Why aren’t my prayers being answered?

Read Isaiah 58.

Here is an interesting conflict.  The people sought to know God and His word daily (v.2).  But, the people's response was that God did not take notice all that they were doing, including fasting.  So, what was the problem?

They went through the motions of worship, but their hearts and lives were full of disobedience.  First, they needed to be right with the LORD.  Their fasting showed only outward humility (v.3).  God wanted them to humble themselves inwardly by confessing and forsaking their sin (v.5)

When they finished going through the motions of worship, their lives were unchanged (v.4).  God wanted their lives demonstrate a difference, especially in the way that they treated people in need (vv.6-7).
Namely:
1. The trapped.  Those who are involved in wicked wrongdoing and cannot get themselves out. Loose them.

2. The oppressed.  Those who are being crushed and struggling to make it in life.  Free them.

3. The hungry.  Those who do not have enough resources to sustain themselves. 
Feed them.

4. The homeless poor.  Those who cannot provide a roof over their heads.
Bring them in.

5. The naked.  Those who lack clothing.  Clothe them.

The LORD said it is such unselfish and loving acts as these that will demonstrate what James called "pure religion and undefiled" (James 1:27).  Not only will the people in need be served but God promised to bless those who serve.

Once a person is right with God and living and obedient lifestyle, “then” (vv.8-14) prayers are heard and answered.

Where does God Live?

Read Isaiah 57.

When King Solomon began to build the Temple for God in Jerusalem, he was humbled.  In 2 Chronicles 2:6 he asked, "Who is able to build him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven, cannot contain him?"  True.  Buildings cannot contain this Omni-present God of heaven.  He is everywhere, at once, at all times.

In the opening verses of this chapter, the LORD again chastens the people for their idolatry.  Their false worship led them to unimaginable practices such as orgies and the sacrifice of their own children.  God accused them of "deserting me" (v.8).  His lack of immediate intervention was due to His great patience (v.11), waiting for them to repent of their sin.

 God challenged them in their time of trouble to cry out to these false beliefs for help.  They would find them to be as empty as the wind (v.13a).  "But," (here is the turning point) "he who takes refuge in me" will experience the difference (v.13b).  Yes, God dwells in the heavens.  But He is "also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit" (v.16).

What is that difference He alone can make when we humble ourselves before Him? (vv.18-21)
1. I will heal.
Sin separates us from God and destroys life.  The Messiah came, died for our sin, and "by his wounds we are healed" (53:5)  There is no other source of such forgiveness and healing anywhere.

2. I will lead.
Seeking answers and life-guidance prompts people to place their faith in something.  Everyone does.  But only the LORD leads us in the right way to true life-fulfillment.

3. I will restore comfort.
This is the work of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus called Him the Comforter.  He comes alongside to reassure us of His presence.  He helps us to see beyond the present hurt to find future meaning and value.

The result is a peace that nothing else in the world can give.  Peace with God; satisfying peace within.
"'There is no peace,' says my God, 'for the wicked." (v.21)

It is an amazing thought that the LORD of heaven desires to live with us.

What does the LORD expect from Us?

Read Isaiah 56.

This section of Isaiah continues to give Israel hope for its future.  However, the people need not wait for the Messiah in order to live for God in the present.

What does the LORD expect from His people? (vv.1-2)
1. Justice.
This has to do with legal decisions or doing what is right according to the law of the land.

2. Righteousness.
This has to do with life decisions or doing what is right according to God's expectations.

3. Not profaning His word.
A person who is right with the LORD shows it in how they live publicly.  The one example given here is keeping the Old Testament Sabbath law.  Everyone took notice that they person did no labor on Saturday.  But it was only one example.

4. Keeping from evil.
A person who is right with the LORD shows it in how they live privately.  When no one else is watching, God is.

Who is included in God's plan of salvation? (vv.3-8)
Though the Jews are God's chosen people and have an everlasting covenant relationship from Him, His plan always included the rest of the world.  Everyone and anyone who would turn to Him for forgiveness and worship would experience His blessings.  Three examples are given that supersede the Old Testament Law-eunuchs, foreigners, and outcasts.  Compare Deuteronomy 23:1. But this was always in the mind of God.  In Genesis 12:3, God told Abraham, "In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

When the religious leaders of Jesus' day tried to squeeze the Gentiles out and restrict the access of others to the Temple, He quoted verse 7 of this chapter.

Where was the root problem? (vv.9-12)
God called for judgment due to corrupt national leaders.  Instead of being on guard spiritually and watching out for the people, they only sought to take care of themselves.

When life does not go our Way

Read Isaiah 55.

How disappointing and disillusioning it is when life does not go the way we wanted!  The sense of confusion causes some to put their spiritual lives on hold.  Some blame God for their hurt and never come to a place of healing.  Others use such hurt and confusion as an excuse to reject that there is a God.

One of primary concepts about the God of the Bible is found in verses 8 and 9.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

We have our plans.  God has His.  We have our thoughts on how things should be.  God has His.  So, the question is, "Whose thoughts and plans are correct?  Whose thoughts and plans lead to a life of complete fulfillment-our ways or God's?"  Do we possess such arrogance to think for moment that we know better than the One who made us and knows every detail of our lives?

Isaiah 53:6 describes the problem: "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned-every one-to his own way."  Going our own way, wanting our plans instead of the LORD's, is the definition of sin in that chapter and is what put Jesus on the cross.

