us” (Isa 7:14)––the very “arm of the LORD” (Isa 53:1) who was wounded for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities (Isa 53:5), carrying our rebellion that we may be counted righteous (Isa 53:11). Atonement accomplished and applied, and now he celebrates. He sees his saved offspring and is satisfied (Isa 53:10–11). Those who have seen Jesus have seen the Father (John 14:9). To whom shall we liken you? There is but one. His name is Jesus, and we praise him as the divine, crucified, resurrected, and exalted Messiah, our Savior and our Lord.
––Jason S. DeRouchie (6/21/14)
