Today’s Reading: Isaiah 13-16; Psalms 61

Hear the noise on the mountains!
Listen, as the vast armies march!
It is the noise and shouting of many nations.
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has called this army together.
They come from distant countries, from beyond the farthest horizons.
They are the Lord’s weapons to carry out his anger.
With them he will destroy the whole land. – Isaiah 13:4-5

God used Isaiah to inform His people that they would go through a time of punishment for all their years of unfaithfulness. He would use their enemies to carry out the consequences of their disobedience. But He also let them know that He would eventually punish those nations for their harsh treatment of His children. He would gather together his army from all across the universe to disperse his judgment on the pagan nations who were lording their power over His people.

Babylon’s days are numbered; its time of destruction will soon arrive. – Isaiah 13:22b

Those who captured Israel will themselves be captured, and Israel will rule over its enemies. – Isaiah 14:2b

Now the Lord says, “Within three years, counting each day, the glory of Moab will be ended. From its great population, only a few of his people will be left alive.” – Isaiah 16:14

Even in the midst of His anger and disappointment in the repeated disloyalty of the children of Israel, God showed Himself to be their Great Protector. Yes they would have to suffer the consequences of their selfish choices and deliberate sins, but He promised the day would come when they would be restored and their enemies would be defeated.

IN THE MIDST OF THEIR PAIN, HE GAVE THEM HOPE!

Come, everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise!
For the Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth.
He subdues the nations before us, putting our enemies beneath our feet. – Psalm 47:1-3

It was your right hand and strong arm
and the blinding light from your face that helped them,
for you loved them.
You are my King and my God.
You command victories for Israel.
Only by your power can we push back our enemies;
only in your name can we trample our foes.
I do not trust in my bow;
I do not count on my sword to save me.
You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies;
you disgrace those who hate us.
O God, we give glory to you all day long
and constantly praise your name. – Psalm 44:3b-8

O God, listen to my cry!
Hear my prayer!
From the ends of the earth,
I cry to you for help
when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety,
for you are my safe refuge,
a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
Let me live forever in your sanctuary,
safe beneath the shelter of your wings! – Psalm 61:1-4

Father God, may the truths we find in your scripture confirm to us how good you are. May your character be clearly seen, even while we are struggling to understand what is going on around us. May we learn to trust you through the difficult times and fully believe that you are our Great Protector and our Faithful Friend. Thanks for reminding us that the same God who loves us enough to get our attention when we have strayed is the One who will pull our enemies off of us and stand us back on our feet. With your right hand and your strong arm, as well as the blinding light from your face, you will help us because you love us. Thank you for that kind of grace! Amen.