"For it is a day of trouble, and of treading down, and of perplexity by the Lord God of hosts in the valley of vision, breaking down the walls, and of crying to the mountains."
This is a continuing thought from the previous verse 4. Destruction and punishment is in place and at hand. And for us to consider not only what that looked like and meant for Judah and Jerusalem, but also for us today.
For it is a day of trouble - such days are at hand and our eyes of discernment should know this truth; Day(s) of trouble come about for several reasons. 1. Days of trouble come about because of Satan. We see and know that Job was afflicted with multiple days of trouble because of Satan wishing to bring him down. 2. Days of trouble come about because of sin. Sin always produces trouble and vexation of spirit and soul. 3. Days of trouble are allowed to come because God works in the midst of it for His glory and the sake of having men turn to Him in the midst of the trouble. We see this as a natural result so often, that when tragedy and difficulty happens that men cry out to God for help. Whether it is sincere and lasting only the test of time will reveal. For many call out for help in trouble, but as soon as the storm clouds pass, they return to their own folly. 4. Days of trouble come become it purges and purifies His saints and people. Troulbes source matters not at this
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
Isaiah 22:4
"Therefore said I, Look away from me; I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people."
The response of a broken man.
Therefore said I, Look away from me - word study, look; Note the very personal pronouns used to speak here, 'I', 'me'. 'Therefore' begins this verse telling us to look at that which has proceeded it. Destruction has come upon the city. Refuge sought on the tops of the houses to escape. The rulers have ran and fled to get away for sparing their own lives. And because of all this tragedy, 'therefore' is the response of the prophet.
What happens to a prophet that speaks words from God to deliver sinful people; what happens to the man of God that plead with them to hear and obey, only to be refused; what happens to God's man that declares all that shall happen if they don't obey, and now to watch it with their very own eyes? In all these things, it is the saddest of things, 'What might have been'.
Before the destruction and during the destruction they looked to the prophet for his speech. Under Ezekiel, the people gathered to hear him speak, although they never obeyed him. But they enjoyed coming out to see him and hear him. Many have ears to hear, but they never truly hear. 'I heard you', says so many.
'no, you never heard me. For had you heard me, you would have obeyed me.' Thus, they looked at the prophet, but never gave ear and now it is too late. And the prophet cries out, 'Look away from me'. The brokenness of the man is upon him. The strain too great, the tears flowing, the heart rended, all because they would not listen, and now it is too late. In all truth of this situation and that which is too come for many, there is no need to look to the prophet any more. AS if to say, 'Look away from me now, you wouldn't listen before, now it is too late. Go look at your false images, go look to your sins. But don't look at me any more.'
Many scenarios I can imagine for the cry, 'Look away from me'. But these two I believe to be the essence of the meaning.
I will weep bitterly - word study, will; the actions of man taken in 'will' vs. the study when God says, "I will"; There are a few occasions in Scripture that makes me draw to those words, 'weep bitterly': 1. Peter, after denying the Lord 3 times, went out and wept bitterly; 2. Jeremiah, the weeping prophet in the Lamentations, tells that his crying was bitter 'see that there is no sorrow like unto my sorrow'; 3. Jesus beholding the city, 'wept over it' for they did not know the time of their vistiation; 4. Hezekiah, turning his face to the wall after hearing that death was coming, cried with tears and heaviness and begged for more years. And although not each used the strain of 'weeping bitterly' each denotes it was far more than just crying and tears running down our faces. The very fact of weeping bitterly is the result of anguish and deep sorrow of heart and soul.
The response of a broken man.
Therefore said I, Look away from me - word study, look; Note the very personal pronouns used to speak here, 'I', 'me'. 'Therefore' begins this verse telling us to look at that which has proceeded it. Destruction has come upon the city. Refuge sought on the tops of the houses to escape. The rulers have ran and fled to get away for sparing their own lives. And because of all this tragedy, 'therefore' is the response of the prophet.
What happens to a prophet that speaks words from God to deliver sinful people; what happens to the man of God that plead with them to hear and obey, only to be refused; what happens to God's man that declares all that shall happen if they don't obey, and now to watch it with their very own eyes? In all these things, it is the saddest of things, 'What might have been'.
Before the destruction and during the destruction they looked to the prophet for his speech. Under Ezekiel, the people gathered to hear him speak, although they never obeyed him. But they enjoyed coming out to see him and hear him. Many have ears to hear, but they never truly hear. 'I heard you', says so many.
'no, you never heard me. For had you heard me, you would have obeyed me.' Thus, they looked at the prophet, but never gave ear and now it is too late. And the prophet cries out, 'Look away from me'. The brokenness of the man is upon him. The strain too great, the tears flowing, the heart rended, all because they would not listen, and now it is too late. In all truth of this situation and that which is too come for many, there is no need to look to the prophet any more. AS if to say, 'Look away from me now, you wouldn't listen before, now it is too late. Go look at your false images, go look to your sins. But don't look at me any more.'
Many scenarios I can imagine for the cry, 'Look away from me'. But these two I believe to be the essence of the meaning.