How can we experience a truly fulfilled life?
1. Come to the LORD. (vv.1-5)
Every person has a spiritual thirst, a lack of internal satisfaction.  We naturally try to fill that void with other things, or people, or activities.  In John 4, Jesus met a Samaritan woman who was thirsty, inside and out.  She tried to find satisfaction by going from one relationship to another.  He offered her eternal life so she would "never be thirsty again."
"Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live." (v.3)

2. Seek the LORD. (v.6a)
People search for life-meaning, life-guidance, self-improvement in every place but the one source that guarantees eternal results.  Repeatedly in the Old Testament and in the New, we are urged to seek God.  Most people who have become disillusioned or rejected God have never read the Bible or sought to understand its message.
"...he rewards those who seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)
"...those who seek me diligently find me." (Proverbs 8:17)

3. Call upon the LORD. (v.6b)
The rest of this verse includes, "...while he is near."  The Holy Spirit pursues us and prompts us to come to the LORD and seek Him for filling that spiritual emptiness inside.  It is perilous presumption to put off an immediate response to God.  His offer of forgiveness, cleansing of our past, and eternally securing our future is available now.
"Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts..." (Hebrews 3:7)

Is God through with Israel?

Read Isaiah 54.

Having presented the Suffering Savior who paid the price for our sins in the previous chapter, here the focus turns to His second coming.  He will reign as King of Kings.

Israel suffered the shame and punishment of God's judgment.  This chapter is a call for singing and rejoicing as they look forward to their national future.  Yes, for a "brief moment" (v.7) God had to severely deal with their sin.  But, that did not change His promises to Abraham.

How long will God have compassion on Israel and love them as His chosen people?
"'In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,' says the LORD, your Redeemer." (v.8)

"'For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you and my covenant of peace shall not be removed.' says the LORD, who has compassion on you.'" (v.10)

Was not this fulfilled with their return from captivity five centuries before Christ?
Notice God's promises.
1. The Jewish population will increase to far exceed their ability to all live on that land. (v.3)
2. Everyone will know the LORD and all their children will be taught to know Him. (v.13)
3. The nation will be safe from all threats. (v.14)
4. No enemy will succeed against them. (v.15-17a)

While these promises are prophetic and will be fulfilled literally one day, in the meantime God is at work today.  The spiritual family of God has been widened with the grafting in of believers from all nations.  See Romans 11:11-24.  God's character and treatment of His servants is the same, Jew and Gentile alike.  He loves us with an everlasting love and that will not change.

The astounding results of Messiah's Death

Read Isaiah 53.

This portion of Isaiah is one of the most sacred of all.  As one reads it, there is a sense of being on holy ground.  The immediate context for this chapter begins with 52:13.  The Servant, as this passage explains, is none other than the Messiah.  Keep in mind that this was written some 500 years before these events took place.

1. Why did Jesus die on the cross?
He was sinless.  He did nothing wrong.  We sinned.  We deserved the punishment.  But in the plan of God, the Son was sent to be the Savior of the world.  He took upon Himself what we deserved and became our substitute.
"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21)

2. For whom did He die?
He died for "every one" (v.6) because every person who ever lived since Adam has the curse of sin upon them.  The description in verse 6 is that of sheep wandering off, going their own way, from the shepherd to whom they belong.  That is the essence of all sin.  It was "our transgressions," "our iniquities," our sin that put Jesus on the cross.
"He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."
(1 John 2:2)

3. What are the results?
His death on the cross "brought us peace" with God (v.5).  It provided spiritual healing of our sin and the hurt that it causes.  It satisfied the righteous demands of a Holy God (v.11).  Instead of seeing us as sinners, the LORD declares those who place their eternal trust in Him as righteous or right with Him.  He now is our advocate in heaven, interceding on our behalf.

4. Was His death the end?
So many who claim faith in Jesus still see Him hanging on the cross bleeding.  In John 19:30, Jesus declared, "It is finished."  That was business term of His day indicating the debt had been paid in full.  And, the story does not stop there.  Verse 10 states that after Messiah's death, He will live.  There will be a spiritual family who will enjoy all the blessings of faith in Christ.  The resurrection of Jesus is the proof of His continuing ministry on our behalf.  He is our living Advocate in heaven.
"Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25)

The Apostle John summed up much of this chapter's message.
"He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.  He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.  But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." (John 1:10-12)

Is there any good news Today?

Read Isaiah 52.

The Jews have a discouraging history to say the least.  But each time an enemy sought to destroy them, the LORD intervened.  Because of the number of years involved there were and are those who lost hope in God's promises.  God never forget what He said.  He acts exactly on His schedule to fulfill His plans.

Historically, the Jews were in Egypt for 400 years.  But God delivered them from slavery.  In this chapter, the northern kingdom of Israel had been conquered and the people scattered at the hands of Assyria.  The southern kingdom of Judah had been taken captive by Babylonia.  They remained in Babylon for 70 years.
The nation was in need of a comforting message; some good news of hope.

The message is, "Wake up and get ready!  You are going home." (vv.1-2)

There are two aspects to this prophecy.  Immediately, in 536 B.C., the Jews returned to their homeland. This would take place at no cost to them.  The nation was redeemed by God's free grace.  But the details in this chapter obviously speak of much more that has yet to happen.  Note the little prophetic phrase "in that day" (v.6).  What will that day be like?

1. Everyone will know the LORD. (v.6b)
No more will they be in doubt about who God is or turn to other forms of worship.  Spiritual allegiance will be to Him alone.

2. It will be a time of good news. (vv.7-9)
After decades of prophecies warning of God's judgment, here is news of peace, happiness, salvation, comfort, and redemption.

3. The LORD will reign. (vv.7b-15)
This is the key reason for the celebration.  There is no denying that Messiah will one day literally sit on the throne of David in Jerusalem.  As Isaiah wrote in 9:6, "the government shall be upon his shoulders."  The Messiah ("my servant" v.13) will assume world power.  He will "sprinkle" or cleanse the nations (v.15) and all the world's leaders will be silent before Him.

What a contrast from the first coming of Jesus.  Verse 14 prophesies His physical appearance after being beaten and crucified.  This description was written over 500 years in advance!

But another 2000 years have gone by since Jesus' ascension back to heaven.  That is not a problem for God.  He has not forgotten.  He will act in His time.  Our good news to a world without hope is that Jesus is coming!  Now is the time to get ready and be prepared.

Conducting a spiritual Assessment

Read Isaiah 51.

