READING: Isaiah 14-16, Ephesians 5:6-33
All of history is under the hand of God. It may not always seem that way when we see the spread of evil, but God will ultimately bring judgment and justice just like He did upon ancient Babylon and Assyria. He had planned that these pagan empires would be judged, and He would carry out His plans. Indeed, these words that Isaiah recorded speak clearly of the sovereign hand of God over history: “This is the plan prepared for the whole earth, and this is the hand stretched out against all the nations. The Lord of Armies himself has planned it; therefore, who can stand in its way? It is his hand that is outstretched, so who can turn it back?” (Isa 14:26-27). What God brought on two nations, He would ultimately bring on all nations. In fact, even those He had used as instruments of judgment on His own people would not be spared.
Thus, we are reminded that God is true to His Word and powerful in His might. He will indeed do whatever He has planned to do, and no one can turn back His hand of judgment when He extends it. That truth shouldn’t surprise us, though, since the One who creates has a right to hold His creation accountable. The whole earth will answer to Him, even if they currently think otherwise in their own rebellion.
This God of truth and power deserves our praise and our obedience today.
PRAYER: “God, You are the Lord of Armies against whom no one can stand. I praise You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Isaiah 17-21, Ephesians 6