I will weep bitterly - word study, will; the actions of man taken in 'will' vs. the study when God says, "I will"; There are a few occasions in Scripture that makes me draw to those words, 'weep bitterly': 1. Peter, after denying the Lord 3 times, went out and wept bitterly; 2. Jeremiah, the weeping prophet in the Lamentations, tells that his crying was bitter 'see that there is no sorrow like unto my sorrow'; 3. Jesus beholding the city, 'wept over it' for they did not know the time of their vistiation; 4. Hezekiah, turning his face to the wall after hearing that death was coming, cried with tears and heaviness and begged for more years. And although not each used the strain of 'weeping bitterly' each denotes it was far more than just crying and tears running down our faces. The very fact of weeping bitterly is the result of anguish and deep sorrow of heart and soul.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Isaiah 21:11
"The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?"
Knowing that this verse is about another place and time, removes it from the importance of today's believer. But every word of God is important and relevant to us today. Let us understand the weight of this.
The burden of Dumah - one of the 12 sons of Isamel; its location and relevance to the geography of Edom; this verse is what we know to be the physical location. Two places of reference and relationship - Dumah and Seir. A more mystical sense of divining the burden of Dumah beyond a regional area and city is that Dumah means, angel. And in the Jewish Zohar, there is an angel that leads 12,000 to afflict lost souls. He is a leader of demons to afflict and damage the earth. Upon your own heart and mind how far you want to intrepret this, but defintely worth taking note of.
We see throughout this section of Isaih the constant message of 'burden'. It is nto a happy message or hope. It is death, destruction and affliction. The burden of this is upon the people, and they shall be removed from the earth.
He calleth to me out of Seir - word study, call;
Knowing that this verse is about another place and time, removes it from the importance of today's believer. But every word of God is important and relevant to us today. Let us understand the weight of this.
The burden of Dumah - one of the 12 sons of Isamel; its location and relevance to the geography of Edom; this verse is what we know to be the physical location. Two places of reference and relationship - Dumah and Seir. A more mystical sense of divining the burden of Dumah beyond a regional area and city is that Dumah means, angel. And in the Jewish Zohar, there is an angel that leads 12,000 to afflict lost souls. He is a leader of demons to afflict and damage the earth. Upon your own heart and mind how far you want to intrepret this, but defintely worth taking note of.
We see throughout this section of Isaih the constant message of 'burden'. It is nto a happy message or hope. It is death, destruction and affliction. The burden of this is upon the people, and they shall be removed from the earth.
He calleth to me out of Seir - word study, call;
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Isaiah 21:6 and 10
v. 6 "For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth."
v. 10 "O my threshing, and the corn of my floor: that which I have heard of the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, have I declared unto you."
I desire to couple these two verses together for the specific purpose of its relevance
v. 6, For thus hath the Lord said unto me - it is the personal pronoun used here in revelation of what the Lord said. How important is the word of the Lord. How needful to hear and know His voice. 'My sheep, hear My voice and they follow Me.' Saul asked in the darkness, 'Is thy voice, my son David?' And we should know His voice. Too many children of God in the churches, babes in Christ are alienated from His voice. Perhaps because of too many others voices in this world seeking to gain their attention. Perhaps they simply are not intimate enough with the Lord and cannot recognize it.
What was the last word God spoke to you? WAs it today, yesterday? or do you have to sit and ponder when you did hear from the Lord? I believe God is speaking all the time, it is only a question of whether we have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches and to us.
The importance of the Lord speaking is our emphasis. He does not waste breath or sounds. There is no vanity in His speech. Every word is important when it comes from the Lord. Oh, how needful to pay attention to His words. They are found in directives, promises, statutes, testimonies, edicts and curses and blessings. LEt us discern the right way of the Lord by hearing from the Lord.
Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth - word study, go; word study, see; The Lord always provides a man to be His prophet. I agree with Ravenhill on the prophet, they are the most honored but the most troubling figure. For generally, the prophet was only in place to give a edict from the Lord for their destruction. I find it a troubling thing to consider that the end is near, when the prophet is revealed. Now a prophet is not only that which tells future events, but also proclaims the Word from the past and present. In essence, a pastor that preaches is a prophet for he is declaring that which shall be. The term in this phrase is 'watchman'. In Ezekiel, we have the weight of responsbility upon the watchman to declare the people the truth.
the phrase here to 'go, set a watchman' is not about men making it their business to call men. There is enough evidence in Scripture about those that was self-appointed or chosen by their peers. None of that was of God and it came to nought.
v. 10 "O my threshing, and the corn of my floor: that which I have heard of the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, have I declared unto you."
I desire to couple these two verses together for the specific purpose of its relevance
v. 6, For thus hath the Lord said unto me - it is the personal pronoun used here in revelation of what the Lord said. How important is the word of the Lord. How needful to hear and know His voice. 'My sheep, hear My voice and they follow Me.' Saul asked in the darkness, 'Is thy voice, my son David?' And we should know His voice. Too many children of God in the churches, babes in Christ are alienated from His voice. Perhaps because of too many others voices in this world seeking to gain their attention. Perhaps they simply are not intimate enough with the Lord and cannot recognize it.
