Isaiah 21-23 Watching Our Own Destruction Arrive

I noticed a repeating theme across these chapters:  What the people were doing versus what they should be doing.  It shows up in 21:9 –

“They set the table; they spread the rugs; they eat and drink.  Leaders, stand up.  Prepare the shields for battle!”

Instead of being ready, they are reclining to dine.

In 22:12-13 –

“The Lord God All-Powerful told the people to cry and be sad, to shave their heads and wear rough cloth.  But look, the people are happy and are having wild parties … They say, ‘Let us eat and drink, because tomorrow we will die.’ “

Their apathy towards God’s calling has led God to take action:  “The Lord God All-Powerful has chosen a special day of riots and confusion (sounds exactly like what they are calling for in the Middle East right now) … You did not trust the God who made these things; you did not respect the One who planned them long ago …. It was the Lord All-Powerful who planned this.  He decided to make these proud people unimportant; He decided to disgrace those who were greatly respected … The Lord has stretched His hand over the sea and made its kingdoms tremble … You are forgotten.”

When God’s appointed time arrives, all the preparations made by any nation will be insufficient to prevent its destruction.  God’s decision came after watching for years as they wantonly ignored Him.

Father, please help me as an individual and us as a nation to be doing what we should be doing, rather than flippantly ignoring You.  Help us to change before it is too late.  Don’t let us repeat history.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford