The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together, and the little child will lead them. Isaiah 11:6 In time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the LORD. II Chronicles 28:22 (Isaiah 10-12, II Chronicles 28)
The behavior of Ahaz was beyond deplorable! He chased after every pagan god associated with any king that showed possible greatness. Under his leadership the poor were subject to exploitation and his government became more and more corrupt. This brought Judah near complete destruction, but there were a few, a remnant, that remained faithful to God.
Even though Assyria was the instrument of Israel’s destruction and strong punishment against Judah, they would soon suffer God’s judgement too.
Isaiah brings to life two very important facts/hopes: 1. God’s anger brings judgement and consequence, but His works become comfort. 2. The coming King will be from David’s family, will reign with righteous justice and establish a new world order free of evil and enmity. The natural world will be transformed, i.e. predators will no longer prey. Isaiah, who saw Heaven, knows that someday everything will be obedient to God’s will.
The constant cycle of man’s impulsive self will pushing against God’s loving gift of free will is exhausting! Sin has no happily ever after and complete submission to God brings peace of mind and heart. As simple as this sounds, when it gets woven into every variable packed moment of our day, the responsibility of holding the standard of Holiness becomes overwhelming. Return to Isaiah’s truths. God’s correction becomes our security, so cling to it, and this life is not your forever life. Give your struggles to the LORD and He will set you free to love Him and others. That’s His original, creative plan and it has not changed.
Love,
Gretchen