My men’s Bible study has been reading Isaiah for the last several weeks. It is a collection of prophesies made by this prominent spokesman of behalf of the Creator of the Universe. God is not happy with his people’s behavior and tells of a time in the future when they will be made to suffer (war, destruction, exile) for their unfaithfulness. It can initially be read as a wholly depressing “fait accompli”. But upon learning it is the most quoted old testament book in the New Testament helped us to find it is actually a prophesy of hope and comfort. We are told that though a very few, a remnant, will survive the coming ordeal(s), those who do will enjoy restoration, renewal, and blessing as they return to the Lord.
The study has forced a parallel study of history including the inevitable rise and fall of nations. In Isaiah’s time, powerful empires kept fighting for control. First, the Assyrians took over the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC. They also threatened Judah, the southern kingdom, which had to obey them to avoid being conquered. Later, the Babylonian Empire rose up and defeated Assyria, capturing Jerusalem and sending the people of Judah into exile in 586 BC for some 75 years! (Watch the story unfold in the link above.)
This ongoing shift of earthly power has been reliable constant and will continue to occur and become more entries in man’s history. Through all these times of shifting power has been an all-powerful God who is steadfast and loving. He gives the gift of faith to those he chooses and with it the comfort of an indwelling Holy Spirit.
A key remnant and likely the second most noteworthy descendant referenced in Isaiah’s prophesy was King David. In his later life, he reflected on why the wicked seemed to prosper while the righteous suffer. He wrote Psalm 37 which to this day is a source of inspiration for those of us who may wonder the same. Three key themes emerge: Trust in God’s Justice, the call to Live with Integrity, and to Wait Patiently for God’s timing. The writing begins with: “Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Ten centuries later, Jesus, a descendant of King David would turn the world upside down with his words of wisdom. His student Matthew recorded his words from His “sermon on the mount“. This speech includes a series of blessings (a word from Latin “beatus” meaning blessed or happy, hence, “the beatitudes”) since Jesus began each pronouncement with the phrase “blessed are those…”.
In Chapter 5, Jesus declared “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.”
Thirty years later, Jesus’ apostle Paul wrote to believers in Rome who were suffering injustice and persecution. He provided a powerful reminder that the Christian life is about practical holiness, not just theoretical belief. This theme is encapsulated in Romans Chapter 12, verse 21 “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
Now some two thousand years later, we again face uncertainty. At times it can feel like we’re careening along a cliff side road only to screech faster toward the edge, teetering on certain destruction (yikes!). We can react with hopelessness and an attitude of fait accompli or we can take comfort by recognizing that none of our modern life experiences are truly unique. We can turn to God’s word, especially Jesus’ words in the beatitudes which serve as a powerful, counter cultural proclamation. He called believers to embrace a life shaped by humility, compassion, and trust in God. He promised that those who follow this path will receive God’s kingdom and blessings both now and in the future. If you’re feeling anxious, pray for help from “the comforter” and choose your be-attitude.
Great advice
Well said!