It is good for us to stop on a regular basis and take stock of where we came from and where we are headed.  Granted, we all have things in our past for which we are grateful for God's forgiveness and cleansing.  While we may not wish to dwell on all our history, we do need to honor our heritage.

God called on Israel to conduct a complete spiritual assessment.

1. Look back. (vv.1-2)
The people of Israel exist because of God's calling and unconditional covenant with Abraham.  They were to never forget nor violate their beginnings.    

Personally, I am grateful for the spiritual heritage of faith in Christ from my grandparents on both sides of our family.  In addition, there were those who taught me and encouraged my spiritual growth at church.  One's spiritual heritage may not be found in a physical family but from others who pointed us to live for Jesus.

2. Look ahead. (vv.3-8)
Next, God called them to focus on what He has planned for their future.  He will mete out His justice and make things right.  One day, all we have known here will be gone.  But forever we will enjoy our deliverance in Christ and our relationship with the LORD.  In the meantime, the Apostle Paul reminds us not to be discouraged with present circumstances.
"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.  For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

3. Look Up. (vv.9-11)
Here the people respond to God.  They call upon the One who destroyed Egypt (Rahab) and Pharaoh (dragon), the One who dried up the Red Sea for them, the One who ransomed them and will bring them home singing with everlasting joy.  Remembering past deliverances by God encourages us to pray for His power to be displayed today.

4. Wake Up. (vv.12-23)
God's call to the people is "wake yourself" and "stand up."  Stop wallowing in your misery of what happened to you.  God promises to afflict the tormentors and offers His comfort to the afflicted.

What's the problem Here?

Read Isaiah 50.

With Israel's loss of the land and God's blessings, doubtlessly the people asked, "Why?  Why did this happen to us?  We thought God would protect us?"  So, the LORD answered those questions with a few of His own.

1. What is the problem? (vv.1-3)
God wanted them to know it was not because He could not protect them by His power.  Indeed, He allowed this to happen to Israel at this time because of their sin.  He faithfully sent the prophets with His message but they would not listen nor repent.

2. What is the solution? (vv.4-9)
Here Messiah speaks for Himself.  In some detail, the sufferings of Jesus are given.  Matthew 26:67 tells of the fulfillment of this prophesy: "Then they spit in his face and struck him.  And some slapped him."  The Son of God voluntarily laid aside His rights and withheld His power to suffer and die on the cross in full and final payment for our sins.

3. What is the need? (vv.10-11)
This is a direct challenge to those who trust in something else for life-guidance.  They can use whatever "light" they can imagine but it will only lead down a path of torment in the end.  The LORD calls out to "trust" and "rely" on Him.  Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

Choose life!

When feeling Forsaken

Read Isaiah 49.

The Messiah speaks to the Gentiles.  He calls out, "Listen to me" and "give attention."  His message is sharp as a sword.  (Compare Hebrews 4:12-13).  While, for a time, there were great crowds following Him, ultimately Jesus was rejected.  "I have labored in vain" (v.4).

Most of the chapter looks forward to the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel at the second coming of Christ.  Then, there will be prosperity and abundance.  All world leaders will come and "bow down to you" (v.23).  Given the history of Israel since the death of King Solomon to this very day, those promises seem almost unreal.  The Jews have been the object of ridicule, scorn and threat by so many world leaders and groups.

But God is committed to keeping His unconditional promises to Abraham (Genesis 12).  He "will contend with those who contend with you" (v.25b).  When the nation is completely and spiritually restored as people of God, "Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who wait for me shall not be put to shame" (v.23b).

In the meantime, many Jews today feel as if the LORD has forsaken them, that He no longer cares.  That sense is in this prophecy.  "But Zion said, 'The LORD has forsaken me, my Lord has forgotten me" (v.14)  The Apostle Paul asked in Romans 11:1, "Has God rejected his people?  By no means!"

Being rejected and forgotten is a terrible emotion for anyone, but to feel that God has forgotten can be terrifying.  Here is Messiah's answer to anyone who feels alone, with unanswered prayers, and alienated from the presence of God.

"Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?  Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you."  And then comes the most powerful statement the Messiah could ever make on this subject, "Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." (vv.15-16)

The crucifixion of Jesus paid for all sin once and for all.  He gave His life for each of us.  His promise then is "'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'  So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me.'" (Hebrews 13:5-6)

God's purpose in Prophecy

Read Isaiah 48.

Being conquered and captured by a foreign power, meant the people of Israel suffered the loss of everything.

Those events should not have come as any surprise to the nation.  Through His spokesmen, the prophets, God repeatedly warned them with specifics and called upon them to repent of their sin. But they would not listen.

In prophetic messages, God foretold of the 70 years of Babylonian captivity, Babylon's defeat by Cyrus, and of their return to the land.  Why did the LORD tell Israel about all these happenings in advance?
1. So, God alone would get the credit. (v.5)
The people had placed their trust for guidance and their future in other things.  When the prophecies became reality, the only explanation would be God's word.

2. So, God could display His foreknowledge. (v.7-8)
He knows and controls the future.  No one else does.

3. So, God alone would be praised. (v.9-11)
He reveals His truth and implements His plans for people to stand in awe of Him.  The reasonable response is to praise and worship the LORD.

The error the Jews made was to think that because of their heritage and because they used the right words they were in right standing with God.  God's view of them on the other hand is described with these words: hypocrites (v.1), obstinate and hardheaded (v.4), spiritually deaf (v.8a), rebel (v.8b).

How many people have held to the same erroneous thinking about their relationship with Christ?  Just because a person has parents who were believers in Jesus or because they went to church no more fits one for heaven than walking into a garage can turn someone into a car.  Reciting certain words does not make one right before the LORD.  He wants our exclusive, personal faith and trust in Him.

"Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments!  Then your peace would have been like a river and your righteousness live the waves of the sea." (v.18)

4 thoughts that will destroy your Life

Read Isaiah 47.

