Isaiah 18:1-23:18
We read several of the prophecies of God’s servant Isaiah, who lived
many decades before the fall of Judah. He was one of those men whom the Lord
sent to warn His people and other nations about their impending doom. However,
what we read today was more than warnings; these prophecies were pictures of
the end. Isaiah pointed to one nation after another and proclaimed its divine
judgment — Ethiopia, Egypt, Babylon, Edom, Arabia, Tyre, even Judah.
Though we have discussed this topic before, it would be good to remind
ourselves of several truths. First, God is the Sovereign of the universe, which includes all
men and nations. Second, He makes the rules for men and nations; they are accountable to Him
for their actions. Third, He is the Judge of all men and nations. Though it may
seem that they may have their way or do as they please, they will answer to Him
in the end. Their judgment is in His hands.
One more principle that becomes crystal clear when reading these
prophecies is this — “blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12). Those nations
that put their trust in the Lord find peace, protection, and provision; those
nations that despise the Lord, do evil in His sight, or seek the help of false
gods and man-made idols, reap the whirlwind.
Take note of Isaiah’s warnings, “The Lord is advancing against
Egypt... They will plead with their idols for wisdom. They will call on
spirits, mediums, and psychics to show them which way to turn... What happened
to your wise counselors, Pharaoh? If they are so wise, then let them tell you
what the Lord Almighty is going to do. The wise men are fools; they are
deluded” (19:1,
3, 12).
“The Lord Almighty called you to weep and mourn. He told you to shave
your heads in sorrow for your sins and to wear clothes or sackcloth to show
your remorse. Instead, you dance and play and sing, ‘Let’s eat, drink, and be
merry. What’s the difference, for tomorrow we die? The Lord will bring disaster
on Tyre, empire builder and chief trader of the world. The Lord Almighty has
done this to destroy your pride and show contempt for all human greatness” (21:12-14; 23:8, 9).
Daily Reflection
What is the attitude of the people of your country towards the things
of God? Do they seek out and worship idols or false gods? Do they put their
confidence in human greatness? How so?
Imagine Isaiah writing a prophecy to your nation. What would he have
written?
Knowing what the Lord did to the nations that Isaiah prophesied about,
what does that make you think about your people? What needs to take place to
avert the coming judgment? Can you play a part in what needs to happen?
BiAY.org | Day 197 — 168 Days to Go
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