Isaiah 10 -- Where We Don't Want To Go

God denounced unfair laws, and it sure sounds like we need to send a copy of verse one to every federal legislator:  "How terrible it will be for those who make unfair laws, and those who write laws that make life hard for people."  The laws God was calling him to speak out against were adversely affecting the poor, the widows, and the orphans.

God asks three questions in verse 3 that my commentary says every person should ponder who wants to be ready when the Lord comes:

           "How will you explain the things you have done?

             What will you do when your destruction comes from far away?

                Where will you run for help?"

Through what He promises for Assyria and for Israel here, we learn an important set of principles.  My commentary said:

       "If God cannot bring us to repentance through His Word, then He must life His hand and chasten us.  If we do not submit to His chastening, then He must stretch out His hand and judge us.  God is long-suffering, but we dare not tempt Him by our careless or callous attitude.  It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

Assyria was successful at invasion, and God used them as His tool to chasten Israel.  But Assyria didn't acknowledge God and pridefully spoke of its power.  My commentary said, "God used Assyria to discipline His people, but He would not permit this godless nation to go beyond His purposes.  God may use unbelievers to accomplish His will in the lives of His people, but He is always in control.  We need never fear the disciplining hand of God, for He always disciplines in love."

Father, help me to listen to You and make corrections in my life to keep me in Your will.  I don't want to be like Israel and have to move on to Your chastening.  Soften my heart.  If I do require Your chastening and discipline, I'm tankful that I can trust You to do it in love.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Proud father of Josh and Joseph Ford, both adopted from Ukraine
"'I will put a new way of thinking inside you. I will take out the stubborn hearts of stone from your bodies, and I will give you obedient hearts of flesh.  I will put my Spirit inside you and help you live by my rules and carefully obey my laws....You will be My people, and I will be
Your God. "   Ezek 36:24-29