日: 2014年1月21日

Today let’s look at Isaiah 17. Isaiah has until here talked about God’s judgment on the surrounding countries. First he talked about Babylon, then Assyria, then Persian and Moab. In today’s passage he is speaking about Damascus.

I. Do not be conformed to this world (vs. 1-3) First please look at verses 1to 3.
This is a prophecy against Damascus. Damascus was the capital of Syria.
Presently too Syria has been a constant topic of the news every day. Inthe Biblical age it was called Aram. Aram is today’s Syria. The capital of Syria is Damascus. It is a big
／ヘ town. Presently 21,900,000 people live there. Damascus is registered in UNESCO’s world legacy. The reason that it is recorded there is because the town where Damascus
is located is the oldest in the world. It is the world ’s oldest town.
Damascus has had connections with Israel. It is the town that Paul was going to to persecute the Christians. At that time he was so zealous about the Jewish faith that he persecuted the church. That was the town that he left for to arrest the Christians, bind them and put them in jail. In the end on the way to Damascus he met the risen Lord and was led to conversion. He had an eye opening experience. His name was changed 企om Saul to Paul. This is the same Damascus.
About Damascus Isaiah says，“See Damascus will no longer be a city but will
become a heap of ruins. The cities of Aroer will be deserted and left to flocks which will be like the gloη of the Israelites.” （ 1・3) As I said earlier Damascus is the world’s oldest town. Even though it was conquered by Assyria and had been under its control, in its
f\ history it has not even once been “become a heap of ruins” （ 1) or failed to be a city. From
way back when until now people have continued to live there. However, here it clearly says that it will “become a heap of ruins’. (1) This means that this prophecy is about
things that are going to occur after this. Therefore, this was not to occur in Isaiah’s age, but is a prophecy that will occur in the far future. Even so, Isaiah prophesized this in the year that King Ahaz died, in other words, in 715 B.C. Already 2700 years have passed . This will probably occur in the not so distant future. Everyday when we look at
the news Syria’s situation is very tense. In 2007 Syria held a nuclear bomb so Israel
made an air raid. By the minute we are progressing towards the fulfillment of these
Words. If you hear that Damascus was destroyed then consider it as meaning that these Words have been fulfilled. In Isaiah’s age this was in the far future, but for us living in this present age it is something that will occur in the near future. “Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins.” （ 1） 勺\roer” (2) is also a Syrian town. “Aroer will be deserted” (2) and flocks of animals will take over the land.

Please look at verse 3. Suddenly Ephraim appears here. Ephraim is Northern Israel. Even though Isaiah is talking about Syria, suddenly Ephraim appears. “The forti五ed city will disappear 仕om Ephraim and the royal power from Damascus; the remnant of Aram will be like the glory of the Israelites.” （ 3)
The reason that Ephraim, Northern Israel, is mentioned here is because at that time Ephraim and Aram had joined hands together. They had joined in alliance to deal with the attack of the neighboring country, Assyria. Of course, the Southern kingdom of Judah was also shaken up. However, in the midst of such a dangerous situation King
Hezekiah depended upon the Lord and prayed for the help of God so God miraculously help them. However, Ephraim was not like this. They didn’t depend upon God and joined hand with Aram. For that reason they will be destroyed with Aram. Damascus
／ヘ fell to Assyria in 732 B.C. and Ephraim in 722 B.C. Ephraim lost “the forti五ed city”. (3)
Damascus lost its “royal power”. (3)
This means that even 正 the Israelites are the people of God, if they join hands with the gentile nations, they will be destroyed. When you look at the history oflsrael
up until now, when the Lord sends evil, He always distinguished between Israel and other peoples. He doesn’t send the evil upon Israel. However here is different. Here they are judged with Damascus. If Christians who believe in God are conformed to this
world, or bury themselves in this world, they are inviting the same results as Ephraim.
Romans i2:1, 2
“Do not be conformed to this world” does not mean to be separated 企・om this world or to stay far away from the world. Jesus said, ”You are the salt of the world, the light of the world’＇. In this world we are to be like salt and to live as a light. That is because Christians have been saved out of this world and have been put in the kingdom
/’\ of God. If the country is di旺erent, the laws are different. Depending upon the world you
are living in, your lifestyle is different, the philosophy and principles are different. Christians belong to the kingdom of God so they live obeying the principles of God’s kingdom. They don’t follow the principles of this world. They must not separate
themselves from God and be conformed to the ideology and fashions of the world, but
know what the will of God is, and what is holy and acceptable to God. To do that what you must do is “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2) By God’s Holy Spirit your heart must be transformed. Daily we need to sacrifice ourselves to God. Present your bodies to God as a living Sacri五ce. That is spiritual worship. By this spiritual worship the Holy Spirit will live within you, and transform you into a new
person, and you will know the will of God.
Lot’s wife was conformed to this world so she became a pillar of salt. When the Lord because of Abraham was going to save Lot ad his family the angel said to run with all you life and not to look back, but she didn’t obey. She looked back. She had