What was the last word God spoke to you? WAs it today, yesterday? or do you have to sit and ponder when you did hear from the Lord? I believe God is speaking all the time, it is only a question of whether we have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches and to us.
The importance of the Lord speaking is our emphasis. He does not waste breath or sounds. There is no vanity in His speech. Every word is important when it comes from the Lord. Oh, how needful to pay attention to His words. They are found in directives, promises, statutes, testimonies, edicts and curses and blessings. LEt us discern the right way of the Lord by hearing from the Lord.
Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth - word study, go; word study, see; The Lord always provides a man to be His prophet. I agree with Ravenhill on the prophet, they are the most honored but the most troubling figure. For generally, the prophet was only in place to give a edict from the Lord for their destruction. I find it a troubling thing to consider that the end is near, when the prophet is revealed. Now a prophet is not only that which tells future events, but also proclaims the Word from the past and present. In essence, a pastor that preaches is a prophet for he is declaring that which shall be. The term in this phrase is 'watchman'. In Ezekiel, we have the weight of responsbility upon the watchman to declare the people the truth.
the phrase here to 'go, set a watchman' is not about men making it their business to call men. There is enough evidence in Scripture about those that was self-appointed or chosen by their peers. None of that was of God and it came to nought.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Isaiah 21:3
"Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold on me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was bowed down at the hearing of it; I was dismayed at the seeing of it."
In verse 1, we have the first words, 'the burden'. In verse 2, 'a grievous vision' is given. 'Burend', 'grievous vision'; do we know how bad the next words are going to be? Or do we simply read over the message that is being declared and given? There is much in this to ponder and glean.
Therefore are my loins filled with pain - 'As a result' of that which has just been pronounced in verse 1 and 2, 'therefore' the direct result will be the following. He gives a description of his own pain and sorrow. He is made to feel the weight of these words of judgment. The prophet, the true preacher, teacher who knows the wrath of God sees the cause effect of sin and rebellion.
Oh, how precious is the blood; how wonderful salvation is; how merciful, gracious and longsuffering the Lord is. But there comes a point, revealed throughout all of history, that when disobedience continued, without a heart of repentance or confession, or sorrow that they had sinned, God responded to them. Many a soul has faced this. Many a family has gone through the valley of the shadow of death. Many a church has languished under the weight of Ichabod. Many a nation has been buried under ground by the wrath of God gone against a people, who would not listen nor obey.
To know these truths, what is the response? Many are like Hezekiah. 'So long as it doesn't happen in my day, I don't care.' This is a very narrow minded, selfish person. ONe who has lost the high consequences of sin. Sorrow! Sorrow! upon our loved ones, upon the strangers, upon whole cities and areas. All because they rejected the word of the Lord, they rejected God. There is a price to pay for such foolishness. Woe unto them that forget God.
And when one has compassion upon others, not for themselves, but others, they will have the pains of sorrow. Here it is expressed in their loins, in their mid section. Upon the thigh area where pain is expressed after running or working out, and the use of these leg muscles are not accustomed to this and the next day, there is much soreness and pain. This comes out of the heart and soul and spirit of a man, to afflict them physically over what is going to happen. Is there any that sorrow? Is there any that hears these words and not only their ears tingle, but their souls are weighed down?
To know that there is coming a time, without the repentance of a nations, that one of us, may have to ask God, 'Will You kill them all?'
Sorrow! watching lives self-destruct. Knowing all along this could have been avoided. Knwoing if they had only sought the Lord, He would have been intreated with them.
In verse 1, we have the first words, 'the burden'. In verse 2, 'a grievous vision' is given. 'Burend', 'grievous vision'; do we know how bad the next words are going to be? Or do we simply read over the message that is being declared and given? There is much in this to ponder and glean.
Therefore are my loins filled with pain - 'As a result' of that which has just been pronounced in verse 1 and 2, 'therefore' the direct result will be the following. He gives a description of his own pain and sorrow. He is made to feel the weight of these words of judgment. The prophet, the true preacher, teacher who knows the wrath of God sees the cause effect of sin and rebellion.
Oh, how precious is the blood; how wonderful salvation is; how merciful, gracious and longsuffering the Lord is. But there comes a point, revealed throughout all of history, that when disobedience continued, without a heart of repentance or confession, or sorrow that they had sinned, God responded to them. Many a soul has faced this. Many a family has gone through the valley of the shadow of death. Many a church has languished under the weight of Ichabod. Many a nation has been buried under ground by the wrath of God gone against a people, who would not listen nor obey.
To know these truths, what is the response? Many are like Hezekiah. 'So long as it doesn't happen in my day, I don't care.' This is a very narrow minded, selfish person. ONe who has lost the high consequences of sin. Sorrow! Sorrow! upon our loved ones, upon the strangers, upon whole cities and areas. All because they rejected the word of the Lord, they rejected God. There is a price to pay for such foolishness. Woe unto them that forget God.