This is an amazing prophecy regarding the end of the Babylonian Empire.  Dethroned and disgraced, the once powerful kingdom that ruled from India to Africa will be no more.  God had used the Babylonians to discipline the kingdom of Judah and take them captive for 70 years.

Babylon's demise happened quickly, as the LORD foretold in verse 9, "In a moment, in one day."  Daniel 5 needed only two verses at the end of the chapter to recount what took place.  Immediately, the Medes and Persians came to world power.

What was behind the downfall of this mighty empire?
"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18)

Notice the quotes from God concerning the Babylonians.  This reminds us again that God hears our every word, knows the thoughts of our hearts, and watches our every action.
1. "You felt secure in your wickedness." (v.10a)
They thought they could sin and get away with it.

2. "You said, 'No one sees me.'" (v.10b)
They thought, if there is a God in heaven, He is far removed and does not care about what I do.

3. "Your wisdom and your knowledge led you astray." (v.10c)
They thought they knew better than God about how to live and what guidance they should follow.

4. "You said in your heart, 'I am and there is no one besides me.'" (v.10d)
They thought that they arrived where they were by their own doing and they would be the masters of their fate.  False thinking led them to believe they could live with no accountability to the LORD.

So, God challenged them to go on and depend upon their own made up spiritualism (v.12) and their belief in astrology (v.13).  See if they can save you in the time of trouble and terror.  All of it will prove to be futile and a waste of time when real help is needed.

There is only One who can save.
"'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'  Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." (James 4:6b-8a)

Now, hear This!

Read Isaiah 46.

Twice in this chapter, God says, "Listen to me."  In the middle of the chapter, He says, "Remember this."  What is it that the LORD wants His people to hear and remember?

The historical context has to do with encouraging Israel to look beyond the pending Babylonian captivity.  No matter what suffering and loss they may endure, there are some basics of the faith to which they must cling.  For them, locations will change, culture will change, leadership will change, but God does not!  He will be with them and deliver the nation.

Since the character of God does not change, the key statements may be equally applied to us for our hearing and reminders.

1. There is no other God. (vv.1-7)
Over and over again, the LORD claims that He is the only God there is.  All others are man-made illusions that are incapable of providing any help.  Believing in the power of the planets, like Bel the sun god or carrying around idols, will prove to be a waste of time and money.

Instead of carrying around one's god, the LORD of the universe claims to carry us (v.4).  He superintends our lives from before our birth, while in the womb, into old age.  He has no equal.

2. He is sovereign over all. (vv.8-11)
As the eternal God, He has no beginning and no end.  The creation is not the result of chaos but purpose.  The LORD personally superintends His creation, including our lives, to fulfill all His plans.  "I will do it."

3. His righteousness is available. (vv.12-13)
He offer to us His power of forgiveness and making things right.  It is near us now.  Then, why do so many live alienated from God and carry their guilt and shame?  It is not because of a lack of provision from the LORD.  Verse 12 states the problem is a stubborn heart that refuses to acknowledge who God is and His claims upon them.  Once a person listens and responds their hearts open to receive His deliverance.

How near is this salvation?  The Apostle Paul wrote a similar application, quoting from Deuteronomy 30:14, "But what does it say?  'The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:8-9)

Reading history in Advance

Read Isaiah 45.

This prophecy concerns Cyrus, who became the head of the Medo-Persian Empire.  In short, the Assyrians would be defeated by the Babylonians.  The Babylonians would then take Judah captive for seventy years of exile.  Next, the Medes and Persians allied to conquer the Babylonians.  Cyrus not only assisted in helping the Jews return to their homeland from Babylon but he paid for the rebuilding of the destroyed Temple in Jerusalem.  Isaiah 45:13 is the prophecy and 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 is the historical record.

The astounding value of this portion of Isaiah, with names and details, is that it was written about 100 years in advance!  When God states, as He indicated in chapter 44, that He controls the future, He means it.

God referred to Cyrus as "my Shepherd" (44:28) and "his anointed" (45:1), called and used by God to fulfill His plans, "though you do know me" (v.4).  The LORD can use anyone and anything for His purpose, even unbelievers, without them realizing it.  Some may object and question God doing this.  But in verses 9-10, the LORD warns against arguing with Him.  As the Creator, He can do as He wishes with His property.

The future of the restoration of Israel, however, would not be limited to their return to the land and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.  Of even more importance was the rebuilding of the nation spiritually.  The prophecy looks forward to a time when Israel will unitedly worship the LORD and experience the full blessings of God on earth.  In addition, all nations will acknowledge that He is the one true God and that there is no one else (v. 14).

His call in verse 22 is to "Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth!"  We have the freedom to respond now.  But in that day, when Messiah rules and reigns from the throne of David, the response will be by both worship and command.  The Apostle Paul used verse 23 and applied it to Jesus in Philippians 2:10-11: "So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."    

6 irrefutable claims by the God of the Bible

Read Isaiah 44.

"There are none so blind as those who will not see."  According to the Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings that quote may be traced back to John Heywood in 1546.  Many people choose to ignore the spiritual truth that they already know.  That is nothing less than willful ignorance.  A vast number of people, even when they see the truth in front of them, hear it in their own language, and have it explained to them just cannot process God's word.

Several times in the Bible the subject of spiritual blindness and deafness is discussed.  Sometimes it is willful and at other times it is God who has prevented them from responding "for he has shut their eyes" (v.18).

The result of such inability leaves people to their own imagination and devices to fill that spiritual void.  Isaiah details in verses 9-20 how some make up gods with their own hands.  It is insane to think that a piece of wood or metal, shaped and formed by a craftsman has some supernatural powers.  Others place their faith in philosophical schemes or depend on their own thoughts about eternity.  And, then they hope they are correct.