attachment to this world. She favored the deeply sinful life of the people of Sodom and therefore, she couldn’t leave them behind. She ignored God’s warning so she became a pillar of salt.
Do you have any thoughts like Lot’s wife? Is this world is so fascinating so you
aren’t able to get out of it? Present yourself to God. Don’t be conformed to this world. Focus on God. Let’s walk in the will of God knowing what is holy and acceptable to God. If not, like Ephraim was destroyed with Damascus, we will be destroyed with the world.

IL The remnant of Aram (Vs. 3・6)
The second thing is in the midst of this God is leaving a remnant. Please look at verse 3. Here after Isaiah says, that royal power will disappear 企om Damascus, he says “the remnant of Aram will be like the glory of the Israelites.” （ 3)
Ephraim and A.ram did not depend upon God, but upon people so God judged them. However, even in the midst of the judgment, God left a small remnant. Please look at verses 4 to 6.
Here the words “In that day” (4) appea工 This is one of the key words in Isaiah.
As I have mentioned before this is in the age oflsaiah and at the same time a prophecy about the end of the world. “In that day the glory of Jacob will fade; the fat of his body will waste away. It will be as when reapers harvest the standing grain, gathering the grain in their arms-as when someone gleans heads of grain in the Valley of Rephaim. Yet some gleanings will remain.” (4・6) This means that there will be some grain left.
When Ruth picked up the grain that had fallen in Boaz’s 直eld, she was picking up such gleanings that remained there after the “reapers harvested the standing grain”. (5) Also it is like when olives are harvested. When olives are harvested not all the olives fall off
the tree. A few olives are left on the tree. In the same waぁ in Aram there will be a veη small remnant. God just because Aram was pagan He didn’t destroy them all. He left a remnant that believed in the God of Israel, obeyed God and worshipped God.
The famous Aramean general, Naaman, was so. He was struggling with a veη
bad skin disease, but he believed in the God of Israel and was saved. He believed the words of God’s prophet, Elisha, and dipped himself into the Jordan River seven times and he was healed.
We are discouraged when not many people come to church; when not many people come to the prayer meeting; when no one is saved, etc. However, we must not be discouraged. God even in this situation has kept a remnant.
During the age of Elijah Israel was in the worst and darkest age. Those people that obeyed God were heavily persecuted.
All of the country was separated 企om God and worshipped Baal and Asherah. Elijah who was exhausted from continuing to preach the Gospel lamented before God，“I have

been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I
am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” (I Kings 19:14) He is
lamenting，“I am the only one left.” （ I Kings 19:14) Then God says，“Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel-all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him.” (I Kings 19:1s) This means that God has not discarded the covenant he made with Israel. God has kept a remnant of people that have faith and pray.
This present age is the same. It looks like there is no one that believes, but God has kept a remnant and through these people the work of God is being performed.
This is God’s way.
Recently I read an article that an Alliance Baptist church, Mihama
(\
Grace Christian church in Wakayama prefecture had a dedication service for a new church building. That church was founded right after the war by an American missionary, Francis B. Sari and the old church building was built. However after the missionary returned to his home country for 20 years the church continued in the condition of not having a pastor. At one time it declined until there were only two people attending the Sunday worship. Also they had an ordeal because 企om a typhoon the old church building flooded with water coming in higher than the floor. They came face to face with the danger of disbandment or consolidation. However, the 2 people who were the remnant decided to take care of the church to the end. They continued to
pray and 3 years ago a neighboring Alliance Baptist church’s pastor began a dual
pastorship . In the course of time, people were baptized and others moved their membership so presently the number of church members has been restored to 8 people.
r’\ These 8 people and the nonmembers with the strength of their families were able to build a new church building. This church has had no connection with the philosophy of church formation or strategy. This was possible because of the unwavering faith in the power of God and the pure and upright faith of the believers. Also they never gave up praying. Also they had a pure devotion to God. The church is cared for, supported by and moves forward by this remnant.
There is for sure a remnant. Until the end of the world there will be a people that until the Lord returns strongly follow the faith and promise to obey God. No matter how big a persecution there is or how painful a situation, by the grace of God a remnant is preserved.
Damascus in Syria is now a metropolis with a population of 21,900,000 people. Almost all the people are Moslem, but among them are Christians. Christians are 10%. Therefore, of course Christmas is a public holiday. The fact that this country that does not have freedom of religion is 10% Christian shows how true this promise is. Even