And when one has compassion upon others, not for themselves, but others, they will have the pains of sorrow. Here it is expressed in their loins, in their mid section. Upon the thigh area where pain is expressed after running or working out, and the use of these leg muscles are not accustomed to this and the next day, there is much soreness and pain. This comes out of the heart and soul and spirit of a man, to afflict them physically over what is going to happen. Is there any that sorrow? Is there any that hears these words and not only their ears tingle, but their souls are weighed down?
To know that there is coming a time, without the repentance of a nations, that one of us, may have to ask God, 'Will You kill them all?'
Sorrow! watching lives self-destruct. Knowing all along this could have been avoided. Knwoing if they had only sought the Lord, He would have been intreated with them.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Isaiah 20:6
"And the inhabitant of this isle shall say in that day, Behold, such is our expectation, whither we flee for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria; and how shall we escape?"
The history of this chapter reflects the judgment of God against Egypt and Ehtiopia.
Only 6 verses in this chapter and this verse should speak to us greatly.
And the inhabitant of this isle shall say in that day - word study/phrase, 'in that day'; We hold firm that God knows all things. He knows when that day shall be; we are left to trust in Him that whether it be today or tomorrow or another reference, we know it is certain. We are the inhabitants of this earth. This verse refers to the inhabitants of an isle. But God is speaking to us, just as He spoke to these through His prophet.
What is being said for our instruction, warning, and need of preparation?
Behold, such is our expectation, whither we flee for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria - word study, help;
The history of this chapter reflects the judgment of God against Egypt and Ehtiopia.
Only 6 verses in this chapter and this verse should speak to us greatly.
And the inhabitant of this isle shall say in that day - word study/phrase, 'in that day'; We hold firm that God knows all things. He knows when that day shall be; we are left to trust in Him that whether it be today or tomorrow or another reference, we know it is certain. We are the inhabitants of this earth. This verse refers to the inhabitants of an isle. But God is speaking to us, just as He spoke to these through His prophet.
What is being said for our instruction, warning, and need of preparation?
Behold, such is our expectation, whither we flee for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria - word study, help;
Friday, June 15, 2012
Isaiah 19:16, 19, 21, 23, 24
"In that day"
In these verses of chapter 19 is found the same phrase used 5 times - 'in that day'.
It is one of the most striking 3 words used in scripture. It immediately points us to
God's declaration of that which shall be.
We will take each verse that it is used in to see the directive of the Lord.
v. 16, "In that day shall Egypt be like unto women; and it shall be afraid and fear becasue of the shaking of the hand of the Lord of hosts, which He shaketh over it."
this entire chapter is focused on Egypt. We begin with God's anger toward them and we will see by the end of the chapter, His mercy and restoration. In this verse, 'in that day' points to the day of dread. God is going to send judgment upon them. Judgment in the Old Testament was composed of 4 judgments: sword, famine, pestilence and death. The reference that this day will make them like women is the image of the women being more fearful, weaker and less inclined to fight. God is going to shake His hand against Egypt and cause fear and trembling. It is much in mind to remember the verses of salvation, 'work out your salvation with fear and trembling'. God shakes His hand against the sinner. 'The wages of sin is death'; 'God is angry with the wicked'; 'The wrath of God abides upon the unbeliever'. God's action of shaking His hand can be for favor or reproach. We know here that it is reproach becasue of their sin against Israel and agaisnt God Himself.
Men today are no different. 'The Gospel hath appeared unto all men' and men are left with the opporutnity of invitation. Oh, the wretchedness when SAtan steals such a moment and causes a soul to reject the invitation, thus provoking the God of love and mercy and grace. Afraid and fear are among the people, they dread dying and going to hell, but they refuse to recieve the great gift of salvation.
'Once more shall God shake the earth'. And we see here God shaking His hand against a nation, Egypt. But we know that He shall shake all the earth at the end for its destruction. He has power with His hands to create and to uncreate. This is the most fascinating and fearful study. God will shake men's lives, in their minds, hearts and hopes. He will remove all 'refuge of lies' and strip them down to nothing for their false securities. He will shake the nations and regions with calamaities, economic woes, military uprisings and war. He will shake the lives of a peopel until they are purged from any deception and all will know Who/who they really have faith in. He will shake all the foudnations that we have established and relied on, until we confess that nothing is sure except Thee, O God.
In these verses of chapter 19 is found the same phrase used 5 times - 'in that day'.
It is one of the most striking 3 words used in scripture. It immediately points us to
God's declaration of that which shall be.
