Isaiah
14 reminds me how I have always hated bullies. Bullies are the ones
that pick on people weaker and more defenseless to make themselves
look strong. Having four older brothers I was rarely picked on, and
learned to take care of myself pretty young. I always viewed myself
as a defender of the weak, even though I was never a big guy. In
today’s chapter God once again provides a dual prophesy through
Isaiah, for both near and distant events. The chapter begins, “The
LORD… once
again… will choose Israel and
will settle them in their own land“.
But the prophet adds something important, “Foreigners
will join them and unite with the descendants of Jacob“.
From the beginning God instructed Israel not to intermarry with the
pagan nations around them and every time they disobeyed, idolatry
followed and they turned from God. This is another “last days”
reference. Although some teach God is now through with the Jew, the
Bible says something very different. Isaiah explains, “They
will make captives of their captors“.
I believe God’s mercy will be extended to the remnant that
remains, through His people in the last days. Anyone that repents
will be accepted. With rare exception Israel has been surrounded by
enemies from the beginning, but Isaiah says, “The
LORD has broken the rod of the wicked… in anger struck down
peoples with unceasing blows, and in fury subdued nations with
relentless aggression. All
the lands are at rest and at peace“.
This does not sound like the Middle-East today. Friend, have you
been fighting against God?
Isaiah
continues, “On the day the LORD
gives you relief from your suffering… you will take up this taunt
against the king of Babylon: How
the oppressor has come to an end! All your pomp has been brought
down to the grave“. Isaiah
ties together Babylon with Satan, “How
you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn… you who
once laid low the nations“.
Remember, because of his pride, Satan wanted to be worshiped, “I
will make myself like the Most High“.
“But you are brought down to
the realm of the dead“. In
that day it will be said of Satan and the earthly kings, “Is
this the man who shook the earth and made kingdoms tremble?“.
Everyone cheers when the bully
gets what he deserves!
The
chapter continues with Isaiah making it clear that today is the day
of Man, but the Day of the Lord is coming. “‘Prepare
a place to slaughter his children for the sins of their ancestors…
I will rise up against them’, declares the LORD Almighty.
‘I will wipe out Babylon’s
name and survivors… Surely, as I have planned, so it will be’“.
God’s judgment continues, “I
will crush the Assyrian in my land… His yoke will be taken from my
people“. Isaiah asks all who
will listen, “For the LORD
Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart Him?“.
Almost as if he is talking to
all the spectators, he continues, “Do
not rejoice, all you Philistines, that the rod that struck you is
broken“. Israel was at
constant war with the Philistines, but Isaiah
warns not to take joy in your enemy’s sorrow, “your
root I will destroy by famine; it will slay your survivors…
Howl, you city! Melt away, all you Philistines!“.
Never forget, “The LORD has
established Zion, and in her His afflicted people will find refuge“.
Friend, are you feeling secure in your sufficiency? At the moment
of my decision, God used a kid from my youth to expose my absolute
sin to me. I had attacked a boy in anger and frustration for no good
reason, and continued to alienate him for years afterward. I had
been the bully that I have so often hated. In tears of remorse I
cried out for mercy. Please don’t let pride keep you from seeking
God’s forgiveness. The blood of Christ covers all sin, even yours.