Sunday, June 23, 2013

The Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him?

Isaiah 14:1-32
The Lord will have compassion on Jacob; once again he will choose Israel and will settle them in their own land.
The house of Israel will possess the nations as menservants and maidservants in the Lord's land. They will make captives of their captors and rule over their oppressors.
Describe the Babylon and Satan:
How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, "I will ascent to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God...."But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit.
"I will raise up against them" declares the Lord Almighty. "I will cut off from Babylon her name and survivors, her offspring and descendants," declares the Lord.
The Lord against Assyria:
For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?
The Lord against the Philistines: Wail , O gate! Howl, O city! A could of smoke comes from the north, and there is not a straggler in its ranks.
The Lord has established Zion, and in her his afflicted people will find refuge.
Why?
Morning star: Venus; in Canaanite belief, a god who made a bid to be 'top god'
The very same thoughts brought God's judgment on Babel, Babylon's predecessor.
Assyria's fate is also sealed. Ultimately Babylon will break the power of Assyria.
The date is probably 716 BC. Assyria is in trouble, and the Philistines try to persuade Judah to join them in rebellion. But the Assyrians are far from finished. Worse is to come - and the Philistines are doomed. God's poor and suffering people, however, find safety in him.
God's judgement and compassion both come to the people of Israel and their oppressors. But evil nations are fallen for their sin and violence, the Lord has salvation to those trust in Him.
How?
God's judgement is ready, don't angry to the evil doer, they will fallen to the ground and their behavior will be revealed. Everyone will get the fruit for they have done at the day.  Praise the Lord!




No comments: