Certainty in a World of Uncertainty
Certainty in a World of Uncertainty
Isaiah 16-20
“In that day man will have regard for his Maker and his eyes will look to the Holy One of Israel.”
Where do we find purpose, meaning, and security in a geopolitical world that is in the throes of confusion? When we look at the world, it seems as though chaos is ruling the day, and the world’s geopolitical world continues to be in turmoil. When the world was torn apart in WWI, it was touted as the war to end all wars, as world leaders believed that the devastation would lead to a new geopolitical environment where international cooperation would bring an end to such a devastating global conflict. However, before the ink was dry on the peace treaty to end the war, the seeds of international tension were already being sown that would lead to the outbreak of World War II. The idealism of global peace was destroyed by the creation of a bomb that would threat not only global peace, but even global existence. Thus, the United Nations was formed to foster greater international cooperation and peace. However, it, too, proved to be only an illusion, as nations continue to seek economic and political power. With so much turmoil, where do we find security?
The answer lies in Isaiah 16-20. In this section of scripture, we see God proclaiming judgment against the nations surrounding Israel. These were the nations that were threatening Israel and seeking to gain dominance in the Ancient Near East. They were nations that were characterized by idolatry. As we read through these prophetic announcements, we see God warning of impending judgment upon these nations because they had rejected God and turned to their idols. When we read the Bible, the focus is primarily on the nations of Israel and Judah. When they walked in obedience to God, he blessed them with peace and prosperity, but when they rebelled against Him and turned to idolatry, God used the surrounding nations to bring judgment upon Israel. Because of His focus on Israel, we can easily assume that God was only interested in the nations of Israel and Judah. However, in these prophecies, we find that God also exercises His sovereign control over all nations, blessing and judging them according to their obedience to His law. Even though the law was given to Israel, it was the moral mandate for all nations, and so God holds all nations to the same moral and spiritual standard. Just as Israel had forgotten and abandoned God and faced the judgment of God for their sin, so also the nations that surrounded Israel faced the same condemnation. Like Israel, they had “forgotten the God of your salvation and have not remembered the rock of your refuge” (17:10).
In these prophecies, we are reminded of two important truths. First, it reminds us that God is in control of all nations. God controls the geopolitical world, and he governs all nations and leaders. God is not passive in His involvement in the movement of nations today, including the United States. He determines their leaders and the extent of their boundaries (Romans 13:1). Second, He will judge all nations by their obedience to His word. At His first advent, He came as our Savior. However, in His second advent, when He comes in all His glory, He will bring judgment upon all nations (Matthew 25:31-34; Revelation 11:18). This brings both hope and warning. There is hope and security in our world of insecurity because God remains in control. He is still at work in the world, guiding and directing the nations to His predetermined outcome. There is a warning that if our nation continues to reject God and reject His moral law, He will bring judgment upon the nation in the future. If God judges nations in the past, He will do so in the present. However, we influence our nation not through the political process but through the means God has ordained: sharing the gospel with people. How do we change a nation—one person at a time. It starts with us sharing our faith and the hope that we have in Christ. As you pray for our nation, pray for opportunities to share the gospel with one person. Then we will change the nation.
Isaiah 16-20
“In that day man will have regard for his Maker and his eyes will look to the Holy One of Israel.”
Where do we find purpose, meaning, and security in a geopolitical world that is in the throes of confusion? When we look at the world, it seems as though chaos is ruling the day, and the world’s geopolitical world continues to be in turmoil. When the world was torn apart in WWI, it was touted as the war to end all wars, as world leaders believed that the devastation would lead to a new geopolitical environment where international cooperation would bring an end to such a devastating global conflict. However, before the ink was dry on the peace treaty to end the war, the seeds of international tension were already being sown that would lead to the outbreak of World War II. The idealism of global peace was destroyed by the creation of a bomb that would threat not only global peace, but even global existence. Thus, the United Nations was formed to foster greater international cooperation and peace. However, it, too, proved to be only an illusion, as nations continue to seek economic and political power. With so much turmoil, where do we find security?
The answer lies in Isaiah 16-20. In this section of scripture, we see God proclaiming judgment against the nations surrounding Israel. These were the nations that were threatening Israel and seeking to gain dominance in the Ancient Near East. They were nations that were characterized by idolatry. As we read through these prophetic announcements, we see God warning of impending judgment upon these nations because they had rejected God and turned to their idols. When we read the Bible, the focus is primarily on the nations of Israel and Judah. When they walked in obedience to God, he blessed them with peace and prosperity, but when they rebelled against Him and turned to idolatry, God used the surrounding nations to bring judgment upon Israel. Because of His focus on Israel, we can easily assume that God was only interested in the nations of Israel and Judah. However, in these prophecies, we find that God also exercises His sovereign control over all nations, blessing and judging them according to their obedience to His law. Even though the law was given to Israel, it was the moral mandate for all nations, and so God holds all nations to the same moral and spiritual standard. Just as Israel had forgotten and abandoned God and faced the judgment of God for their sin, so also the nations that surrounded Israel faced the same condemnation. Like Israel, they had “forgotten the God of your salvation and have not remembered the rock of your refuge” (17:10).
In these prophecies, we are reminded of two important truths. First, it reminds us that God is in control of all nations. God controls the geopolitical world, and he governs all nations and leaders. God is not passive in His involvement in the movement of nations today, including the United States. He determines their leaders and the extent of their boundaries (Romans 13:1). Second, He will judge all nations by their obedience to His word. At His first advent, He came as our Savior. However, in His second advent, when He comes in all His glory, He will bring judgment upon all nations (Matthew 25:31-34; Revelation 11:18). This brings both hope and warning. There is hope and security in our world of insecurity because God remains in control. He is still at work in the world, guiding and directing the nations to His predetermined outcome. There is a warning that if our nation continues to reject God and reject His moral law, He will bring judgment upon the nation in the future. If God judges nations in the past, He will do so in the present. However, we influence our nation not through the political process but through the means God has ordained: sharing the gospel with people. How do we change a nation—one person at a time. It starts with us sharing our faith and the hope that we have in Christ. As you pray for our nation, pray for opportunities to share the gospel with one person. Then we will change the nation.
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January
Who do we listen to?God's Patience and the Certainty of JudgmentThe Present Implications of the FutureAcknoweldgement, Confession, and ForgivenessThe Mark of a Genuine DiscipleThe Unchanging WordThe Lost ARt of DiscernmentA Life that Pleases GodThe Subtle Danger of Spiritual PrideContending for the FaithThe Judgement of False TeachersKeep Our Faith in a Fallen WorldSecurity in a Insecure WorldThe God who Controls HistoryThe Terrifying Majesty of ChristThe Majesty of GodThe Praise of God's JusticeHaving Right Priorities in Life
February
The Autobiography of GodThe God who CreatesThe God who RecreatesThe God Who Gives Us SignificanceThe Blessing of God's PlansTrusting in the Timing and Plan of GodThe God who ProvidesGod's Sovereignty and GraceThe King of Self or the King of KingsThe Exclusive Worship of GodHas God Forgotten?The Wonder of God's Plan and TimingGod's Sovereignty and Forgiveness
March
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April
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May
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