Reading: Isaiah 32-37
Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; He will come and save you (Is. 35:3-4).
The first 34 chapters of the Book of Isaiah have been primarily focused on delivering God’s message of judgment in response to the utter rejection of Him by Israel, Judah, and the world. Although the chapters have been seasoned with promises of hope and restoration for a faithful remnant, they have dealt primarily with the negative consequences of turning away from God. Chapter 35 is written with a different audience in mind. Its verses are intended not as a warning of judgment for those that still need to seek God but as a promise of grace to those who already belong to Him.
The time in which Isaiah prophesied was one of swiftly changing political and religious ideals. The vast majority of the people lived and worshiped according to the will of whoever was king. Even when they paid lip service to the Lord, their allegiance was not to Him but to their earthly king. For those that truly loved and worshiped the Lord, it was a time of fear and uncertainty. They watched the ungodly flourish, and they grew increasingly fearful of the influence and might of the heathen countries surrounding them. Isaiah’s words flowed forth as a balm to their wearied souls. His message was intended to soothe their anxiety and allay their fears. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; He will come and save you.
This message is as desperately needed by today's true believers as it was in the time of Isaiah. We live in a chaotic world filled with violence and questionable morality. News headlines denoting mass shootings, terrorist attacks, and random acts of violence are far too commonplace. Natural disasters and acts of war kill tens of thousands yearly. Fear in the face of this chaos is a natural response, but for children of the Living God, it doesn’t have to be!
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us (Rom. 8:31)? We belong to God, and for this reason, we live in a state of grace. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness (Is. 41:10). No matter what is happening in the world around us, or how much strife and trouble might enter into our day to day lives, we ultimately have nothing to fear. We are in the world, but we are not of it (John 17:14). We are here so that we might share God’s love with others and so that we might, through the light of Christ within us, illuminate the path upon which He can be found. This is not our home, however, and nothing we experience here can permanently damage us. We will one day go home, and the evil of this world will not be allowed to follow. We have God’s promise.
And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life (Rev. 21:27).
Thought for Today: This world will face great upheaval. We may rejoice in that knowledge, for we know it is all a part of God's plan.
Christ Revealed:As the One who, in judgment, wields the sword of the Lord (Is. 34:6). Out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations (Rev. 19:15).
Word Studies: 32:2 covert = shelter; tempest = storm; 32:5 liberal = noble; churl = deceitful; 32:7 instruments = schemes; 32:19 low in a low place = completely destroyed; 33:9 hewn down = destroyed.
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA), Rep. Chip Roy (TX) • Country: Venezuela (28,868,486) Northern coast of South America • Major Languages: Spanish, Indigenous Dialects • Religious Freedom • 96% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; 2% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord in times of trouble; He will shelter you (Ps. 27:5).
Optional Reading:James 2