Day 209

Sovereign over the Nations

Read: Isaiah 10-13

God used Assyria to punish Israel. But the king of Assyria did not realize he was a tool in God’s hands. He was filled with “arrogant boasting” and “haughty pride” (10:12), an attitude which God hates. He thinks he can destroy Jerusalem as he has destroyed Samaria, but God says he is mistaken.

In 10:20 an important concept is introduced, that of “the remnant.” Although the majority of God’s people may be unfaithful, God will always maintain a small faithful group whom he will protect.

In chapter 11 are more messianic promises. The Spirit rested on Jesus (11:2) when he was baptized, and he showed “wisdom and understanding” throughout his ministry. But in 1 Peter 4:14, Peter says that this will also be true of Christians. Messiah or Christ means “the Anointed One,” and to be a Christian is to share in the anointing of the Spirit who filled Christ. What a promise! What a challenge!

When the Messiah comes, the old fears and animosities will be gone (Isa. 11:6-10). Here promises of the return from the exile are mingled with promises of the coming of Christ. The Babylonians who would bring Judah into captivity will be conquered, as in fact they were many centuries later by the Persians. Here is the concept “the day of the Lord” (13:6-9). This is the day of judgment within history and at the end.

PRAYER
Father, we thank you that you have shown us clearly that you rule over the nations. In Jesus’ name. Amen.