Isaiah 18-22
First Posted on July 24, 2012


Today we read Isaiah's prophecies about the fall of Israel, Judah, Egypt and eventually Babylon.  I ask myself "what does all this mean to me?"   After all, I didn't live in those times, and while it's nice to know, is it really necessary for me to understand it?    And, (continuing my argument with myself) if it really isn't necessary for me, then why did God make sure that it was included in the Bible?

I come to the conclusion that there must be some value in my knowing the history of Israel.  (of course).
So, today let's take a look at what we know from reading this passage.
1.  Israel was forewarned of the disaster that was about to overtake them.
2.  Instead of crying out to God, they were confident in their own abilities and stockpiles.   They surmised that they would eventually perish, so they had a feast to enjoy their last few days of freedom.
3.  The Lord was watching their behavior, and wanted them to grieve and be repentant.   When they didn't he became even angrier than He was before
4.  These messages came one at a time, over a period of years.   Isaiah apparently walked around in something resembling a thong bikini for 3 years before God told him why he was doing it.
5.  Even though the people tall and smooth skinned who are aggressive and live in a land divided by waters SOUNDS like the United States, it is almost certainly Egypt that is being mentioned.

Having mentioned that last point...  The United States has the privilege and advantage of seeing what happens to a people who reject the Creator.   There can be no argument for ignorance (which is probably why God made sure we have the text).    Looking on a much smaller scale, a family cannot plead ignorance either.   God's laws cannot be ignored without consequences.   We learn from the 10 commandments that God is jealous and isn't willing to share his glory with anyone.   He is not willing to share the credit for what He has done either.   Therefore, when we advocate creation by chance (evolution),  remove prayer from schools and legislate that all religions and beliefs are valid and worthy of respect, we bring judgment upon ourselves.   Perhaps it will take many years to come, perhaps it will come overnight.   But make no mistake, God will not overlook disobedience.    Make every effort to be in a right relationship with Him.

I also find it interesting the manner in which God begins to bring about his judgment.  He confuses the wisdom of the leaders, He causes them to fear even the smallest of things, and He limits the bounty of the land.      In modern times, that would probably look like a high unemployment rate,  broadcasting small events as if they were large ones.  (I was thinking of the flag that someone put on the Brooklyn Bridge to replace the US flag.) and shortages of food because of blight, bad weather, etc.

As my good friend and confidant Pastor Kathy is fond of saying  "I'm just sayin'....."

PR