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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Isaiah said, “For Yahweh of hosts has planned, and who will frustrate it? And his hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?” (Isa 14:27 LEB). I praise you today as the great God of the universe. No one can hinder your plans, and nothing can defeat your purpose! What you have said, you will bring to pass. Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you told me about Isaiah’s first oracle against Babylon. At the time, Babylon was part of the Assyrian empire, and it did not rise to world dominance until about a century later. Isaiah’s prophecy about Babylon compresses events that are separated by time. Isaiah first spoke of the “Day of the Lord,” the time when your wrath will be poured out on the wicked during the Tribulation (Isa 13:1–16). Isaiah then used Babylon’s coming destruction by the Medes as an example of what that Day will be like (Isa 13:17–22). This was a common practice of the prophets. They used your judgments of Israel, Judah and the surrounding nations as miniatures of your final judgment on the “Day of the Lord.” You also told me about Micah’s indictment of Judah’s wicked leaders, a fitting charge given that Ahaz was still on the throne. Micah predicted that Jerusalem would become “a heap of ruins” because of their sin (Mic 3:12). This chilling prophecy would be remembered almost 100 years later when Jeremiah warned Jehoiakim of the same fate (cf. Jer 26:18). Yet Micah also spoke of Zion’s future exaltation when Jesus would reign as King. Judah’s distress would turn to deliverance, and a righteous ruler would arise to shepherd his flock (Mic 5:4). Where would this King come from? From Bethlehem—“From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel” (Mic 5:2). This was fulfilled almost 700 years later at the birth of Christ. Today’s reading shows me that you are in control of history. You know the end from the beginning, and you are working all things to the glory of your perfect will! Reflection Micah condemned the false prophets who predicted peace for those who gave them food and war for those who didn’t (Mic 3:5). If I allow myself to be motivated by money, it won’t be long before I’m leading people astray and telling them what I know they want to hear. Request Father, help me to love good and hate evil. Fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit. Thanksgiving Thank you for your Son, who is coming again to rule the world in holiness and truth! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” — Charles Wesley. Meditation Verse: Micah 5:4.