Isaiah 19

Posted on by richlyspeaking

Because of the importance of Israel and its people, and my personal love for The Land, I’m inviting you to join me through the key Old Testament book of Isaiah.  Each day I’m posting some simple thoughts about this complex prophet.

Isaiah 19.

Woe is Egypt! This is so interesting! Another neighboring country who faces God’s wrath.  The Message says: “God has scrambled their brains.” (v15).

But then… “When they cry out in prayer because of oppressors, He’ll send them help, a Savior, who will keep them safe and care for them.” (v 20).

I believe that’s a promise for us as well. When our brains are mush, when there is great fog, when we’re lost, we can cry out to our Abba Father, and He will send us help. He will send us grace and wisdom and joy and peace, through the Holy Spirit. And we will receive His blessing.

“Egypt will come back to God, and God will listen to their prayers and heal them.” (v22, MSG).

God will listen to your prayers and heal you too! And He will bless you!

“On that Day, Israel will take its place alongside Egypt and Assyria, sharing the blessing from the center. God-of-the-Angel-Armies, who blessed Israel, will generously bless them all: “Blessed be Egypt, my people! . . . Blessed be Assyria, work of my hands! . . . Blessed be Israel, my heritage!”” (v24‭-‬25, MSG).

Blessed be you, dear child of God! Even when you feel like you are in a fog, you can trust God to make your way clear again.

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.

Isaiah 8

Posted on by richlyspeaking
Isaiah 8
Because of the importance of Israel and its people, and my personal love for The Land, I’m inviting you to join me through the key Old Testament book of Isaiah.  Each day I’m posting some simple thoughts about this complex prophet.

 

Isaiah 8.

There is trouble ahead for all who oppose God and oppress His people.

“But face the facts, all you oppressors, and then wring your hands.
    Listen, all of you, far and near.
Prepare for the worst and wring your hands.
    Yes, prepare for the worst and wring your hands!
Plan and plot all you want—nothing will come of it.
    All your talk is mere talk, empty words,
Because when all is said and done,
    the last word is Immanuel—God-With-Us.” (verses 9-10 MSG).

For the follower of God’s ways, He is with us. Always. His name is Immanuel. Where have we heard that name before? Just yesterday in Isaiah 7:14 (CEV): “But the Lord will still give you proof. A virgin is pregnant; she will have a son and will name him Immanuel, which means “God is with us.””

And He is! And I’m so thankful for that. Day after day. Month after month. Year after year. Many can offer proof that God has been with them when they least understood or least expected it. He has surprised many, including me, with His grace and provision and protection when I needed it most! He will do the same for you as you trust in Him.

One other note:  there’s a cross reference in verse 11 to the New Testament writer Peter: “Even if you have to suffer for doing good things, God will bless you. So stop being afraid and don’t worry what people may do. Honor Christ and let Him be the Lord of your life.” 1 Peter 3:14-15 (CEV).

God will bless you.

Yes! God will bless you!

 

 

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.