You may be thinking, I’m sure glad I wasn’t in Israel then! God’s rage seems to have been unleashed. For Isaiah’s audience in Judah, they must be thinking the same thing. Instead, they should be thinking, “Are we next? Are we immune to God’s anger?” For us today, it’s almost difficult to imagine the wrath of God coming down in such a forceful way. We are probably in a bit of denial that our loving God could be so ruthless.
We shouldn’t get too complacent in our comfortable lives. God’s compassion is powerful and strong, but so is his wrath. It isn’t like God just decided one day to be angry at his people. It took years, generations of sinfulness to bring them to this moment. God has given his people one chance after the other to be reconciled to him. In sending Jesus, that was his most loving attempt to bring us back to him. Yet for those who ignore God, turn their backs on him and do things their own way, can we assume his fury will not follow them as it did those people in Israel who have done the same?
Continue reading “Isaiah 9:8-21 – God’s Fury Against Israel”
The prophecy of God’s wrath continues and includes Ethiopia and Assyria. Ethiopia, also called Cush, was controlled by Egypt at the time. They were the large nation to the south, while Assyria was large on the north. You may recall Assyria was also a strong military force at that time.
Let’s pray. Father, you have always meant business and your power surpasses our understanding. You have promised we can have access to that power when doing your will, and I thank you for that great privilege. Forgive me when I misuse the gifts you have given me, or don’t use them at all. Help me to be mindful of how I can help make a difference in this world. May I lead by your example to change the world. May I walk boldly and proclaim without hesitation that YOU are my God and YOU are the one I follow. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
