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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Praise is truly the language of eternity, for Isaiah prophesied of a day in which a “Highway of Holiness” would lead to your throne. “The ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isa 35:10). I look forward to singing your praises “in that day”! Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you shared with me the conclusion of Isaiah’s “Book of Woes” (Isa 28–33). Isaiah pronounced a woe on those who looked to Egypt for help. Why was it wrong for Judah to seek help from other nations? First, they were trusting in men rather than trusting you. The result would be disaster for both Judah and Egypt. Second, they were violating your command that they should never return to Egypt for military aid (cf. Deut 17:16). Third, and most importantly, they were rejecting your call for repentance. The people of Judah would not humble themselves and admit that their troubles were of their own making. Assyria did not go overlooked—Isaiah pronounced a woe on them as well. As soon as they were done destroying, they themselves would be destroyed (Isa 33:1). You also told me about Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming “Day of the Lord” and the millennial reign of Christ (Isa 34–35). Isaiah spoke of the heavens being dissolved and the sky being rolled up like a scroll, events connected with Christ’s second coming (cf. Matt 24:29). After your judgment on the nations is over, you will transform Zion into a garden. Isaiah said this truth should encourage me and give me the strength to continue in the faith (Isa 35:3; Heb 12:12). I can take comfort in the fact that there is coming a day when righteousness will reign and wickedness will be vanquished forever. Reflection Isaiah repeatedly spoke of the distant future as though it had relevance for the present. I think his point is that your final triumph over evil should make it clear whose side I want to be on. Request Father, be gracious to me, for I wait for you. Be my strength every morning and my salvation in time of distress (Isa 33:2). Thanksgiving Thank you for Isaiah’s encouraging words: “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you” (Isa 35:4). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Sing, Ye Redeemed of the Lord” — Philip Doddridge. Meditation Verse: Isaiah 33:22. |