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Today's reading
December 10, 2024
Picture: Safety and Danger
Isaiah 16:5; 17:1,3; 20:2, 3-4, 6b; Psalm 46:1
Ahaz had led Judah into rebellion against God. He was captivated by the ways of the world and continuously desecrated the temple and their nation. When he died, he was buried outside the city walls because of the destruction his actions had brought on Judah. His son, Hezekiah assumed the throne and began to reform the people. Even still, the rumors of the Assyrian scourge blared as they laid waste across the Sinai Peninsula on their inevitable collision course with Egypt. Hezekiah was considering his options, desperately searching for a way to survive when Isaiah began to prophecy against other nations.
​
Moab was a prominent nation with friendly relationships with Juadah. Perhaps they could be allies. However, Isaiah warned,
"In three years, like the
years of a hired worker, the glory of
Moab will be brought into
contempt in spite of all his great
multitude, and those who remain
will be very few and feeble."
​
Isaiah 16:14b (ESV)
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There was already an alliance between Syria and Israel. Judah had been asked to stand with them as they rebelled against the empire. But again, Isaiah warned Hezekiah not to trust this alliance.
"Behold, Damascus (the Syrian capital) will cease to be a
city
and will become a heap of ruins."
​
"The fortress will disappear from
Ephraim,
and the kingdom from Damascus;
and the remnant of Syria will be
like the glory of the children of
Israel,
declares the LORD of hosts.
Isaiah 17:1b,3 (ESV)
Hezekiah also considered seeking help from Cush, which had successfully invaded part of Egypt. They were the only other formidable power that they could run to for shelter. In order to demonstrate the danger of this allegiance, Isaiah was asked to become a spectacle.
"'Go, and loose the sackcloth
from your waist and take off your
sandals from your feet,' and he did
so, walking naked and barefoot."
​
Isaiah 20:2b (ESV)
​
As he walked naked and barefoot through the city streets, he shared this message from the Lord.
"As my
Servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot for three years as a
sign and a portent against Egypt
and Cush, so shall the king of
Assyria lead away the Egyptian
captives and the Cushite exiles,
both the young and the old, naked
and barefoot, with buttocks
uncovered, the nakedness of Egypt."...
​
"Behold, this is
what has happened to those in
whom we hoped and to whom we
fled for help to be delivered from
the king of Assyria! And we, how
shall we escape?"
​
Isaiah 20:2-4,6b (ESV)
Isaiah's point is there is no power that can stop God's judgement. He is simultaneously the safest place to find shelter and the most dangerous adversary to oppose. Rather than run to a nation for help, Judah is called to respond to the spectre of Assyria by repenting and submitting to God. In the midst of these warnings, Isaiah prophesies that someday Judah will become a holy nation, marked by justice and steadfast love. They will be a refuge to all who flee oppression and they will be led by a king born to the tribe of David.
"Then a throne will be established
in steadfast love,
and on it will sit in faithfulness
in the tent of David
one who judges and seeks justice
and is swift to do righteousness."
​
Isaiah 16:5 (ESV)
​
In a culture captivated by power it is easy to give ourselves to the icons held up by the wayward world. However, in every season,
"God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble."
​
Psalm 46:1 (ESV)
This is Christmas to you.