Here are six irrefutable claims of the Sovereign LORD God of the Bible.
1. "I am the first and the last; besides me there is no god." (v.6)

2. "I am the LORD, who made all things, who alone spread out the earth by myself..." (v.24)

3. "...who frustrates the signs of liars and makes fools of diviners, who turns wise men back and makes their knowledge foolish..." (v.25)

4. "...who confirms the word of his servant and fulfills the counsel of his messengers..." (v.26)

5. He controls the natural world. (v.27)

6. He controls the future. (v.28)

In addition, the LORD has claims on our individual lives and decisions.  Can you see it?  Can you hear it?  His invitation in verse 22 is "I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you."  Will you come?

11 reasons not to fear the Future

Read Isaiah 43.

"Thus says the LORD."  Isaiah delivered God's messages primarily to the southern kingdom of Judah.  Increasingly, the warnings look beyond the Assyrian invasion to the Babylonian captivity.  The discipline of the nation was due to their sinful disobedience (vv.22-24).  But along with the predicted judgment came the promise of Israel being regathered, forgiven, and blessed.

The LORD wanted to remind them who He is, what He has done, and what He can do for them.  Twice in this chapter God said, "Fear not."  Here are the reasons why they needed not fear the future.
1. I created you. (v.1a)
Man is not the result of some cosmic accident.  Creation is not just a Genesis issue.  God claims to have personally brought the universe and life into existence.  He is the Owner of all things (Psalm 24:1)

2. I formed you. (v.1b)
As a potter works the clay for His own design and purposes, so the LORD takes full responsibility for the shaping of this nation and its people.  The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesian 2:10, "We are his workmanship."

3. I redeemed you. (v.1c)
Literally, He bought them out of slavery.  This is an obvious reference to the Exodus.  At great cost, through the shedding of blood during the Passover, the people were freed.  "Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" for us (1 Corinthians 5:7).

4. I called you. (v.1d)
In Genesis 12, God called Abraham and subsequently made an unconditional covenant with his descendants.  He called the nation out of Egypt.  This calling of God was in order for them to fulfill His plan.  They were on an assigned mission.

5. You are mine. (v.1e)
Now, they are twice His-by creation and by redemption.

6. I will be with you. (v.2a)
Though they will face difficult days ahead, God's presence will never leave them.  He is and will be right there with them all the way.  "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

7. I will protect you. (v.2b)
There is no need to feel overwhelmed or give up.  He will bring His people through the toughest of circumstances.

8. I am your Savior. (v.3)
The LORD claims exclusivity.  There is no other Savior.  The Apostle Peter proclaimed, "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

9. I love you. (v.4)
The God of the Bible is not detached from His creation.  He is a loving God who desires a personal relationship with each of us.

10. I will provide for you. (vv.19-21)
He will make a way for His people when there does not seem to be a way.  He will take care of His own when no resources are in sight.

11. I am he who blots out your transgressions. (v.25)
His promise to forgive and "I will not remember your sins" does not mean God has a memory lapse.  But once we have confessed our sins and He has cleansed us, He will not bring up our past against us.

It is a great day for Singing!

Read Isaiah 42.

The people of Israel, called "my servant" in verse 19, were to have shown the world what a nation under God looks like.  Their obedience to the LORD should have pointed others to Him.  They are His people by creation and covenant (vv.5-7).  That will not change.  However, two things will happen in response.  First, God will deal with their disobedience.  Second, He will send "my servant" (v.1), a person this time, to lead them and the entire world.

We could be at a loss as to this person's identity.  Some have tried to claim him as an historical leader who fulfilled this role.  However, Matthew 12:15-21 quotes these verses, stating that this is no one else but Jesus.  Notice that the details do not fit His earthly ministry 2000 years ago.  So, some try to spiritualize the passage by saying that Jesus is ruling the world from heaven.  But look closely at the details.

What will characterize this international servant-leader?  (vv.1-4)
1. He will be chosen by God.
This will not be a leader by human empowerment, but one sent from the Father on an earthly mission.  "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)

2. He will be a delight to the Father.
At the baptism of Jesus, the Father spoke for all to hear.  "And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased.'" (Mark 1:11)

3. The Spirit of God upon Him.
On one occasion in the synagogue, Jesus read aloud Isaiah 61:1-2: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me."  Then, He said, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."

4. He will judge all nations.
This certainly has not taken place yet.  One day, the LORD will exercise His power of ownership over His creation.  See verses 13-17.  Some count God's patience as silence (v.14).  There is coming a rude awakening, especially for those who have put their trust elsewhere (v.17).

5. He will be quiet and gentle.
Isaiah wrote in 40:11, "He will feed his flock like a shepherd.  Jesus said in John 10:11, "I am the good shepherd."

6. He will be faithful.
In the depiction of the returning Christ in Revelation 19:11, He is called "Faithful and True."

7. He will establish His rule on earth.
The Bible contains more prophecies concerning the second coming of Christ than His first coming.  Revelation 20:1-6 describes the fulfillment of Jesus earthly reign for 1,000 years prior to making a new heaven and a new earth in Revelation 21.

Jesus is coming!  With this hope of the future secured, the instruction in verse 10 is to "Sing to the LORD a new song."  Today is a great day to sing as we await His return.

5 statements from God that will sustain You

Read Isaiah 41.

God is sovereignly in control of nations to do His will, whether they know it or not.  He declared in these opening verses that it was not merely the notions of a great power to invade and conquer.  The LORD "stirred" or raised them up to fulfill His purposes.

Though Israel often failed in their obedience, God said that He would remain faithful to them.  In verses 8-9, He chose them as His own and will "not cast you off."  Though enemies will continue to endeavor to annihilate the Jews, the LORD repeatedly states that all their foes "shall perish" and amount to nothing (vv.11-12).

How have the Jews survived since the time of Abraham?  How are they sustained to this day in their national lack of spiritual awakening and obedience to the LORD?  Even more, how do we survive our personal challenges?  The answer is in verse 10.

1. I am with you.
"Fear not" is not whistling in the dark with positive thoughts.  Our peace comes from knowing that God is personally present with us.  We do not walk through trials alone.  There is no greater Friend.

