When a Nation Descends into Chaos
When a Nation Descends into Turmoil
Isaiah 26-40.
“But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord?”
When we read of the prophetic announcements that will come upon Israel, Judah, and the surrounding nations, it often seems as if God is describing our country today. Daily, we pick up the news and see reports of conflict in the streets of Minnesota and across our county. People are looking to politicians (both Democrat and Republican) to solve our nation's problems and provide a moral foundation for society. The same was true of Israel during Isaiah's time. Israel was caught between two superpowers vying for control. The Assyrians to the north and Egypt to the south. Israel was not only between these two nations but also controlled the territory separating them. The nation that controlled Israel held the key territory between these superpowers. Like today, there were two factions within Israel. Some wanted to form an alliance with Assyria to protect themselves from Egypt, while others sought an alliance with Egypt. We see the same dynamic in our country as it continues to face political turmoil. Depending on their political views, some support the Democratic Party, and others support the Republican Party.
However, the problem goes deeper than just political or military alliances. Into the scene walks Isaiah who, and confronts both factions in the nation by pointing out that they were seeking the wrong solution. They were seeking political solutions rather than looking to God and His Word for answers. The reason for the turmoil in the land was not political or military, but spiritual. Human solutions are temporary at best, for eventually both the Assyrians and the Egyptians will lose power and influence, for they too will be judged by God for their rebellion. The same is true for us. When we turn to a political party, we may find temporary respite, but in a few short years, the conflicts will arise again in a new form. Therefore, the answer lies in seeking God and His appointed leader. It is only when Israel turns back to God that justice will prevail in the land (32:25-40). In 33:6, Isaiah provides the answer. The stability and security that the people desired would only come from the hand of God. Therefore, instead of seeking help from the Egyptians or Assyrians, the people are to see the unfailing truth of the law of God (34:16).
The same is true for our nation and our personal lives today. The peace and security that people long for can only come from God. Just as Israel needed to seek God’s word for wisdom in a divided world, so we also need to seek the unchanging message of the Bible for answers to the complex and divisive problems of the world. As we see our culture descend into chaos, where do we turn for solutions? Do we turn to people or to God’s word for moral clarity?
Isaiah 26-40.
“But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord?”
When we read of the prophetic announcements that will come upon Israel, Judah, and the surrounding nations, it often seems as if God is describing our country today. Daily, we pick up the news and see reports of conflict in the streets of Minnesota and across our county. People are looking to politicians (both Democrat and Republican) to solve our nation's problems and provide a moral foundation for society. The same was true of Israel during Isaiah's time. Israel was caught between two superpowers vying for control. The Assyrians to the north and Egypt to the south. Israel was not only between these two nations but also controlled the territory separating them. The nation that controlled Israel held the key territory between these superpowers. Like today, there were two factions within Israel. Some wanted to form an alliance with Assyria to protect themselves from Egypt, while others sought an alliance with Egypt. We see the same dynamic in our country as it continues to face political turmoil. Depending on their political views, some support the Democratic Party, and others support the Republican Party.
However, the problem goes deeper than just political or military alliances. Into the scene walks Isaiah who, and confronts both factions in the nation by pointing out that they were seeking the wrong solution. They were seeking political solutions rather than looking to God and His Word for answers. The reason for the turmoil in the land was not political or military, but spiritual. Human solutions are temporary at best, for eventually both the Assyrians and the Egyptians will lose power and influence, for they too will be judged by God for their rebellion. The same is true for us. When we turn to a political party, we may find temporary respite, but in a few short years, the conflicts will arise again in a new form. Therefore, the answer lies in seeking God and His appointed leader. It is only when Israel turns back to God that justice will prevail in the land (32:25-40). In 33:6, Isaiah provides the answer. The stability and security that the people desired would only come from the hand of God. Therefore, instead of seeking help from the Egyptians or Assyrians, the people are to see the unfailing truth of the law of God (34:16).
The same is true for our nation and our personal lives today. The peace and security that people long for can only come from God. Just as Israel needed to seek God’s word for wisdom in a divided world, so we also need to seek the unchanging message of the Bible for answers to the complex and divisive problems of the world. As we see our culture descend into chaos, where do we turn for solutions? Do we turn to people or to God’s word for moral clarity?
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2026
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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
When Life and Faith Do Not AlignThe Jealousy of GodThe Judgment and Delieverance of GodGod's Provision, Presence and ProclamationSalvation and TransformationA Dwelling for GodThe Righteous and Loving GodPreparing for God's PresenceThe Requirements of a Holy GodThe Sacrifices and ChristThe Holiness of God and the Uncleanness of HumanityPrioritizing GodThe Severity and Grace of HolinessGod's Blessings and DisciplineAproaching God on His Terms
April
A Call to HolinessOpportunity or FailurePride and HumilityA Talking Donkey and a Prophetic JackassTransitions and EmpowermentThe God of JusticeThe Danger of Spiritual ForgetfulnessObedience and the Danger of ComplacencyThe Most Important DecisionThe Test of a ProphetHOLINESS AS A WAY OF LIFEThe ChoiceThe Faithfulness of God and the Fickleness of Man
May
Fear and FaithVictory and DefeatThe Justice and Mercy of GodThe Long Term Consequences of Incomplete ObedienceThe Danger of Spiritual ComplacencyMan's Fickleness and God's FaithfulnessGod's Power on DisplayUnlikely HeroesThe Danger of Self-delusionThe Grace and Holiness of godThe Danger of Cultural AccommodationThe Failure of Disobedience20/20 Spiritual VisionWhenn Life Does Not Go as PlannedFaith, Fear, and Divine ProtectionGod's Sovereignty and Humanh FrailtyA Lesson in God's Holiness and Grace
June
Sin, Consequences, and ForgivenessWhen Life Turns DarkThe Power of GraceKeys for Successful LivingA Temple Worthy of GodThe Danger of ComplacencyFear and Faith in a Chaotic WorldSeeking Only What We Want To HearGod's Power on DisplayHow to Change a NationThe Danger of the "High Places"God's Sovereignty Amid TrialsA Superficial or Transformative Faith
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