Justice is hard to truly realize. The reason is because we’re all guilty. Doubtlessly it is one of the most important reasons that God has forbidden us get our own justice or revenge. Today’s reading gives us some reasons to understand why.
“They are coming from a far country, From the farthest horizons, The LORD and His instruments of indignation, To destroy the whole land.” Isaiah 13:5 — Like we talked about yesterday, God often allows bad guys (“instruments of indignation”) to bring judgment on other bad guys, and (as our reading today will remind us again) will allow more bad guys to punish those bad guys — and so forth. The judgment and justice of God that we can see in this world is amazing and wholly perfect; how much more so will it be in the eternal realm, where God will set every wrong, large and small, aright. Christians never need worry or plot their own revenge; God will do much, much better.
“And Babylon, the beauty of kingdoms, the glory of the Chaldeans’ pride, Will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. It will never be inhabited or lived in from generation to generation; Nor will the Arab pitch his tent there, Nor will shepherds make their flocks lie down there.” Isaiah 13:19, 20 — There are so many amazing aspects to this section (vv. 17-22). The larger context of this verse names the Persian empire (which was not yet an empire) as being the punisher of Babylon (which was not yet an empire), who was going to punish Assyria yet (Isa. 14:24-27). Amazing predictive prophecies. But this isn’t even the most amazing part of the prophecy. In this verse is the promise that the city of Babylon after its fall and demise would never be inhabited again. That’s a pretty astounding prediction, since Babylon was very important city in Isaiah’s day and at the height of its empire was the most important city in the world. Such cities don’t just fade away. But this prophecy remains true even to this day!
““For the LORD of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?”” Isaiah 14:27 — Here’s an obvious but important thing to remember, when God says it, it will be no other way. So, what are some of those things that God has spoken and will not be turned back? Those who are in Christ will be saved. All things will work together for good for those who love God. There will be a resurrection of the dead. There will be a judgment and condemnation of the sinful world. Justice will be served. And more. When God says it, there’s never any need to doubt it for a moment, you can take it to the bank.
See you tomorrow, Lord willing.
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About parklinscomb
I'm a minister for the Rock Hill church of Christ in Frisco TX (rhcoc.org) where I've worked since 2020. I'm a big fan of my family, archaeology, the Bible, and the Lord's church.
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Judgment on God’s rod of judgment — Isaiah 13-15
Justice is hard to truly realize. The reason is because we’re all guilty. Doubtlessly it is one of the most important reasons that God has forbidden us get our own justice or revenge. Today’s reading gives us some reasons to understand why.
“They are coming from a far country, From the farthest horizons, The LORD and His instruments of indignation, To destroy the whole land.” Isaiah 13:5 — Like we talked about yesterday, God often allows bad guys (“instruments of indignation”) to bring judgment on other bad guys, and (as our reading today will remind us again) will allow more bad guys to punish those bad guys — and so forth. The judgment and justice of God that we can see in this world is amazing and wholly perfect; how much more so will it be in the eternal realm, where God will set every wrong, large and small, aright. Christians never need worry or plot their own revenge; God will do much, much better.
“And Babylon, the beauty of kingdoms, the glory of the Chaldeans’ pride, Will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. It will never be inhabited or lived in from generation to generation; Nor will the Arab pitch his tent there, Nor will shepherds make their flocks lie down there.” Isaiah 13:19, 20 — There are so many amazing aspects to this section (vv. 17-22). The larger context of this verse names the Persian empire (which was not yet an empire) as being the punisher of Babylon (which was not yet an empire), who was going to punish Assyria yet (Isa. 14:24-27). Amazing predictive prophecies. But this isn’t even the most amazing part of the prophecy. In this verse is the promise that the city of Babylon after its fall and demise would never be inhabited again. That’s a pretty astounding prediction, since Babylon was very important city in Isaiah’s day and at the height of its empire was the most important city in the world. Such cities don’t just fade away. But this prophecy remains true even to this day!
““For the LORD of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?”” Isaiah 14:27 — Here’s an obvious but important thing to remember, when God says it, it will be no other way. So, what are some of those things that God has spoken and will not be turned back? Those who are in Christ will be saved. All things will work together for good for those who love God. There will be a resurrection of the dead. There will be a judgment and condemnation of the sinful world. Justice will be served. And more. When God says it, there’s never any need to doubt it for a moment, you can take it to the bank.
See you tomorrow, Lord willing.
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About parklinscomb
I'm a minister for the Rock Hill church of Christ in Frisco TX (rhcoc.org) where I've worked since 2020. I'm a big fan of my family, archaeology, the Bible, and the Lord's church.