What Makes God... God?

ISA 46:9-10

     9  "Remember the formar things long past,
         For I am God, and there is no other;
         I am God, and there is no one like Me,
    10   Declaring the end from the beginning
         And from ancient times things which have not been done,
         Saying, 'My purpose will be established,
         And I will accomplish all My good pleasure';

Verse 10 clearly spells it out for us. "I can tell the future," states God. In fact, He continues, He has control over it. Let's flip back two chapters, and look at another verse. ISA 44:7

     7  'And who is like Me?  Let him proclaim and declare it;
         Yes, let him recount it to Me in order,
         From the time that I established the ancient nation.
         And let them declare to them the things that are coming
         And the events that are going to take place.

Here God is saying, "if someone else can do it - let him do it."

Here's an open invitation for anyone who wants to be at God's equal to have a chance to step up to bat and prove themselves.

But God continues,... Flip back three more chapters.

  ISA 41:21-23

    21  "Present your case," the Lord says.
        "Bring forward your string arguments,:
         The King of Jacob says.
    22   Let them bring forth and declare to us what is going to take place;
         As for the former events, declare what they were,
         That we may consider them, and know their outcome;
         Or announce to us what is coming.
    23   Declare the things that are going to come afterward,
         That we may know that you are gods;
         Indeed, do good or evil, that we may anxiously look about us and
         fear together.

In verse 23, at line 2, where you see the text "...are gods," the challenge is made.

"Are there any other gods out there? Declare something and bring it to pass."

But, we see God knows the answer. Turn back to Isaiah 44, verse 8.

  ISA 44:8
     8  'Do not tremble and do not be afraid;
         Have I not long since announced it to you and declared it?
         And you are My witnesses.
         Is there any God besides Me,
         Or is there any other Rock?
         I know of none.'"

There it is, in the last line. "I know of none."

For all of time no one has ever been able to do what God can do.

And, interestingly enough, since God knows the future with perfect accuracy, He informs us that no one will ever be able to do what He can do. Interesting twist!

When God tells us something about the future, we call that prophecy.