Yesterday, I finished with the book of Psalms. What a wonderful book it is with so many truths and so many things that are practical for every day! Today I begin a study in the book of Isaiah. Posts here will probably not be as frequent, simply due to the nature of the book of Isaiah, but I will post as often as possible.
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The first chapter in the book of Isaiah begins by telling about Isaiah's vision. “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.” (Isaiah 1:1)
What did God say in this vision? “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.” (verse 2) Israel was a special people to God, His chosen people. He brought them up out of slavery in Egypt, saw them safely through the wilderness, and brought them to their inheritance in the Promised Land. God also showed His word, His statues, and His judgments to Israel and helped Israel understand them. This is something He did not do for other nations. Psalm 146:19,20 says, “19) He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. 20) He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD.” Now, we all have God’s word, and most of us have copies of it for ourselves. At first, however, God only made His word known to Israel. He showed them His word and taught them what it meant. Paul said, “1) What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? 2) Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.” (Isaiah 1:1,2)
Considering that God gave the great blessing of His word to Israel, what happened? Why was the nation in trouble? Why was it facing judgment and captivity and a time of fear and distress? Isaiah 1:3 gives the answer, “The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.” The nation of Israel was in trouble because they had forgotten God. They did not even consider Him.
What about us as a nation, as a people? Have we forgotten God? Are we facing trouble? Could we be facing more trouble? We can avoid this by turning back to God and acknowledging and fearing Him. God told Ezekiel, “Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?” (Ezekiel 33:11) This was spoken directly to Israel, but turning to God is still the only remedy for any nation. A nation cannot stand in its own strength. Without God, it will surely be brought to distress and destruction.