Today’s Tasting: Isaiah 13–17 (NRSV): Isaiah prophecies of the destruction of the nations that were enemies of His chosen people and that He regarded as wicked: Babylon, Assyria, Philistia, and Moab, as well as the city of Damascus.
“See the day of the Lord comes, cruel with wrath and fierce anger, to make the earth a desolation, and to destroy its sinners from it” (13:9).
The rebellious tribes of Israel are also marked for destruction: “For you have forgotten the God of your salvation, and have not remembered the Rock of your refuge” (17:10).
Today’s Nourishment: It’s generally agreed by theologians that these prophecies were all fulfilled in ancient times. So, as I studied these passages for today’s blog, I wondered what the application was for us living in the twenty-first century. I found the answer in this quote from the Matthew Henry Commentary, on chapter 14, verses 24–27: “Let those who make themselves a yoke and a burden to God’s people, see what they are to expect. Let those that are the called according to God’s purpose [see Roman 8:28-29], comfort themselves, that whatever God has purposed, it shall stand.”
This made me think of God’s unchanging nature. He is the same today as He was in Isaiah’s time. Those who hear His Word today and refuse to acknowledge Him as Almighty God will be judged for their rebellion just as surely as those who choose to worship Him will receive their reward.
I’m reminded that the Lamb of God will come again, as the Conquering Lion, to claim His people (see Matthew 24:30-31): “Then all the tribes of the earth will mourn…and He will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”
I hope that as you read this, you’re certain that you are counted among “his elect” because you have placed your hope in Jesus. If you’re not sure, I pray that today you will make a decision to become a follower of Jesus. Please pray with all your heart: “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge my need of a savior, and I believe that you are the son of God, who died on the cross so that I could be saved. Please forgive me of my sins and help me to start a new life as a member of your family. Amen.”
If you did that, I encourage you to do two things today: (1) if you don’t already attend a Bible-believing church, please find one in your area and begin attending so you can hear more about Jesus and begin to grow in your understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ; (2) post a comment at the end of this blog to let us know so we can welcome you into the family of believers and celebrate with you!
Tomorrows Delight: Isaiah 18-22
Joanne Creary
Well Woman Coaching LLC
Leave a Reply