2. I am your God.
We may become discouraged when our faith in other things or other people have disappointed us.  But God is ever faithful.  The Hebrew word here is Elohim.  He is the supreme ruler and in full control.

3. I will strengthen you.
In a time of Paul's own sense on inability, Jesus spoke to him.  "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

4. I will help you.
Sometimes God resolves issues without us to demonstrate His power and control.  Most often, He wants to show His grace as He enables us to face difficulties.  There is an old saying, "If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it."

5. I will uphold you.
Imagine that at the Almighty God of the universe personally supplies His power to us as we have need.  There are no better hands in which we could trust our lives.

God's character does not change.  He cares for His own.  He cares for us.

How big is your God?

Read Isaiah 40.

After all the pronouncements of coming judgments, the book turns to themes of great encouragement.  Terrible days are ahead.  Assyria will return and put enormous pressure on Judah in every way.  Babylonia will rise as the world power, conquer Judah and take them away captive for 70 years.  But there is hope.

God warned the people through Moses in Deuteronomy 28 that if they did not obey Him they would lose the blessing of being on the land He had given to them.  The national punishment for their sin had come.  In His faithfulness the LORD sent His spokespersons, the prophets.  Those messengers were preaching like voices crying out in the wilderness (v.3).  The people lived in a spiritually dry place, not much growth, and only a few listening to what God had to say.

The message of hope is the King is coming!  Prepare for Him now.  As with all the Old Testament prophets, they often blended the two comings of the Messiah and could not see the time distance between them.  Isaiah described His coming in great glory.  But when Jesus came the first time, all the Gospel writers attributed this passage to John, the Baptist.  He was preparing the nation for the Suffering Savior whom Isaiah describes in chapter 53.

Despite the challenges and rough days they will be facing, the focus of this message is on who God is.  The key question in verses 18 and 25: "To whom then will you liken God...?"
1. He is King of Kings (v.10)
When Jesus returns, as depicted in Revelation 19, He will rule the entire world.

2. He is like a Shepherd. (v.11)
Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd who cares, and even lays down His life, for His sheep.

3. He is all knowing. (vv.12-14)
There are five questions that have to do with the origins of knowledge and information.  The God of the Bible is the source of all wisdom and knowledge.

4. He is a living Being. (vv.19-20)
Following Christ is not a religion.  It is a relationship with a real Person.  Every religion is based upon a dead hero and a made up system of good works.  As an alternative, people worship inanimate objects of nature or idols crafted by humans.

5. He is the Creator of all things. (vv.21-26)
God is not an invention of man's ideas.  He not only owns the universe, but He superintends it as well.  Anyone reading this section would have known that the earth is not flat.

6. He is the eternal God. (vv.27-31)
With no beginning and no ending, the LORD is not a cultural whim or a belief of only a particular group.
His endurance is unending.
His understanding is unsearchable.
His power is unlimited.
And, He freely offers His strength to us by His grace (v.31).
"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." (v.8)

Guarding personal character when under Pressure

Read Isaiah 39.

Under threat from the Assyrians, any words of kindness would have been more than welcomed by Hezekiah.  History reports that the King of Babylon rebelled against Sennacherib and was actually deposed by him.  With the stated pretense of checking on Hezekiah's health, the Babylonians may have been looking for an ally.  Flattered by such attention, Hezekiah wanted to impress these visitors.  It is obvious that instead of giving God the glory for all His blessings, Hezekiah took credit.  Whatever the motive of the Babylonians, they now knew of all Judah's treasures.

The LORD sent Isaiah to confront Hezekiah concerning his pride and lack of discernment.  Indeed, the Babylonians later overthrew Assyria and then returned to conquer Judah.  One cannot read Hezekiah's response to the prophecy without sensing his self-focus.

1. Beware of flattery.
This is especially so when it comes from those whom you do not know.  Receive the kind words at surface value with a "thank you" and then move on.  The admitted downfall of so many well-known people came when they began believing the flattering words others were saying about them.

2. Beware of a lust for kindness.
When people are under great pressure or in pain, there can be a lustful longing for any encouragement from nearly any source.  The emotions desire a pleasurable escape, even if temporary.  The devil knows how to provide the wrong sort of such escapes.

3. Beware of a lack of discretion.
At all times, we need to guard our thoughts and our words.  We need God's wisdom to discern daily interactions with other people.  Being prudent and careful about our behaviors is an indication of personal character.

6 insights on praying through Pain

Read Isaiah 38.

In what he felt was the "middle" of his life (v.10), good King Hezekiah became severely ill.  The LORD sent Isaiah to inform the king that he would die.  It is obvious from the king's prayer that this sickness was not because he had done anything wrong.  Indeed, with quite a degree of confidence he was able to say to God that he had been faithful (v.3).

God heard his prayer and extended the king's life for fifteen more years.  The prophecy came with a miraculous sign (vv.7-8).  As it turned out, this episode was a test of Hezekiah's faith.  How would he respond under this threat?  Would he blame God or thank God?  Would he curse or pray?  Hezekiah made an A on the test.

What do we learn from this story?
1. Not all sickness is the result of sin or wrongdoing.
This was a faithful, godly man.  Passing this personal, life-threatening stress prepared him to trust God even more during the national threat.  God's tests are designed to strengthen us spiritually.

2. All healing is temporal.
Sooner or later, everyone will die.  Even Lazarus died again.  Hezekiah's healing simply gave him fifteen more years to serve the nation in a time of great need.  God answered his prayer in order for the LORD to fulfill His plan.  God was not through with him.  With 15 years of added life, history records that Hezekiah died in 686 B.C.  That places this stressful time in 701 B.C., the same year the Assyrians invaded.

3. It was for his welfare.
In verse 17, Hezekiah could see how this turned out for his benefit.  The Apostle Paul wrote: "All things work together for good" (Romans 8:28), but we have to look for and trust God for the purpose in pain.  This is a difficult task when it does not make sense to us.  The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 119:71: "It was good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes."

