Isaiah 8:1-11:16
We camped out in the book of Isaiah, which has been called by some “The Fifth
Gospel,” because there are so many references to Christ. Isaiah was privileged
to share many of the Messianic prophecies with which we are so familiar today.
However, before considering the prophecies of the distant future, let’s
consider the prophecies of the near future.
The Lord continued to warn His people of the impending invasion of the
Assyrian army. Both the nations of Israel and Judah were threatened by this
enemy; though Judah will survive, Israel will not. “With bared fangs, the
Assyrians will devour Israel. In a single day the Lord will destroy both the
head and the tail... The leaders are the head and the lying prophets the tail.
For the leaders of the people have led them down the path of destruction....
For they are all hypocrites, speaking wickedness with lies. But even then, the
Lord’s anger will not be satisfied. His fist will be poised to strike, for
after all of this punishment, the people will still not repent and turn to the
Lord Almighty” (9:12-18).
However, once the Lord used Assyria to judge His people, He promised
to destroy it as well. “Destruction is certain for Assyria. Though it will
enslave My people, plunder them, and trample them like dirt beneath its
feet..., the Lord will turn against the King of Assyria and punish him, for he
is proud and arrogant... The Lord will completely destroy Assyria’s warriors,
and they will waste away like sick people in a plague... The Lord Almighty will
chop down the mighty tree! The Mighty One will cut down the enemy as an ax cuts
down the forest trees in Lebanon” (10:5, 6, 12, 18, 33, 34).
Through all of this destruction and despair, God’s grace is still
evident. He reminded everyone that His promised Messiah was coming.
“There will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles will
be filled with glory. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light — a light that will
live in the land where death casts its shadow... For a child is born to us; a
son is given to us, and the government will rest on His shoulders. These will
be His royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and
Prince of Peace... He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the
throne of his ancestor David” (9:1-7).
Here is another look into the future, “Out of the stump of David’s
family will grow a shoot, yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root;
and the Spirit of the Lord will rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and
understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and
fear of the Lord... In that day, the heir to David’s throne will be a
banner of salvation to all the world...” (11:1, 2, 10).
Daily Reflection
A light to those who walk in darkness, a banner of salvation to all the
world —
praise God for sending His Son Jesus Christ to be the light and salvation of
all. In the midst of Israel’s darkness and depression, these words must have
brought comfort and hope. They still do today.
How have you found Christ to be a light in the midst of your darkness,
a banner of hope in the midst of your distress?
“Do not fear anything except the Lord Almighty... If you
fear Him, you need to fear nothing else. He will keep you safe” (8:11-14).
BiAY.org | Day 175 — 190 Days to Go
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