though Japan has freedom of religion less than 1% is Christian. Protestants are less than .2%. However there are .2%. It is a small group , but God has kept this remnant.
Therefore, even if the church is small, even if few people come , we must not be discouraged. God keeps a remnant everywhere. We must believe that God is advancing forward in His work and obey the Word of God.

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III. Don’t forget the salvation of God (Vs. 7-11)
Lastly let’s look at who is the remnant. The remnant is those people who remember the grace of God’s salvation , and remain in it. Please look at verses 7 and 8. “In that day”（ 7) the people of Aram will throw away their idols and return to
Israel’s great Lord. Repentance will occur not only in Israel, but among the Arameans who were Gentiles . This is a message of hope that even among Gentiles a remnant will appear.

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The words in verse 9 are spoken to Israel about this. “In that day their strong
cities, which they left because of the Israelites, will be like places abandoned to thickets and undergrowth. And all will be desolation.” （ 9)
“Their strong cities” (9) are the towns of Canaan that Israel captured. Jericho
was a strong city with its gate closed firmly without even one person going in or out. However, no matter how strong a town it was because they worshipped idols, it was
destroyed by Israel. Then next the same thing happened to Israel. Israel was God’s
people, but they turned their backs on God and became separated 企om God so they will be deprived of their rights and the people of God “and all will be desolation.”
Verses 10 and 11 give the causes for the problem. “You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress. Therefore , though you set out the finest plants and plant imported vines, though on the day you set them out, you make them grow, and on the morning when you plant them , you bring them to bud , yet the harvest will be as nothing in the day of disease and incurable pain.” (10, 11)
They became this way because they “have forgotten God” （ 10) their Savior.
They “have not remembered the Rock.” （ 10) This is a very important warning . This is a wrong that we certainly must not commit. We must not forget our Lord’s salvation . The most dangerous thing that we can do is to forget God’s salvation. By this our
spiritual destiny is decided.
In the Gospel of Luke is the story of the 10 lepers who were healed . This
happened when Jesus went through a village on the border of Samaria and Galilee . 10 lepers raised their voices and called out，“Jesus, Master, have pity on us！” （ Luke 17:13) Jesus who heard them calling desperately had pity on them and said，“Go, show yourselves to the priests .” （ John 11:14) The lepers who heard these words on their way
to the priests were completely healed. However, of the 10 who were healed only one

