Read: Isaiah 45:11-48:11; Ephesians 4:1-16; Psalm 68:19-53; Proverbs 24:3-4
God tells us to ask what is going to happen in the future. He made the earth and put man to live on it. He raised up Cyrus as a type of Jesus. He would rebuild Jerusalem and free God’s people to return home. He will do this freely, not for a reward.
Cyrus would be given the wealth of Egypt, Cush (Ethiopia) and the Sabeans (Iran, Iraq). They will surrender to him and say that his God is the only God. The nations that worshiped false gods will be disgraced, but those who trust in the Lord will be saved.
God did not create the world to be a place of empty chaos like he found it in Genesis. He created it to be inhabited by his people. God calls the worshipers of false idols to come and present their case before him. Who was the one who told them all this would happen? It was not their idols, it was the Lord.
God calls everyone in the world to turn to him willingly, because they will all bow before him whether they want to or not. They will either do it in shame or in worship.
Cyrus brought down the worship of Baal as Chapter 46 says. He defies the worship of idols. God is the only god who declares the end from the beginning. He tells the prophets what will happen in the far future.
In Chapter 47, Isaiah speaks of Babylon’s fall. Their hidden sin will be exposed so all can see. God had given his people into the hands of the Babylonians because he was angry at their rebellion. They showed the Hebrews no mercy and dishonored their elderly. So, two things will come upon them suddenly in a day: the loss of their children and their spouses. They trusted in their sorceries and wickedness and thought they could charm their way out of trouble. Their incantations will be nothing to the Lord. He will burn them with his fire and they will not be able to deliver themselves from his power.
In Chapter 48, God is speaking to his people, Jacob who were rebellious and refused to worship him as their God. They swore by his name and talked about God, but they did not know him in truth or in righteousness. He was going to do something they had never seen before so they couldn’t say that they saw that coming. God would not cut them off, but he would not share his glory with these people.
Many prophets are talking about the “Great and Terrible Day of the Lord” that is coming. This is what we just read about. It will happen in a day. The righteous will be saved but the wicked will be dealt with by God. It will be terrible for them but great for us.
In Ephesians, Paul explains what Christ did when he left the earth. He first went down to hell and led a host of captives to heaven with him. All who were righteous because of their faith in God were raised with Christ. In Matthew, it tells us that some of these resurrected men walked the streets of Jerusalem until Christ rose.
Jesus also distributed his gifts to his disciples on the earth. The made some of the apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some shepherds and some teachers to do the ministry of building up his body on the earth. The goal is for us to be unified in the faith and knowledge of Christ and to mature into the fullness of Christ on the earth. Then we won’t be tossed to and fro by every wave of doctrine that comes along.
Paul admonishes us to speak the truth in love so that we might grow up into him as a healthy body with him as our head.
Lord, may we be led in love. May we be prepared for the great and terrible day that lies ahead. May we not be afraid but excited about what you are doing on the earth. We were put on earth for this time in your story. All praise and glory be to your name.
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