We begin this morning by pausing to recognize and praise the Lord who knows all things; only our self-existent God is Omniscient. I cannot imagine the weight of knowing all things, but it is remarkable to be able to know the One who does. I have to chuckle a bit when people act like know-it-alls; guess they will have a surprise one day when they actually meet the Omniscient One.
God is Truth and he is not hindered, concerned, or confused about who he is or the standard of righteousness he has set for his human creation. He is the Lord—the God of great mystery whom we can never fully understand with our natural minds, but also the God who is as close to us as our very breath. So, we can only imagine how God will one day respond to humanity’s desire and demand for self-autonomy; rather than bow to God’s Omnipotent—all powerful rule. Foolishness for sure!
In our passage today from the Prophet Isaiah, Assyria has been boasting over her military conquest and Israel’s exile. The Assyrians did not realize God was using them to judge Israel and Judah for their apostasy and rejection of God’s moral law. The King of Assyria’s victory over Israel was actually an act of God’s power not Assyrian power. It is unfortunate for the Assyrians, because all the boasting and gloating over their perceived power, was setting them up for a wrath-filled “humbling” from the Lord—God was going to terminate the Assyrian’s existence. Assyria faced God’s wrath first by the decimation of her leadership. Then, civil war finished off the nation.
Yet, hope was found in the remnant of Israel [God’s people] who never set aside their trust. Therefore, God grew that remnant and established his rule with them. There is a reward for remaining faithful to the Lord.
Believers must also be encouraged, because God sent the Righteous One to draw a remnant of people to himself; those willing to surrender to his rule. Christ’s followers are not in danger of God’s judgement, because we live for the King and his eternal Kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy. No matter what is going on in this world, remain faithful to God, because he has promised to be faithful to his own.
Isaiah 10:12-20 AMP
12 Therefore when the Lord has completed all His work [of chastisement and purification to be executed] on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, it shall be that He will inflict punishment on the fruit [the thoughts, words, and deeds] of the stout and arrogant heart of the king of Assyria and the haughtiness of his pride.
13 For [the Assyrian king] has said, I have done it solely by the power of my own hand and wisdom, for I have insight and understanding. I have removed the boundaries of the peoples and have robbed their treasures; and like a bull I have brought down those who sat on thrones and the inhabitants.
14 And my hand has found like a nest the wealth of the people; and as one gathers eggs that are forsaken, so I have gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved its wing, or that opened its mouth or chirped.
15 Shall the ax boast itself against him who chops with it? Or shall the saw magnify itself against him who wields it back and forth? As if a rod should wield those who lift it up, or as if a staff should lift itself up as if it were not wood [but a man of God]!
16 Therefore will the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send leanness among [the Assyrian’s] fat ones; and instead of his glory or under it He will kindle a burning like the burning of fire.
17 And the Light of Israel shall become a fire and His Holy One a flame, and it will burn and devour [the Assyrian’s] thorns and briers in one day.
18 [The Lord] will consume the glory of the [Assyrian’s] forest and of his fruitful field, both soul and body; and it shall be as when a sick man pines away or a standard-bearer faints.
19 And the remnant of the trees of his forest shall be few, so that a child may make a list of them.
20 And it shall be in that day that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more lean upon him who smote them, but will lean upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.
Prayer: Lord thank you for using all things to bring about your plan and purpose for our salvation. We pray for humble leaders across the globe; those who will bow to your wise, powerful, and righteous rule. As believers, we pray for our hearts to remain faithful as we cling to your righteousness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.