We will take each verse that it is used in to see the directive of the Lord.
v. 16, "In that day shall Egypt be like unto women; and it shall be afraid and fear becasue of the shaking of the hand of the Lord of hosts, which He shaketh over it."
this entire chapter is focused on Egypt. We begin with God's anger toward them and we will see by the end of the chapter, His mercy and restoration. In this verse, 'in that day' points to the day of dread. God is going to send judgment upon them. Judgment in the Old Testament was composed of 4 judgments: sword, famine, pestilence and death. The reference that this day will make them like women is the image of the women being more fearful, weaker and less inclined to fight. God is going to shake His hand against Egypt and cause fear and trembling. It is much in mind to remember the verses of salvation, 'work out your salvation with fear and trembling'. God shakes His hand against the sinner. 'The wages of sin is death'; 'God is angry with the wicked'; 'The wrath of God abides upon the unbeliever'. God's action of shaking His hand can be for favor or reproach. We know here that it is reproach becasue of their sin against Israel and agaisnt God Himself.
Men today are no different. 'The Gospel hath appeared unto all men' and men are left with the opporutnity of invitation. Oh, the wretchedness when SAtan steals such a moment and causes a soul to reject the invitation, thus provoking the God of love and mercy and grace. Afraid and fear are among the people, they dread dying and going to hell, but they refuse to recieve the great gift of salvation.
'Once more shall God shake the earth'. And we see here God shaking His hand against a nation, Egypt. But we know that He shall shake all the earth at the end for its destruction. He has power with His hands to create and to uncreate. This is the most fascinating and fearful study. God will shake men's lives, in their minds, hearts and hopes. He will remove all 'refuge of lies' and strip them down to nothing for their false securities. He will shake the nations and regions with calamaities, economic woes, military uprisings and war. He will shake the lives of a peopel until they are purged from any deception and all will know Who/who they really have faith in. He will shake all the foudnations that we have established and relied on, until we confess that nothing is sure except Thee, O God.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Isaiah 19:12
"Where are they? where are thy wise men? and let them tell thee now, and let them know what the Lord of hosts hath purposed upon Egypt."
As God continues to speak against Egypt, we learn of the same fate for all those that set themselves against God. How marvellous is the gift of salvation and the invitation of the Lord to be redeemed; how foolish is those that reject and turn away from Him and this gracious invitation.
Where are they? - great questions of the Bible, there are two in this verse; One of the great questions to be posed for us to consider and answer.
1. Where are they? This reference, of this verse, is where are the wise men to discern what is going on. Where are our wise men to discern what is going on and why?
2. Where are they? A question for us to consider for our loved ones. Where is their relationship with the Lord? Are they saved? Are they walking rightly and holy?
3. Where are they? A question to answer about the dead. The answer is found in knowing what the Bible teaches and instructs about those that die in their sins and those that die in faith of the Lord.
4. Where are they? A question to be answered about our brothers and sisters in Christ and their daily walk, location, devleopment and maturity in the faith. Some grow faster than others. Where are they in their pursuit of God?
A question to be answered more in reference to spritiual position than physcial location.
where are thy wise men? great questions of the Bible, the second one of this verse; Wisdom is of the Lord. Wise men of this earth, are fools before the Lord. The wise men in the Bible came seeking the Christ child. Solomon was wise because he asked of God to give Him wisdom. The only wise man apart from the ones that God imparted wisdom to was the king of Tyrus. He was counted wiser than Daniel, yet he was brought down by the Lord, because he would not humble himself. To be wise in this earth, gain notriety and riches and then lose it all and be destroyed, can not be counted as Divine wisdom. It is the wisdom of this earth, and God shall make it nought. 'The fool hath said, there is no God.' And these wise men of this earth are fools because their ultimate end is destruction and hell.
But let us in seeking wise men, seek those that have been before the Lord. And in those seeking, shall find because it rests in Him. If you seek wise men, then go to the house of the Lord and sit before those who have given time and place to the things of God.
And let them tell thee now - there is a message to be sought for and found; God has pronounced against the wise men of Egypt, that they did not know the day of their visitation. Men do not know the time of today. Judgment is upon us in so many ways, and yet, having eyes to see, they cannot see. If they was truly wise, they would tell the people the truth of our present state. Just as the wise men of Egypt were to be sought for the message of instruction.
In seeking for wise men to be give counsel, let us know where to seek. I have gleaned much from old saints. It is not because they are old, or grey haired. It is because they are filled with wisdom from years of experience and being the presence of God. They exert that anointing that only comes from God. The factor that runs constant with seeking to hear those that are called to 'tell thee now' is the test of time. Consistnecy in walking with the Lord is an absolute mandate of wisdom. It is not haphazard, sporadic, or unfaithful but filled with years, decades of consistency of 'walking with God'.
The ones that don't have anything to tell thee now is the ones that are more consumed with TV, entertainment, sports and hobbies. They waste their time on things of this earth, when we know the command, 'SEt your affections on things above.' Their conversation reveals where they have been, who they have been with and what they have busy about. Their time is invested in earthly things. With that revealed, you know they have not been with God. Therefore, they have nothing to tell you.
note the urgency of telling them - NOW. Not tomorrow, but now. Now is the given time, today is the day of salvation. We have a message for here and now. OUr procrastanation and delay is an offence to God.
And let them know what the Lord of hosts hath purposed upon Egypt - word study, know; The Lord hath a message now to be given, if there be one wise man among them. The relevance of this passage is against Egypt. But change the place to our destination and relevance, it is for us today. 'Let them know what the Lord of hosts hath purposed'.
