Isaiah 48 reminds me of a friend growing up that was a genuinely nice kid. He was called a momma’s boy and goody-two-shoes, and teacher’s pet. Boys can sometimes get picked on for not being rough and tough. Sometimes these boys put on a cloak of rebellion to cover their kindness. My friend got caught up playing the role with the wrong crowd and sadly he became separated from the gentle soul God created him to be. In today’s chapter Isaiah writes to both the rotten and the pretenders. He begins, “Listen… you descendants of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel“. Remember Jacob was a sneaky, rotten swindler that literally tricked his father into giving him the birthright reserved for the first born. But also recall that God changed his name to Israel once he accepted God’s promise. I think Isaiah is calling out the ones trying to dress like the cool kids yet be near the blessings. Isaiah says they “invoke the God of Israel but not in truth or righteousness“. When pushed, they “claim to rely on the God of Israel“. It is important to note that God is not surprised by us when we are imperfect. “I foretold the former things long ago… I knew how stubborn you were; your neck muscles were iron… Therefore I told you these things long ago“. Have you been caught role playing?
Next Isaiah points to the reliability of God’s written Word, “before they happened I announced them to you“. People blame bad luck, or give credit to anything but God. Isaiah asks the reader to take an honest look. “You have heard these things; look at them all. Will you not admit them?” Still talking to his twin audience, Isaiah says, “From now on I will tell you of new things, of hidden things unknown to you… You have neither heard nor understood“. Why? “Your ears have not been open“. To the true renegade, He says, “Well do I know how treacherous you are; you were called a rebel from birth“. But do not miss this point, “For My own name’s sake I delay My wrath“. God patiently waits, but he does not ignore. “I have refined you… I have tested you in the furnace of affliction… for My own sake“. God will keep His promises to those who revolt and those who return. “How can I let Myself be defamed?” Is He getting your attention?
The chapter concludes with a warning to all of us with a rebel heart, “Come together, all of you, and listen… The LORD’s chosen ally will carry out His purpose against Babylon; I will bring Him, and He will succeed in His mission“. This is both the nation of Babylon and the place today where those that fully oppose God’s righteousness stand. This is no sneak attack, he is pleading for us to receive His mercy. “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river“. You really can’t be in both places. There is no neutral ground. He is very direct, “Leave Babylon, flee from the Babylonians!” I believe He is inviting all of us to receive His Peace. I also believe this is done by simply asking in faith. Romans 3:22 says, “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe“. Isaiah adds, “Announce this with shouts of joy and proclaim it“. The chapter ends with the other option; the one God does not want you to take. “There is no peace for the wicked“. Please don’t rebel against the love of God.