Crispads

Friday, February 15, 2008

Isaiah, Chapter 32

What would this world be without hope? In chapter 32 of Isaiah, we see another representation and prophesy of the greatest hope the world has ever known: Jesus. Chapter 32 promises that Messiah will come and deliver a kingdom of righteousness. This would set Israel back on the correct path away from the rulers who had grown complacent with the wealth and a false sense of strength. As we have seen in previous chapters, this had caused them to turn away from God as a source of strength. Yesterday we learned the dangers of not relying on that strength. Today we will see why that is a strength.

1 See, a king will reign in righteousness
       and rulers will rule with justice.

 2 Each man will be like a shelter from the wind
       and a refuge from the storm,
       like streams of water in the desert
       and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land.

 3 Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed,
       and the ears of those who hear will listen.

 4 The mind of the rash will know and understand,
       and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear.

 5 No longer will the fool be called noble
       nor the scoundrel be highly respected.

 6 For the fool speaks folly,
       his mind is busy with evil:
       He practices ungodliness
       and spreads error concerning the LORD;
       the hungry he leaves empty
       and from the thirsty he withholds water. – Isaiah 32:1-6

After reading about all the doom and gloom of the previous chapters, this is a welcome relief. It once against shows God's promise to take care of us if we trust Him. This does not always mean things will be perfect. There will be trials we must face, as we see later in this chapter. If we earnestly seek God, however, our eyes will be opened as we are told in verse 3. This is not always a dramatic, eye-opening experience. It is more of a subtle guidance and deep-seated joy in all things. In Tony Dungy's book, Quiet Strength, he describes it as the still, small voice of God.

18 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places,
       in secure homes,
       in undisturbed places of rest.

 19 Though hail flattens the forest
       and the city is leveled completely,

 20 how blessed you will be,
       sowing your seed by every stream,
       and letting your cattle and donkeys range free. – Isaiah 32:18-20

If God can provide peace in an instance such as this, what do you think He can do in your life today? This is an illustration that, even with God on our sides, life isn't always peachy. It is our devotion and our act of faith to continue following and trusting in Him even when things look bleak. Throughout the book of Isaiah, the Israelites are warned of an impending invasion from Assyria. It was going to happen, and in fact did happen. God did not forget His people, however, and He continues to watch over them to this day.

TODAY'S QUESTIONS:

  1. What exactly is God's promise to us in your own words?
  2. How do we grow complacent today?
  3. Do these prophecies still apply today?

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