Do you think if you knew the future it would change the way you viewed or lived your life? I know this is basically a hypothetical question, because there is no real reliable way to know the future. However, researcher have studied how a person’s perception, attitudes—positive or negative—as well as beliefs affect a person’s sense of well-being which does influence life choices and outcomes. Although predictions may limit our anxiety about the future, God has created us to have faith and confident trust that he will guide and direct our steps (Pro 3:5-6).
In Isaiah chapter two—written about 740 BC—the prophet has a vision of the future reign of the Lord on Mount Moriah [Jerusalem] (Rev 21). This vision involves Judah [translates praise; thanksgiving] and Jerusalem [translates city of peace; righteousness]; the vision is one of future wholeness and justice with God. Judah, the southern kingdom, and Israel, the northern kingdom, were separated at the time of this vision; a national split. When Isaiah wrote down his vision, these two kingdoms were experiencing a sense of security, but it was artificial. Why? Because the people had abandoned their First Love; therefore, in due time, both kingdoms would face the humbling work of the Lord because of their idolatry.
Isaiah is sent by the Lord to warn both kingdoms; they must return to God. They must heed God’s warnings or they will lose everything. In time, the northern kingdom was captured and defeated by the Assyrians and the southern kingdom was destroyed and the people taken into captivity by the Babylonians. So, even when God sent the prophet Isaiah to warn the people about the future, many chose to remain indifferent to the Word of the Lord.
This nation—the United States of America—needs to return to God, because as a whole we have carelessly abandoned our First Love. As a nation, we have tried to be our own god, live by our feelings and desires, so we are eating the rotten fruit of our unrighteous choices. May we return and humbly bow to the Lord our God, before we face his humbling work—a day of reckoning. “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land” (2 Chro 7:14).
God wants our hearts and our devotion; allegiance to his Word. We cannot say we belong to the Lord [called by his name] and align our lives with this fallen world. According to Scripture, judgment comes “suddenly” like a “thief in the night” (1 Thes 5:2-3). Now is the time to pray and make some serious changes to live in the righteousness of Jesus the Christ. If as believers, we will prudently judge ourselves, we will not receive the disciplinary action of Almighty God or the judgment meant for the unrighteous following the deceptive lies of Satan (1 Cor 11:31).
Isaiah 2:12-17 NLT
12
For the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
has a day of reckoning.
He will punish the proud and mighty
and bring down everything that is exalted.
13
He will cut down the tall cedars of Lebanon
and all the mighty oaks of Bashan.
14
He will level all the high mountains
and all the lofty hills.
15
He will break down every high tower
and every fortified wall.
16
He will destroy all the great trading ships
and every magnificent vessel.
17
Human pride will be humbled,
and human arrogance will be brought down.
Only the Lord will be exalted
on that day of judgment.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for always getting to your children the resources of Truth we need to make wise decisions. You share with us in order to protect us and guide us around the pitfalls created by Satan. You are good, Lord, and we thank and praise you for your pure love for us. Please continue to help us walk in the ways of wisdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.