Isaiah 31-34
Original Post:  July 30, 2014

Three events are mentioned in todays reading.  The impending fall of Israel and Judah, The fall of Assyria (who will eventually be conquered by Alexander the Great), and the final day of Judgement on the earth (the last days).

The theme of our devotions day after day seems to be judgment and justice.   God warns and punishes, and accepts back the repentant.    This account is revealing to us several truths about God.

First, it tells us that God expects obedience, and will punish those who do not follow his directions.   If you are reading along with our chronology, then you know we have discussed this part before.    Secondly it tells us that God isn't just angry with Israel, but with the whole human race.   It isn't just Israel that is arrogant and dishonest...it's everyone.   Israel will serve as an example, but judgment is going to be levied against all people at a later date.   Third, it tells us that God is loving and forgiving, and will not remain angry with his people (or all people) forever.   He will relent, He will forgive and He will restore.   Not only will God restore, but He will make it better than it was before.

I find myself imagining how this lesson is applicable to me.   I have sinned and become aware of it, accepted the reality of it, and believed that by confessing my state to God and asking Him for forgiveness I will be saved.   So what lies ahead for me?   Restoration.   I haven't yet seen all that God plans to do for me, and I won't see all of it until I arrive in heaven.

In heaven, the curse will be lifted, the effects of sin will be erased and the entire creation will return to the original glory that they had before Adam fell.   No, it will be BETTER than it was before, because that's part of what God is showing us here.   It's going to be more than it was originally.    Our bodies were created human and perfect...now they will be MORE.   They will be eternal and perfect.   We lived in a garden filled with human delights.   now we will live in heaven with God himself, filled with spirituals delights.

God told the people who were going into exile that they had a great hope to look forward to, if only they would repent.

The same is true for us today.    Any who are willing to repent, and live in obedience to Jesus will find themselves forgiven and one day glorified.  "made like his own glorious body"   Philippians 3:21

PR