There was a time when God gave Israel and Judah dominance over their neighbours but, as Isaiah predicts, he would now let his people fall under the weight of their offenses. Isaiah also foresaw that these nations would gloat in pride over the misfortunes of his people. They would look on Israel’s fall as a sign that the God of Israel had been conquered by the gods of the nations. In this they would be wrong, and God warns them in these chapters. The fall of God’s people did not signal the failure of God’s purpose. This was all part of God’s plan. The nations should not therefore use the fall of Israel and Judah as an excuse to discard the claims of Israel’s God over them. For God will judge the nations and tear down those who raise themselves up in pride. They will pass away but Israel will remain. And this is exactly what has happened. Those nations fell and their influence dissipated. But the seed of truth in Israel would give rise to a movement that would change the world. That seed endures and grows in and through our lives. Inasmuch as we live for that seed we too will endure, and our influence will remain and live on forever. Everything else passes away and is forgotten. You are the bearer of a baton that has been passed to you in a relay of truth extending back for thousands of years. If you choose to run the race and pass on the baton your legacy to this world will be recognised and celebrated in the end.
Reflect on what you are living for.
Read Isaiah 14:28-17:14