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person returned to Jesus to praise God. Not only that, but the person who returned was a Samaritan.When Jesus saw this, he said，“Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner？” （ 17) Then Jesus said to the Samaritan，“Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” （ Luke 17:19) In the end this Samaritan not only was healed, but he was able to receive salvation.
Even if we receive a huge grace today, soon we forget very quickly. There are a lot of people like these 9 lepers. We must not forget the grace of God.
The Lord Jesus said， “Do this in remembrance of me .＇’ （ I Cor. 11:14)
Communion is to remember the grace of Jesus. We must always remember what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. We were rotten sinners like the lepers. Because of our sin we had to live a life in real vanity and tragedy. However, God sent Jesus Christ 加 this world and by putting him on the cross took on the punishment of our sins for us. By the sacrificial love and grace of our Lord Jesus we who were separated 企om God and heading towards death were saved 企om our sin and given entrance to heaven. By our sin and death we were hitting a completely hopeless wall, and we had to be smashed, but we received eternal life. God through Jesus Christ brought real joy to our soul. We must not forget the salvation of God. We must always remember the God of salvation and be thankful.
There was a poor mother and child living in the state of Virginia in America.
The father, a pastor, died when the child was still an infant. The mother by herself did other people ’s laundry and house cleaning and 企om the family 直nances paid out
money for schooling. The child, her son, was always thankful to the mother for her hardships and earnestly studied. He endeavored and graduated from Princeton University. At the graduation he received an honor 企om the University ’s president. He
was a valedictorian. At the end of the speech he said，“Thank you Mom! It was because of you that I was able to graduate. Therefore, I should not receive this, but you should receive it. ” Then he took the honorary golden medal and hung it on his mother who was
wearing shabby clothing. In the course of time the son became a lawyer, then a University professor and at last became an American president. He was Wilson, the 20th President of the United States. Later he also received the Nobel peace prize.
“Do this in remembrance of me.” (I Cor. 11:14) What are you doing so that you
won’t forget the God of salvation? By attending Sunday worship eveηr Sunday, by taking communion are important ways to remember the grace of our Lord Jesus’ salvation. Today later we will have an engagement ceremony. July 15th will become a
day that the couple will de直nitely not forget. They must not forget. They don’t have to
remember July 15th, but they mustn’t forget the grace of God who led them.

So that you don’t forget the salvation of God, always remember the grace of the salvation of God, and be thankful to the Lord. That is the sign of the remnant and of those who are richly ble ssed.

Aoolvin!! it 旬 our lives

• Is this world is so fascinating that you find it di伍cult to be separated 企om it? What in this world is pulling you?

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• Are you discouraged that there are so few Christians? Do you believe that God is keeping a remnant and that God is doing His work through that remnant?

• Are you remembering the God of salvation？羽市at are you doing so that you don’t forget the grace of God?

Today let’s look at Isaiah 16. Today’s title is from verse 9 which says, “I drench you with tears!” From last week we were looking at the prophecy against Moab. This week is the continuation. As I talked about last week, Moab’s ancestors can be traced back to Lot, Abraham’s nephew. Moab was the child born to Lot and his daughter. It is to the Moabites that this prophecy is spoken. Today let’s look at three things about these prophetical words.

I. Depend upon the Lord (vs. 1-5)
The first point is to be humble and trust in the Lord. Please look at verses 1 to 5. First let’s read verse 1.
“The ruler of the land” (1) is Israel. More concretely put, this is the Southern Kingdom of Judah. At that present time Moab had been invaded by Assyria. Many people had fled to outside of the country. Therefore, the Lord is calling the Moabites to seek help in “the mount of Daughter Zion” (1), Jerusalem. “Lambs” (1) were sent as a tribute for that purpose. Having been attacked by Assyria, what they needed to do was pay tribute to Jerusalem, humble themselves and seek help, but they weren’t able to make such a decision easily. Even though they knew that was the only way for them to not perish, they didn’t want to recognize this. They still thought they could do it by their own strength.
However, verse 2 says, “Like fluttering birds pushed from the nest, so are the women of Moab at the fords of the Arnon.” They thought they could solve the problem themselves, but their condition became worst and worst. They became “like fluttering birds pushed from their nests.” (2)
Therefore, finally the Moabites sought help from Judah.　“Make up your mind…Render a decision” of verse 3 is the messengers of Moab asking the King of Judah to make up his mind to help. They are asking him to “render a decision” as to what they should do. They are explaining their tense conditions by the following metaphor: “Make your shadow like night-at high noon.” In other words they are in the condition of being under the strong sunlight of the shining sun. They need to hide in a shadow. Therefore, “Hide the fugitives, do not betray the refugees.” (3) In other words, they are asking Judah to hide the refugees in Judah and not to turn them over to the enemy. “Stay with you” in verse 4 is Israel and Judah. They are asking, “Let the Moabite fugitives stay with you; be their shelter from the destroyer.” (4)