4. It is the mercy of God that we do not receive what we deserve.
High stress causes all our impurities to rise to the surface.  The king was grateful in verse 17 that the LORD "cast all my sins behind your back."  Acknowledging one's sins and receiving God’s forgiveness helps us understand His compassion on us.  It is also the basis for us to understand the sin of others and our ability to forgive them.  Those who know the mercy of God become merciful people.

5. Trust God and take your medicine.
Isaiah came with a treatment for the boil that cured the illness.  This was not a lack of faith on Hezekiah's part but thankfully receiving God's provision for him.

6. There is a promise for every pain.
God gave Hezekiah two promises in verses 5 and 6.  His life was extended and his people would be protected from this enemy.  How crucial it is for our well-being and spiritual growth to know the word of God!  His written promises sustain us, come what may.

Will you trust Him when things get Worse?

Read Isaiah 37.

The Assyrians surrounded Jerusalem with an overwhelming show of force.  They not only demanded immediate surrender, but they mocked the LORD saying that trust in Him was vain.  King Hezekiah said, "This is a day of distress, or rebuke, and of disgrace" (v.3).

The test of faith was on.  The question: Whom do you trust?  Judah did not have the resources to fight and win.  God had promised to protect them.  He even said through Isaiah that the Assyrians would be defeated and go home.  How could that possibly happen?  There was no answer but to cast their total dependence on the faithful LORD who had promised.

What did Hezekiah do?
1. He asked for prayer. (v.4)
The king first turned to his number one prayer warrior to ask for God's help.

2. He sought godly counsel. (vv.5-7)
In those days, the word of God was delivered through the prophets.  Isaiah provided advice straight from the LORD.  First, "Do not be afraid."  Fear is the opposite of faith.  Confidence in God pleases Him.  Second, God has a plan to fulfill His promise.  Most often He uses us in His plan, but, as in this case, He does not need us.  He is in total control

After those two major steps in the process, things became worse!  That is not an uncommon experience.  We think if we pray and do what is right, everything will be fine.  The reality is that the test of our faith may become harder.  When God acts in an impossible situation no one else can take the credit.  It also provides an unprecedented opportunity for personal spiritual growth.

What did Hezekiah do when things got worse?
3. He "spread it out before the LORD." (v.14)
Having received Sennacherib's threatening letter, the king physically laid the letter down in front of him as he prayed for God to intervene.  The Assyrians' biggest mistake was to assume that the God of Israel was just like all the man-made gods of other nations.  This had become a spiritual war.  The motive of Hezekiah's prayer was "that the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone are the LORD." (v.20)

In verse 28, God said He heard every word.  God saw the complacency of some toward Him and the outright rage of others.  185,000 Assyrian soldiers died without one arrow having been shot from Jerusalem.  Sennacherib went home in disgrace and was assassinated by his own sons.

This actual, historically verified account cannot be dismissed by any naysayer.  Our God is all-powerful.  Our God is faithful to fulfill His every word.  Do not be afraid.  Spread it out before the LORD in prayer and trust Him.

Faith, when facing an overwhelming Situation

Read Isaiah 36.

The fourteenth year of Hezekiah's reign places this event in 701 B.C.  Twenty-one years prior to this they defeated the northern kingdom of Israel. The Assyrians marched down the coast conquering city after city.   The last significant piece left standing in the land was Jerusalem.

Sennacherib sent thousands of troops to surround the city and demanded its surrender.  One of his field commanders, with the military rank of Rabshakeh, stood to negotiate the final terms.  King Hezekiah dispatched three of his most trusted men to the meeting.

 With enormous confidence and sarcasm, the Assyrian spokesman presented his case in no uncertain terms.
He began in verse 4 with the question that everyone must answer when facing an overwhelming situation.
"On what do you rest this trust of yours?"  Then, he made five pronouncements.  Some of these may sound familiar.

1. Hope is not a strategy. (v.5)
Positive thinking and words of affirmation about a crisis will not resolve the problem.  This is a war.  Just saying, "We will do the best we can and hope things will all work out" won't win the battle.

2. You cannot trust your neighbor to help you. (v.6)
In this case, Egypt was not the powerhouse of the past.  They could not be depended upon to come to Judah's rescue.  Isaiah had already said this in his messages.

3. You cannot rely on your own gods. (v.7)
Two things are at work in his point here.  One is that every city Assyria had systematically destroyed had their own faith systems.  None of them proved effective because they were false gods.  The big mistake by this spokesman was that he lumped the One true God along with all the others.  He, perhaps, thought that Hezekiah had lost his faith due to the removal of all the false altars to strange gods.  The truth is that the king had purged the land of all but worshiping the LORD.  (2 Kings 18)

4. You do not have enough resources to win. (v.8-9)
He even bet them that if they could come up with enough riders, he would give them 2000 horses.  But evidently he knew Judah did not have that many.  Even if they did, he sarcastically said that all of those could not win a fight with one of his captains.

5. This is what God wants. (v.10)
The pagan who did not know God at all tried to bully Judah by claiming to speak for the LORD.  He was lying and using it as a manipulative tactic.  Beware when someone who does not profess a personal relationship with the LORD and who has never read and studied God's word endeavors to quote God.

This encounter caused the three men to return in near despair.  Much of what the Assyrian had said was true.  What could they do?  How could they respond?  How could they survive?

But God in His faithfulness had already delivered His word through the Prophet Isaiah.  Jerusalem would not be conquered by the Assyrians.  Indeed, the Assyrians would be defeated and go home.  That required a ton of faith.

Jeff and Sherri Easter sing a wonderful gospel song that says:
"Over and over, again and again, God is faithful.
Over and over, again and again, through it all He's made me able
To stand and survive, to come through alive, when it sure looked like I could not win.
But Jesus is with me, so I'll claim the victory, over and over again."

A picture of peace in the World

Read Isaiah 35.

After all the prophesied devastation in chapter 34, the message continues with the rest of the story.  What a difference Jesus will make when He rules during the kingdom age!