As God continues to speak against Egypt, we learn of the same fate for all those that set themselves against God. How marvellous is the gift of salvation and the invitation of the Lord to be redeemed; how foolish is those that reject and turn away from Him and this gracious invitation.
Where are they? - great questions of the Bible, there are two in this verse; One of the great questions to be posed for us to consider and answer.
1. Where are they? This reference, of this verse, is where are the wise men to discern what is going on. Where are our wise men to discern what is going on and why?
2. Where are they? A question for us to consider for our loved ones. Where is their relationship with the Lord? Are they saved? Are they walking rightly and holy?
3. Where are they? A question to answer about the dead. The answer is found in knowing what the Bible teaches and instructs about those that die in their sins and those that die in faith of the Lord.
4. Where are they? A question to be answered about our brothers and sisters in Christ and their daily walk, location, devleopment and maturity in the faith. Some grow faster than others. Where are they in their pursuit of God?
A question to be answered more in reference to spritiual position than physcial location.
where are thy wise men? great questions of the Bible, the second one of this verse; Wisdom is of the Lord. Wise men of this earth, are fools before the Lord. The wise men in the Bible came seeking the Christ child. Solomon was wise because he asked of God to give Him wisdom. The only wise man apart from the ones that God imparted wisdom to was the king of Tyrus. He was counted wiser than Daniel, yet he was brought down by the Lord, because he would not humble himself. To be wise in this earth, gain notriety and riches and then lose it all and be destroyed, can not be counted as Divine wisdom. It is the wisdom of this earth, and God shall make it nought. 'The fool hath said, there is no God.' And these wise men of this earth are fools because their ultimate end is destruction and hell.
But let us in seeking wise men, seek those that have been before the Lord. And in those seeking, shall find because it rests in Him. If you seek wise men, then go to the house of the Lord and sit before those who have given time and place to the things of God.
And let them tell thee now - there is a message to be sought for and found; God has pronounced against the wise men of Egypt, that they did not know the day of their visitation. Men do not know the time of today. Judgment is upon us in so many ways, and yet, having eyes to see, they cannot see. If they was truly wise, they would tell the people the truth of our present state. Just as the wise men of Egypt were to be sought for the message of instruction.
In seeking for wise men to be give counsel, let us know where to seek. I have gleaned much from old saints. It is not because they are old, or grey haired. It is because they are filled with wisdom from years of experience and being the presence of God. They exert that anointing that only comes from God. The factor that runs constant with seeking to hear those that are called to 'tell thee now' is the test of time. Consistnecy in walking with the Lord is an absolute mandate of wisdom. It is not haphazard, sporadic, or unfaithful but filled with years, decades of consistency of 'walking with God'.
The ones that don't have anything to tell thee now is the ones that are more consumed with TV, entertainment, sports and hobbies. They waste their time on things of this earth, when we know the command, 'SEt your affections on things above.' Their conversation reveals where they have been, who they have been with and what they have busy about. Their time is invested in earthly things. With that revealed, you know they have not been with God. Therefore, they have nothing to tell you.
note the urgency of telling them - NOW. Not tomorrow, but now. Now is the given time, today is the day of salvation. We have a message for here and now. OUr procrastanation and delay is an offence to God.
And let them know what the Lord of hosts hath purposed upon Egypt - word study, know; The Lord hath a message now to be given, if there be one wise man among them. The relevance of this passage is against Egypt. But change the place to our destination and relevance, it is for us today. 'Let them know what the Lord of hosts hath purposed'.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Isaiah 19:4
"And the Egyptians will I give over into the hand of a cruel lord; and a fierce king shall rule over them, saith the Lord, the Lord of hosts."
And we conclude these first 4 verses of chapter 19 and see the hand of God when it goes out against a people, a nation that has worked against Him and rejected Him.
And the Egyptians will I give over into the hand of a cruel lord - word study, give; word study/phrase, God saying, "I will"; The people are targeted by the Lord - the Egyptians. And God has pronounced future events, that He will give them over to a cruel lord. The previous verses are evidence also that God is set against the Egyptians. They have not been the nation or people that honors Him. They had set themselves against Isarel repeatedly throughout history. And everytime God intervened and worked wondrously.
Why does God 'give over' a nationd to judgments? 1. They have rejected Him. 2. They have worked iniquity to increase their evil. 3. They persecute God's people and servants. In each of these occassions we see Eygpt and its folly. How can a person or nation come against God? No man or nation will win when they try to fight God. God is the supreme power of this universe, it is His creation. He creates and He can uncreate it.
The only thing that would make God set Himself against a people is that they are found to be contrary to God Himself and His ways. They choose sin instead of holiness; they choose self instead of the Saviro; they choose Satan over God. And in all 3 of these things we find them to be enemies to God. God will have final say and judgement against these unfaithful, wicked servants. And how many throughout Scripture do we see that they set themselves against God? How many through history worked evil against God and His kingdom? When you study these names, and people then see what their end was. In every case God removed them. It was that in the past, it is so in the present; and it will be so for any future ruler.
