Read: Isaiah 30:12-33:12; Galatians 5:1-12; Psalm 63:1-11; Proverbs 23:22
The Jewish ambassadors had gone to Egypt to see if they would help them against the threat of the Assyrians. God rebuked them for going to Egypt for help instead of asking his help.
God’s message to his people was that they would find rest and salvation in repentance. He wanted them to quiet their spirits and trust in him and he would strengthen them. They panicked instead and ran off to Egypt.
It is our nature to want to fix things and DO something when God wants us to wait for him. He is gracious and compassionate.
He was waiting for his people to cry to him for help because he had a plan to speak to them and teach them truth. When they heard it they would throw away their idols. Then God will send rain for their harvest and their land would yield fruit and they would be prosperous once more.
God would burn up the Assyrians in his wrath. The ones who went to Egypt for help would die along with the Egyptians. But, the ones who waited in Jerusalem and repented would be shielded by the Lord and protected. The Assyrians would fight a war with God’s heavenly host. They would flee in fear and terror and those left behind would be put to forced labor. Their leader would return home alone.
God spoke of the day when Jesus would reign in righteousness. I always want to put this time in the millennium but it is also now. Jesus is ruling the earth and we, his people, are a shelter for people who are afraid. We are a refuge from the storm. The Church is like streams in the desert and the shadow of the great rock, Jesus, in this thirsty land.
Our eyes have been opened that we can see the things of God and understand their meaning because we have the Holy Spirit. God is bringing his justice to the earth and we will live in peace and security. Jesus is our sure foundation for our times. The fear of the Lord is the key to living in the kingdom.
Paul makes me laugh. He is so tired of the false teachers who are telling the Christians that they need to obey the law and get circumcised. He knows that if the believers fall for this law they will have to follow others and they will end up like the Pharisees before Christ came. His death would be in vain. Paul ends up saying that he wishes the teachers of that lie would just go all the way and emasculate themselves. That is what makes me laugh!
Lord, may we walk in the fear of you and in the security of your kingship. We honor your kingdom.
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