Around us too, there are people who are refugees from such situations, and are scattered every place. The other day at the annual meeting of the Conservative Baptists I heard a talk by Sato Sensei, the pastor of the First Baptist church of Fukushima talk about the year following the accident at the nuclear plant. It was a talk about how they had continued to wander about from place to place in Japan. After spending many days in Yonezawa they spent over a year in a Christian camp in Okutama, Tokyo. The German missionary who was responsible for the camp canceled all their reservations and received the church members. The German government had sent out a command to evacuate. Even though he might be fired for going against the command, he was prepared to be fired and received 60 people from the First Baptist church of Fukushima. During that time, the Lord called a family to heaven. There were some for whom leaving was unavoidable and they moved to other places. However, by the grace and mercy of God in March in Iwaki City in Fukushima they were able to build an apartment and in the Fall a new church sanctuary was also finished and they were able to start a new walk.
Even so, it was quite a decision to make to receive people in such a condition, but this German missionary responded to this passage, “Let the Moabite fugitives say with you; be their shelter.” (4) and the way he hid them, and supported them was great. We also have been given such a calling. Let’s desire to be a shelter for refugees, and to respond to the will of God.
How Isaiah answered the requests of the Moabite messengers is recorded in the end of verse 4 and 5. “The oppressor will come to an end, and destruction will cease; the aggressor will vanish from the land. In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it-one from the house of David-one who will in judging seeks justice and speed the cause of righteousness.”
“The oppressor” (4) is Assyria. “The oppressor will come to an end, and destruction will cease; the aggressor will vanish from the land.” (4) Isaiah is first of all prophesying that danger will pass. Next he says, “In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it-one from the house of David-one who will in judging seeks justice and speed the cause of righteousness.” (5) This is saying that the Davidic throne will be established. This is a Messianic prophecy. It is about Jesus Christ. In other words, if in the future the Moabites want to live a life in security and safety, they need to place themselves under the Lord’s promises of security toward David. The only way to flee from the present difficulties and uncertainties is to seek shelter in a faith in Jesus Christ and in hope’s quiet assurance. That is because “in love a throne will be established.” (5) No matters what happens, it will never be moved. It was not made by man. What man makes is not absolute. Therefore, such things always move, and are uncertain. However, it is a kingdom that will be established “in love”. (5) It will never be moved. Secondly, God who is sitting on the throne is an unequaled king. He is “one from the house of David.” (5) He uses his rights as a ruler and more than anything he inherits the promises that were given to David. He doesn’t just rule by caprice, but he rules by truth.
I Peter 2:6
What are you depending on? Are you just seeking help?
Psalm 91:1
Those who find shelter in the Lord are blessed. Such people no matter what difficulties they are in the can have the peace of the Lord and real rest.