1. The land. (vv.1-2, 6b-7)
In that day of Messiah's reign, the desert areas of Israel will flourish with abundant agriculture.  But notice that it is not the crops that will cause the rejoicing.  The glory of the LORD in all His majesty will be visible to everyone.  He will receive full credit due Him for these blessings.

2. The weak. (vv.3-4)
Those who endured the hard times and those who folded in fear, will be strengthened and encouraged.

3. The infirmed. (vv.5-6a)
All physical maladies will have been remedied by the Great Physician.

4. The redeemed. (vv.7-10)
The righteous will make their way to Jerusalem to worship the King.  Even the road will be called the Way of Holiness.  The pilgrims will journey safely, singing praises along the way.

Oh, how we look forward to this time of world peace.  Individually, those who know the Savior enjoy peace with God right now and can enjoy the promise of Jesus' personal peace.  "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27)

Is the God of the Old Testament different in the New Testament?

Read Isaiah 34.

Years ago, a man tried to tell me that the God of the Old Testament was a God of hate, while the God of the New Testament was a God of love.  The error of that false statement is immediately evident to anyone who has ever actually read the Bible.  At the root of such heresy is the concept that God has changed His character over time.  "For I the LORD do not change." (Malachi 3:6)

When Jesus returns it will be a day of worldwide judgment upon the nations, especially on those who sought to annihilate Israel.  "For the LORD has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion" (v.8).  In this chapter, Edom is used as Exhibit A.  Israel's neighbor to the southeast was a constant enemy.

The descriptions in this chapter parallel with the Great Tribulation judgments as the seals are broken in Revelation.  These events then culminate in Revelation 19.  "From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron.  He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty." (Revelation 19:15)

Therefore, the time of earthly peace and blessing will only come after the returning Christ has decisively dealt with His enemies.

At the root of all current actions of man's inhumanity against others is sin.  It is not possible to negotiate that away.  There is only one cure in the universe for sin.

For now, we look forward to the day when Messiah will right every wrong and bring true justice to this world.  The Apostle Paul wrote: "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."

Looking for stability in times of Trouble

Read Isaiah 33.

God delivered a series of judgmental "woes" against those who rejected and ignored Him.  Judah knew better, but they chose to place their faith elsewhere.  In verse 1, the LORD called them traitors.  They betrayed the God who loved and cared for them.  The betrayer will be betrayed by those they trusted.  Placing one's faith in anyone or anything other than the LORD will ultimately prove to be in vain (vv.11-12).

All their efforts to negotiate alliances and bring peace to their land would not work.  When the Assyrians invade, they will make everything desolate.  But Jerusalem and the remnant of those who turn to God will be spared.

Like many of the prophetic passages, the message blends the historic happenings with future hope.  The prophets could not see the gaps between the two, unless God revealed to them an exact amount time.

In trouble, there would some who will cry out for God's grace and deliverance (v.2).  When the LORD is exalted, "he will be the stability of your times" and provide the "salvation, wisdom, and knowledge" they so desperately needed.  However, it came with the stipulation that they respond in obedience to God's word.  Such holy fear, or respect, for the LORD is called "Zion's treasure" (v.6).

In that day when Messiah reigns, things will be different (vv.13-24).  The godless will be afraid.  The righteous will openly demonstrate their faith by what they do and do not do.  They will dwell securely and with abundance.   The focus will be on the Jesus.
"Your eyes will behold the king in his beauty..." (v.17)
"...there the LORD in majesty will be for us..." (v.21)
"For the LORD is our judge; the LORD is our lawgiver; the LORD is our king; he will save us." (v.22)

In the meantime, we are "looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)

8 characteristics of the Millennial Kingdom

Read Isaiah 32.

Both Old and New Testaments look forward to the literal, earthly reign of Messiah.  The prophets often provide details of such a kingdom.  This chapter, like many others, is a message to Judah of that future time.  Part of the proof that this indeed still remains unfulfilled is the fact that there has been no Jewish kingdom over that land since 586 B.C.

Jesus will sit on the throne of David in Jerusalem.  What will be the characteristics of that kingdom?
1. Righteousness. (v.1a)
God's standard of what is right will be upheld absolutely.

2. Justice. (v.1b)
all wrongs will be made right.  The Righteous Judge will be on the throne and His decisions will be carried out perfectly.

3. Security. (v.2)
those who govern with the King of Kings will provide genuine safety and shelter for those in need.

4. Truth. (v.3-4)
in a previous message the people were chastised because they had closed their eyes and stopped their ears from the truth.  But in that day all will all see, hear, and communicate God's word with clarity.

5.  Generosity. (vv.5-8)
No longer will foolish and sinful decisions be tolerated.  No longer will leaders be in power who lie, especially about the LORD, devising "wicked schemes", and taking advantage of others.  In that day, those with influence will be "noble" or known for being generous with their service to people.

6. The Holy Spirit. (v.15a)
Verses 9-14 warn against complacency about God’s announced judgment.  Most likely, this is a reference to the immediate crisis of the Assyrian invasion into Judah and ultimately the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians.  "For the palace is forsaken and the populous city deserted..." (v.14a).  "Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high..."  This not a reference to what happened in Acts 2.  Several of the Prophets (Ezekiel 36-37; Joel 2; Zechariah 12) looked forward to a time when all of Israel would personally experience the indwelling of the Spirit of God.  He would be the One to give them the spiritual understanding and ability to live a godly life they lacked.

7. Productivity. (v.15b)
Many prophetic passages predict that even Israel's deserts will flourish with agriculture.

8. Peace. (vv.17-18)
Since the establishment of the political state of Israel in 1948, there has been no peace in that land.  Indeed, throughout history, some satanically energized leader and/or peoples have announced their intent to annihilate the Jews.  But in that day, with the Prince of Peace ruling over this world, genuine peace will come.

For those of us who have a personal relationship with Jesus, we will rule and reign with Him.  Given the current state of affairs around the world and in Israel today, we pray with the Apostle John, "Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20)