Friday

Isaiah 12:1 founds the prophet speaking for Israel. The "I" in "I will praise you, O Lord..." is probably the nation Isarel instead of the prophet Isaiah. The nation of Israel is praising God for turning His anger away from them and on to Babylon and Assyria. Isaiah 13 reminds us that God Almighty is Sovereign. First, He mustered an army (the Babylonians) to destroy the Assyrians. He now musters an army (the Medes) to destroy the Babylonians. The Babylon with its temples and palaces was a place of beauty. The hanging gardens of Nebuchadnezzar were one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. But now the Lord Almighty will destroy Babylon's pride and glory. It will never be inhabited or lived in through all generations. In our lifetime Iraq tried to rebuild Babylon the Great, but failed. God is Sovereign. Isaiah 14 shows God's compassion on Israel. He will restore them to their land. This chapter also gives us a glimpse of Satan. Isaiah 14:12-15 describes the fall of Lucifer (the morning star). This can be a prophecy completed in Luke 10:18 by Jesus.



Isaiah 14 through 17 continue to show God's sovereign power and reign over all nations. The prophet reveals what God plans to do to the Philistines, Moabites, and Damascus. Each of these nations had been enemies of Israel. The book of Judges through 2 Samuel reveal how much trouble the Philistines had given to Israel. Moab also had been a perpetual thorn in the side of Israel. Damascus, the capital of Aram (Syria), since the days of David had been a frequent enemy of Israel. God makes it known that He will destroy them.



These chapters reflect that God is in control of history. Nothing surprises Him. He moves nations, kings, even armies to do His bidding. As we look at our present situation, we need to always remember that God is on His Throne. It is not by accident that God allows bad things to happen. He uses bad things to grow us - to form us into the image of Jesus. God is more concerned about us becoming more like Jesus than anything else. He will always have that purpose on His radar. If we don't learn what He wants to teach us, He will allow another opportunity to emerge. How are you doing with becoming more like Jesus?