How God does this is up to HIs Own choosing. In this case we see He will bring a 'cruel leader'. I am left with the consideration that Egypt has never, not had a cruel leader.
And we conclude these first 4 verses of chapter 19 and see the hand of God when it goes out against a people, a nation that has worked against Him and rejected Him.
And the Egyptians will I give over into the hand of a cruel lord - word study, give; word study/phrase, God saying, "I will"; The people are targeted by the Lord - the Egyptians. And God has pronounced future events, that He will give them over to a cruel lord. The previous verses are evidence also that God is set against the Egyptians. They have not been the nation or people that honors Him. They had set themselves against Isarel repeatedly throughout history. And everytime God intervened and worked wondrously.
Why does God 'give over' a nationd to judgments? 1. They have rejected Him. 2. They have worked iniquity to increase their evil. 3. They persecute God's people and servants. In each of these occassions we see Eygpt and its folly. How can a person or nation come against God? No man or nation will win when they try to fight God. God is the supreme power of this universe, it is His creation. He creates and He can uncreate it.
The only thing that would make God set Himself against a people is that they are found to be contrary to God Himself and His ways. They choose sin instead of holiness; they choose self instead of the Saviro; they choose Satan over God. And in all 3 of these things we find them to be enemies to God. God will have final say and judgement against these unfaithful, wicked servants. And how many throughout Scripture do we see that they set themselves against God? How many through history worked evil against God and His kingdom? When you study these names, and people then see what their end was. In every case God removed them. It was that in the past, it is so in the present; and it will be so for any future ruler.
How God does this is up to HIs Own choosing. In this case we see He will bring a 'cruel leader'. I am left with the consideration that Egypt has never, not had a cruel leader.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Isaiah 19:3
"And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards."
We continue the first 4 verses of this chapter in looking at God setting Himself against Egypt.
And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof - the very way of life that causes men to exist, God will attack and afflict; It is proven that when people lose the will to live, death is certain. But those that despite restrictions of living, will to live, they enhance their living. Now we know, that the very breath of life, for our living is found in God's keeping. He holds our breath in His hand. The spirit that quickens dead matter into living, breathing souls, is a gift from God. And that when we die, the spirit of life goes back to Him Who gave it.
so we see here in this verse, that God will attack the very nature of living within Egypt. God can encourage or discourage living. Living and dying is not found in our own choosing, but the will of the Lord. In war, in tragedies, in awful living conditions, the spirit of life is shortened, because men lose heart and faint. Better to escape in death than live in wretchedness. Judas, who betrayed Christ, could no longer stand living, and his spirit of living was quenched because his quilt was so severe. Many a man has lost the will to live when God sets Himself against them.
And now, here we have an entire nation, that God will drain their spirit of living from them.
We continue the first 4 verses of this chapter in looking at God setting Himself against Egypt.
And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof - the very way of life that causes men to exist, God will attack and afflict; It is proven that when people lose the will to live, death is certain. But those that despite restrictions of living, will to live, they enhance their living. Now we know, that the very breath of life, for our living is found in God's keeping. He holds our breath in His hand. The spirit that quickens dead matter into living, breathing souls, is a gift from God. And that when we die, the spirit of life goes back to Him Who gave it.
so we see here in this verse, that God will attack the very nature of living within Egypt. God can encourage or discourage living. Living and dying is not found in our own choosing, but the will of the Lord. In war, in tragedies, in awful living conditions, the spirit of life is shortened, because men lose heart and faint. Better to escape in death than live in wretchedness. Judas, who betrayed Christ, could no longer stand living, and his spirit of living was quenched because his quilt was so severe. Many a man has lost the will to live when God sets Himself against them.
And now, here we have an entire nation, that God will drain their spirit of living from them.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Isaiah 19:2
"And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians: and they shall fight every one against his brother, and every one against his neighbour; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom."
this chapter is given to the prophecy of destruction against Egypt. And we see the hand of God set against this nation, that has always been anti-God. Looking at these first 4 verses of this chapter shows us how God is the author and finisher of nations.
And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians - word study/phrase, God saying 'I will'; It is the edict of God, when God pronounces, He will it is done. Now here is the fortelling and power of God exhibited in the lives of men. He sets people against each other. For many the first question that they would ask is, 'why would God do this?'. But that is not our first thoughts. For the saint, they already know that the ways of God are higher than our ways. And we are not so much interested in 'why' but much more given to the power of God.
an entire nation set against each other as described in this verse. Who else can accomplish such a task but the Lord? His reasons and purposes we will see in a moment. But for now, think upon the majestic power displayed that captivates the hearts, minds, wills and souls of men. What is man in the hand of God. Able to be used and raised up for His glory and honor; or to be laid aside and cast down at His choosing. Ah, it is evident again, the very breath that we have is a gift from Him, able to be given and able to be taken. And in not knowing how long we have, we ought to take heed the more earnestly to each breath that it be found pleasing unto Him. 'But without faith it is impossible to please God'.