II. I drench you with tears! (Vs. 6 to 16)
Let’s look at how the Moabites responded to Isaiah’s words. Please look at verses 6 to 12. First look at verse 6.
The Moabites refused the way of escape that God had established. Since for many years they had been compliant to Israel and had finally been set free from that yoke, why should they have to humble themselves before Israel? Here in verse 6 the words “pride”. “arrogance”, “conceit”, “insolence”, and “boasts” are repeated over and over again. What they were prideful about is written in verses 7 and 8.
Moab is abundant in grapes and other produce. There were many wineries there. They were proud of them. There were also temples where idols were worshipped there. They were proud of them and boasted about them. All of these things will be destroyed.
We must not think about this being about others. We have pride about something. We boast about something. The Moabites are exactly like us Japanese. The Moabites were proud that by the rich produce of grapes they had built up a stable society. Japan also is proud that after the war it accomplished high economical growth and became a leading economical country.
Before Japan also had an unstable era. That was during the age of wars. After the Muromachi period was over and the age of wars began in the midst of an unstable society no one knew what tomorrow would be like. The people as a whole looked to heaven. Then Christianity came. In 1549 Francisco Xavier first came to Japan and preached the Gospel. Like a sponge soaking up water many people sought after the Savior. The missionary at that time and historian, Luis Frois, said that at the rate people were turning to Christ, in a few years Japan will be a Christian nation. People were that hungry. Believers quickly increased. It was just like Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:3) In the history of Japanese Christianity, there was no other time when there was such a spiritual awakening. In our lives we have bitter experiences and struggle when inconveniences arise, intense changes occur, and we are smashed. However, in reality that is a blessing. Through them we seek the Lord and are able to follow the Lord. By them new life is born.
After World War II was the same. When the country was destroyed by the war and the whole nation was lowered, people sought help from the Lord. However, later when Japan grew economically and once again returned to a stable society, the nation once again became prideful. Such pride will be broken down. Pride will for sure be shattered. If you boast of what you own or you financial ability, if you depend upon something other than God, then God will certainly shatter these things.
In verse 12 it says, “When Moab appears at her high place, she only wears herself out; when she goes to her shrine to pray, it is to no avail.” “Appears at her high place” (12) means to do idol worship. Usually the temples of idols were in high places. There is no meaning to pray to such idols. They don’t answer at all. We think that all we need is money, but it has no meaning too. We think that health is only what is important. Health is the most important. No matter if you brag about your health, some day it will be taken from you.
Here a strange thing is written. “So I weep, as Jazer weeps, for the vines of Sibmah. Heshbon and Eleah, I drench you with tears! The shouts of joy over your ripened fruit and over your harvests have been stilled.” (9)
Here the Lord is crying for the Moabites. “I drench you with tears!” (9) Is there some one that has given you feelings of hatred? Because of that person you have had a hard time. Because of that person you have really had troubles and pain. If that person had something unfortunate happen to him or he is facing hard times, how will you respond to him? Are you happy thinking that he got what he deserved? However, God is not like this. God is very sad over unfortunate things. He cries tears. “I drench you with tears!” (9)
In verse 11 God’s bitter wailing is described. It says, “My heart laments for Moab like a harp, my in most being for Kir Hareseth.” “My heart” or “inmost being” (11) refers to the center of emotions. It is the deepest part of a person’s heart. “Laments” (11) has the meaning of hurting.　From this passage the word “the theology of God’s pain” was born. Dr. Kazou Kitamori is a renowned Japanese theologian. He called this “the theology of God’s pain”. He said that God’s heart lamented for the Moabites who were often enemies with the Israelites. God was in pain. The reason God was in such pain was as we saw last week God doesn’t want even one person to perish, but wants all people to be saved and know the truth. Also the people of Moab were a people that had a special and deep relationship with Israel. If you look at Genesis 19:37 you will see that the Moabites ancestor was Moab and that he was the child of Abraham’s nephew, Lot, and Lot’s daughter. This means that they are distant relatives of the Israelites. Ruth was a Moabite. Therefore, David had some Moabite blood in him. Also his descendant, Jesus Christ also had some Moabite blood in him. Therefore, God was very sad that Moab would perish. In God’s heart, in His inmost being He lamented.
Have you realized how God feels about you? Can you see the tears in His eyes? Don’t make God painful. Don’t make him lament. Don’t make God shed tears. Don’t make God sad, but be humble and listen to God’s Word.

III. Listen and Obey God (Vs. 13,14)
Therefore, the third point is to listen and obey God. Please look at verses 13 and 14.
Here it says “already”. The words of judgment upon Moab had “already” (13) been spoken. Please open your Bibles to Numbers 24:17
Numbers 24:17
This is prophecy that Balaam made about Moab. Balaam was a seer summoned by Balak king of Moab to curse Israel. After the Exodus before Israel had entered into Canaan, Balak saw how Israel had conquered the Amorites and he became fearful so he summoned Moab to curse Israel. Balaam was not an Israelite prophet, but a pagan seer. However, God spoke to him and he was subject to God’s command. Balaam was summoned by the king to pronounce a destructive curse upon Israel, but an angel of the Lord met Balaam on his way to the king. Balaam is told by the angel of the Lord to speak only what the angel says so instead of uttering a destructive curse upon Israel, he uttered a series of blessings affirming present and future pre-eminence of Israel over Moab and other nations. This passage, Numbers 24:17 is part of the fourth oracle that Balaam made. “A star will come out of Jacob” (Numbers 24:17) is Jesus. Also “a scepter will rise out of Israel” (Numbers 24:17) is Jesus. At the same time Balaam is also prophesying about Moab. “He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the sons of Sheth.” (Numbers 24:17) “This is the word the LORD has already spoken concerning Moab.” (13) Suddenly Isaiah didn’t give this prophecy. Already, a long time back, this prophecy had been given. Even so they had not listened to it. That was the problem. The Lord had already spoken, but they hadn’t opened their ears to it. Therefore, the Lord says, “Within three years, as a servant bound by contract would count them, Moab’s splendor and all her many people will be despised, and her survivors will be very few and feeble.” (14) “A servant bound by contract” (14) is bound by the contract for a very clear length of time. In the same way the length of time before the Lord will destroy Moab is clearly set. The length of time is “within three years.” (14) “Within three years…Moab’s splendor and all her many people will be despised, and survivors will be very few and feeble.” (14)
In the same way, the time of the end of the world also has been clearly set by God the father. We don’t know when that will be but, it has been clearly set by God. Are you prepared for that time? “The LORD has already spoken” (14) to you. That word will be fulfilled without fail. “Not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” (Matt. 5:18) The problem is whether you believe it or not; whether you will believe and accept it or not. The Moabites didn’t accept it so they were destroyed. So that that doesn’t happen, let’s believe and accept God’s word, and choose to live a life of obeying the Word.

