August 6
Read Isaiah 27:1
In Today's Reading:
Judgment of Ephraim; Jerusalem warned; Israel rebuked for its alliance with Egypt; future destiny of Israel assured
The magnificent northern kingdom of Israel was enjoying great prosperity when the Lord led Isaiah to prophesy of its coming captivity by Assyria. He proclaimed: Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower. . . . The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet (Isaiah 28:1-3).
The people of Samaria, the capital of the large and powerful northern kingdom, were enjoying the luxury of both summer and winter homes, ivory palaces, and a wealth of gardens. They were content in their affluence and unwilling to hear the Lord's prophet. With a heavy heart, Isaiah warned them that all would soon be destroyed because for many years they had rejected the Word of God and turned to idols.
Samaria's beauty was likened to a fading flower that would soon disappear. The prophet foretold a horrible future: Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet — without God, the nation would be helpless to withstand the fierce Assyrian army. Like most worldly-minded people today, they refused to believe judgment would or could happen to them.
Isaiah also warned Judah that, since they had refused to live in obedience to their Covenant with God, they had made a covenant with death and would suffer Assyria's attack and eventually they would be destroyed by the Babylonians. The southern kingdom would pay the same price for its sins as the northern kingdom.
Times and circumstances change; but one fact remains the same — all who have not received Christ as their Savior have made an eternal covenant with death (i.e. eternal separation from God) (28:15,18), whether knowingly or unknowingly. For all who have not heard the Gospel and don't possess a Bible, it is our responsibility to let them know what God has said.
We can praise the Lord that while there is life there is still hope. The Lord is not slack (slow) concerning His promise, as some men count slackness (slowness); but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Let every one that names the Name of Christ depart from iniquity (unrighteousness, sin) (2 Timothy 2:19).
Christ Revealed:
As a tried Stone, a precious Corner Stone, a sure foundation (Isaiah 28:16). Jesus became the Chief Corner Stone. Jesus Christ Himself being the chief Corner Stone (Ephesians 2:20-21; see also Matthew 21:42-46; Acts 4:10-12; Romans 9:29-33; 1 Peter 2:6-8).
Word Studies:
27:1 piercing = swift; 28:21 strange = awesome, unusual; 28:22 bands be made strong = punishment be made greater; 30:1 cover with a covering = make an alliance; 30:3 confusion = humiliation, your undoing; 30:24 ear = plow.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Rep. Mike McIntyre (NC) · Country: Ireland (4 million) off the coast of western Europe · Major languages: English and Irish (Gaelic) · Religious freedom · 93% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Remember that it is by the blood of Christ that we have access to God in prayer (Hebrews 10:19).
Optional Reading: James 1
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Thessalonians 4:18