And in the purpose of 'why' God causes this: we find this when the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons through the power of Beelzebub. Jesus declared, that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. And so we see the wisdom of this, a kingdom divdied against itself is destroyed. Egyptian against Egyptian is to destroy the nation through civil war. And we also know that as in the United STates civil war, it was a time not to destroy but to eradicate the differences and set forward a new beginning. All these things are yielded unto the Lord will and way.
this chapter is given to the prophecy of destruction against Egypt. And we see the hand of God set against this nation, that has always been anti-God. Looking at these first 4 verses of this chapter shows us how God is the author and finisher of nations.
And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians - word study/phrase, God saying 'I will'; It is the edict of God, when God pronounces, He will it is done. Now here is the fortelling and power of God exhibited in the lives of men. He sets people against each other. For many the first question that they would ask is, 'why would God do this?'. But that is not our first thoughts. For the saint, they already know that the ways of God are higher than our ways. And we are not so much interested in 'why' but much more given to the power of God.
an entire nation set against each other as described in this verse. Who else can accomplish such a task but the Lord? His reasons and purposes we will see in a moment. But for now, think upon the majestic power displayed that captivates the hearts, minds, wills and souls of men. What is man in the hand of God. Able to be used and raised up for His glory and honor; or to be laid aside and cast down at His choosing. Ah, it is evident again, the very breath that we have is a gift from Him, able to be given and able to be taken. And in not knowing how long we have, we ought to take heed the more earnestly to each breath that it be found pleasing unto Him. 'But without faith it is impossible to please God'.
And in the purpose of 'why' God causes this: we find this when the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons through the power of Beelzebub. Jesus declared, that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. And so we see the wisdom of this, a kingdom divdied against itself is destroyed. Egyptian against Egyptian is to destroy the nation through civil war. And we also know that as in the United STates civil war, it was a time not to destroy but to eradicate the differences and set forward a new beginning. All these things are yielded unto the Lord will and way.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Isaiah 19:1
"The burden of Egypt. Behold, the Lord rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it."
In the last chapter we saw God moving against the Ethiopians. Here in chapter 19 we see God raising His judgment against Egypt. All nations that afflicted and persecuted Israel will reap the wrath of God. All people, and nations that set themselves against the church shall reap the same. God allows them to be for a while, for His Own desired purposes. But in the end only the rightoues shall live, but the cursed shall perish.
The burden of Egypt - we have seen through Scripture, God's prophets declaring the burden of the Word of the Lord. This burden is a heavy word against a person or people. Just as you bear the burden on your shoulders or back, so the Word of God comes against those that practice evil. It is generally toward a people that have rejected God. They live in their own demise and sin. They practice everything against Him and His ways. And when time of decades, centuries, continues on, the people refuse to repent and continue in their works of darkness against His light. Then God, Who is longsuffering and patient, has allwoed for the last ounce of His mercy and grace to be exhausted toward a wayward people. And then falls the wrath of God. The wrath against those that should have known better and done better but didn't do better.
Egypt should have know better. They had already during the days of Moses and the Exodus felt the wrath of God. How many times do you have to get knocked down before you understand? almost a 1000 years has transpired since the Exdous. It is not impossible that time has eroded their memories of that which had been. It was horrible to remember that they had been humbled and they refused to talk of their shame.
A Christian does well to remember their shame. Not to bring any glory or bragging on sins of the pasts, but to remember what they had been spared from and how merciful andgraicous the hand of the Lord is for them to deliver them from their sins and His wrath.
In the last chapter we saw God moving against the Ethiopians. Here in chapter 19 we see God raising His judgment against Egypt. All nations that afflicted and persecuted Israel will reap the wrath of God. All people, and nations that set themselves against the church shall reap the same. God allows them to be for a while, for His Own desired purposes. But in the end only the rightoues shall live, but the cursed shall perish.
The burden of Egypt - we have seen through Scripture, God's prophets declaring the burden of the Word of the Lord. This burden is a heavy word against a person or people. Just as you bear the burden on your shoulders or back, so the Word of God comes against those that practice evil. It is generally toward a people that have rejected God. They live in their own demise and sin. They practice everything against Him and His ways. And when time of decades, centuries, continues on, the people refuse to repent and continue in their works of darkness against His light. Then God, Who is longsuffering and patient, has allwoed for the last ounce of His mercy and grace to be exhausted toward a wayward people. And then falls the wrath of God. The wrath against those that should have known better and done better but didn't do better.
Egypt should have know better. They had already during the days of Moses and the Exodus felt the wrath of God. How many times do you have to get knocked down before you understand? almost a 1000 years has transpired since the Exdous. It is not impossible that time has eroded their memories of that which had been. It was horrible to remember that they had been humbled and they refused to talk of their shame.
A Christian does well to remember their shame. Not to bring any glory or bragging on sins of the pasts, but to remember what they had been spared from and how merciful andgraicous the hand of the Lord is for them to deliver them from their sins and His wrath.
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