Applying it to our lives
 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalms 91:1) Are you dwelling in the shelter of the Most High? Where is your shelter?

 Is there something that you are boasting about? Is the Lord shedding tears for you? Or is God happy with you? Why do you think so.

 Have you realized that the Lord has already been speaking to you? Are you obeying that voice?

Today let’s look at chapter 15. From chapter 13 Isaiah starts on a new theme. From there on is a prophecy against the neighboring countries. The first to appear was Babylon. Babylon is more than one country, but symbolizes all powers that are enemies to God. Next Isaiah spoke against Assyria and next against Persia. Today is a continuation. It is a prophecy against Moab. From today’s prophecy against Moab let’s learn three things.

I. Judgment in a night (vs. 1-4)
The first point is that God’s judgment occurs suddenly. Please look at verse 1.
“Ar” (1) and “Kir” (1) are towns in Moab. The country of Moab is on the East side of the Dead Sea. If you look at a map you will see them located there. They will be “ruined, destroyed.” (1) The prophecies are not ambiguous or abstract. Specific names of towns are given, and it is clearly said what will become of these towns. Ar and Kir will be “ruined, destroyed in a night!” (1) These words will become a reality just as this passage says. Moab was “ruined, destroyed” (1) by Assyria.
This will happen “in a night”. (1) This is repeated two times. “In a night” (1) Ar will be “ruined, destroyed” (1) and “in a night” (1) Kir will be “ruined, destroyed.” (1) In the middle of the night they will be surprised by the enemy. “In a night” (1) they will be “ruined, destroyed.” (1) This is unthinkable. It is outside of what we would think of possibly happening. However, in our lives things occur that we never thought of happening. In our lives things that we never dreamed of happen.
Please open your Bibles in Luke 12:20
Luke 12:20
This is a tragedy that happened to a rich man. He had “plenty of good things laid up for many years.” (Luke 12:19) Therefore, he thought he would “take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry.” (Luke 12:19) All at once God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” (Luke 12:20)
That day will suddenly come. Even though yesterday you were so healthy; even though you thought you would live a long life, even though you are still young, you are told that you only have 3 months left to live or suddenly your life is taken away by a car accident. Or like last year’s disaster in a moment life is lost. There are times when “in a night” (1) death occurs. You don’t know when it will happen to you. This isn’t a special event that happens just to the Moabites, but could happen to anyone. It could happen to you tonight. Or it could happen to your loved one. You can’t forecast what could happen to your healthy father or mother, grandfather or grandmother. In our lives things happen that we never thought about nor ever dreamed of happening.
Let’s look at one more Bible passage. Please open your Bibles to I Thess. 5:2.3.
I Thess. 5:2, 3
“The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” (I Thess. 5:2,3) When Jesus appears again, when He comes to get us, suddenly he “will come like a thief in the night.” (I Thess. 5:2, 3) “While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly.” (I Thess 5:3) This is just like how labor pains come upon a pregnant woman. Once they come, there is no way that the woman can escape from them. Let’s always be prepared so that no matter when Jesus comes we are prepared. The next time that Jesus comes he will come not to save the world, but to judge the world. Of course, those who believe in Jesus and who are saved are not in darkness, so they will not be judged. I Thess. 5:4 says, “But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.” Those who believe in Jesus and walk in the light “will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24) However, those who do not believe will be judged. I don’t really like to talk about this, but this the truth. Salvation is in Jesus. If we don’t believe in Jesus, the Son of God, judgment will come upon us. It will come unexpectedly. Therefore, before that, so that the judgment will not come upon us, let’s be prepared. Are you prepared for Christ to come suddenly? It will occur “in a night.” (1) Please be prepared.
Verses 2 to 4 describe the condition the people were in when God’s judgment came upon them suddenly.
Verses 2-4
“Temple” is the temple where the Moab god, Chemosh, was worshipped. It was on a hill in Dibron. Shrines were usually built in “high places” (2), on the hilltops. Chemosh was also on a hilltop. Suddenly when the Assyrians came upon them, the Moabites climbed up the hill and asked their own god, Chemosh, for help, but the idol didn’t save them. The god didn’t help them at all. Up until then the thing that they depended upon didn’t help them at all. The people who realized that the god was of no help were astonished and “wailed”. (2)
Dibon and Nebo are names of towns in Moab. Before Moses looked down from this mountain in Dibon to see the Promised Land and then ended his life. 6 kilometers southeast of this Dibon mountain is the town of Nebo. The Moabites, who heard that Nebo and Dibon had been attacked, climbed up to the “high places to weep.” (2) “Every head is shaved and every beard cut off.” (2)This was done to show lament and sadness. At that time men were proud of growing a beard. It was the proper thing to do. To shave off your hair and beard was very humiliating and painful. It was that sad and bitter of an event. “In the streets they wear sackcloth; on the roofs and in the public squares they all wail.” (3)This is done to show mourning. When by Assyria the town was attacked and fell by brutal means the people put on mourning clothes and wailed and were sad.
Heshbon and Elealeh and Jahaz in verse 4 are towns that before in the age of Joshua Israel had captured, but in Isaiah’s age the Moabites controlled these towns. In other words, they were captured by the Moabites. The Moabites were really a threat to Israel. Those towns were next attacked by Assyria. The news that Assyria came and attacked Heshbon and Elealeh was “heard all the way to Jahaz” which is separated by more than 30 kilometers. “Therefore the armed men of Moab cry out, and their hearts are faint.” (4)
God’s judgment comes suddenly. When we are not expecting it, it comes suddenly. It comes like a thief in the night. Therefore, we need to be prepared for it so no matter when it comes we are ready. If not, we will be like the Moabites wailing, lamenting and in pain.

