It is Best to Obey The Lord

A Christian doctor carried out an interesting survey recently involving his patients. As they waited in the waiting-room, they were asked to fill out a little survey on themselves. One of the questions asked was “What is your number one wish?” On analyzing the ans … More

Peace

In spite of their failures, God reminds Israel that He alone is the Lord and has called them and chosen them to be His people (v. 12). Further, God states His omniscient power over the creation in such a way that when He calls nature to obedience, both heaven and earth stand up together (v. 13) and obey Him instantly. The fact is the Lord loved Israel so much that He would bring judgment on Babylon and the Chaldeans. God chose Cyrus, a heathen king, to free his people from their captivity in Babylon (vv. 14-15). The Lord has never kept a secret about this fact He has said (v. 16)

Isaiah emphasizes the total blessing of prosperity from God upon those who have surrendered to His lordship and authority. However, this blessing does not come by accident, but by total obedience to His commandments (vv 17-18). Though His people may come under temporary judgment they still have access to the God of peace. By contrast, there is no peace unto the wicked. To those who turn their back on God there is only worry and sorrow. True peace comes only from God.

The Lord had constantly been teaching and guiding Israel through the law. But they had not paid attention to his commands. Had they obeyed the Lord in the first place, they would have experienced peace and not war (vv. 18-19) and none of their children would have been killed. God urged His people to leave Babylon quickly (v. 20). After the Egyptian exodus God provided water from the rock in the deserts (v. 21). It implies He will do the same for them in this exodus from Babylon. In contrast with joy (v. 20) for those who obey the Lord there is no peace for the wicked (v. 22).

Application

In Isaiah’s day the people had grown accustomed to the security of their bondage. It is easy for me to also become complacent with my comfort and affluence. I don’t want God to have to put me into the furnace to remind me that I am here to be a servant and not a spectator.

Isaiah 48:12-22 (English Standard Version)


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