When people trust in idols, devastation occurs in a country. The economy tanks and people lose jobs. God is no respecter of persons, including the US. Trusting in something besides God brings deception to leaders causing a nation to go astray. In contrast, God blesses and glorifies anyone who trusts Him. Fear motivates people to worship God sacrificially causing healing and witness to the world. Demonstrate Christ’s love by providing basic necessities to those who lost their jobs. Learn how to respond properly to economic, political and moral devastation from Is 17-21.
The Lord said Damascus became a heap of ruins, cities of Aroer deserted and the fortified city from Ephraim disappeared. The remnant of Aram became like the glory of the Israelites. Jacob’s glory faded and his body wasted away with little fruit remaining. In that day men looked to their Maker and turned their eyes to the Holy One of Israel without regard to the work of their hands. Strong cities became desolate before the Israelites because they forgot God their Savior, the Rock and their fortress. Their harvest became nothing because of disease and pain (Is. 17:1-14). When people forget God their Savior, cities become devastated.
Nations feared oppressive and powerful Ethiopia that sends envoys by sea. An aggressive nation of strange speech brought gifts to the Lord Almighty at Mount Zion, the place of His name (Is. 18:1-7). God imparts glory to anyone who worship and bring gifts to Him.
The Lord rode on a swift cloud to Egypt as its idols trembled before Him and their hearts melted within them. He stirred each person to fight against one another. The Egyptians lost heart and God brought their plans to nothing. They consulted idols, mediums and spiritists. God handed the Egyptians over to a fierce king who ruled over them. The streams dried up and fields along the Nile became parched. The fishermen languished, weavers of fine linen despaired, workers in cloth were dejected and all wage earners were sick at heart (Is. 19:1-10). People spur economic downturn and job reductions when they lose heart and trust idols.
The officials of Zoan became foolish, Pharaoh’s wise counselors gave senseless advice and the leaders of Memphis were deceived. The cornerstones of her peoples led Egypt astray. The Lord mixed a spirit of distortion like a drunkard staggering in his vomit so its leadership could not do any meaningful work (Is. 19:11-15). God distorts and disables leaders toward deception causing their country to go astray.
Th Egyptians shuddered with fear like women when the Lord Almighty raised an uplifted hand against them. Judah brought terror and dread to Egypt because of what God planned against them. Five cities spoke the language of Canaan swearing allegiance to God including the City of Destruction. People cried to the Lord and He sent a Savior and a Champion to deliver them. God made Himself known to Egypt and they came with sacrificial worship. They returned to Him after God struck and healed them. In that day there was a highway from Egypt to Assyria so both nations would worship together. Israel joined them as a blessing to the earth so God said, “Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance” (Is. 19:16-25). Fear motivates people to worship God sacrificially causing healing and witness to the world.
Isaiah went naked and barefoot as a sign when Assyria led away Egyptian and Ethiopian captives naked and barefoot. They feared and were ashamed because they hoped in Ethiopia and boasted in Egypt. This was warning to those who trusted in Egypt and Ethiopia for deliverance from Assyria (Is. 20:1-6). Trusting in something besides God leads to defeat and shame.
A harsh vision was shown of the treacherous and destroyer that caused deep anguish and overwhelming horror. Pay close attention day and night to hear God say that Babylon fell along with her gods shattered on the ground (Is. 21:1-10). God reveals how false gods will be shattered during times of destruction and anguish.
Be silent concerning Edom as one kept calling from Seir when watchman waited during the night. Bring water for the thirsty among Tema in Arabia. Meet the fugitives with bread as they fled from swords in the press of battle. In a year, Kedar’s splendor stopped with few mighty bowmen left (Is. 21:11-17). Demonstrate Christ’s love by providing basic necessities for those who lost their jobs.
Are you trusting in God or something else? If you are trusting in something else like family, job, hobby, money, entertainment, etc, confess your sin and begin to worship God sacrificially by spending more time in His word and prayer.
Are you fearful about the economic conditions? Let your fear motivate you to worship God sacrificially by spending more time in His word and prayer.
Do you see people out of work and struggling financially? Meet basic needs and then train them to be self-sufficient with a circle of support.