II. My heart cries out (vs. 5,6)
The second point is that God doesn’t want even a single person to perish, but desires all men to be saved. Please look at verse 5.
Here a strange thing is written. “My heart cries out over Moab.” (5) “I” (5) is of course God. This means that God is crying out over Moab. After that it says, “her fugitives flee as far as Zoar, as far as Eglath Shelishiyah. They go up the way to Luhith, weeping as they go; on the road to Horonaim, they lament their destruction.” God sees the Moabites fleeing from the attack of Assyria and is crying. Even though it is only natural that the Moabites that worshipped the idol Chemosh be destroyed, God looks at the Moabites and cries. He is crying out.
That means even though they are not the promised people, God made them. They are people that God loves very much. Please don’t misunderstand. Certainly God is a righteous God that punishes sin. However, God isn’t a cold god that looks at those who are destroyed and doesn’t think anything about it. God because of his nature of righteousness has to judge sin, but it is really hard and painful. While crying he judges. That is because He wants all people to be saved and to know the truth. Please open your Bibles to II Peter 3:9
II Peter 3:9
God does “not want anyone to perish.” (II Peter 3:9) God wants all people to be saved. This is the same with the Moabites. God does “not want anyone to perish.” (II Peter 3:9) Therefore, He is crying for the people that have to be destroyed for not repenting.
In the Bible there is a book called Jonah. The prophet Jonah is sent out to the Assyrian town of Nineveh. There Jonah preaches a message of repentance. Then the people of Nineveh altogether repent. However, Jonah did not really want to do that. That was because Jonah knew that Assyria and done a terrible thing towards Israel. Therefore, Jonah really wanted the opposite, revenge. He wanted God to destroy them. Therefore, he complained that he didn’t want to go and ran away to Tarsus, the country the furthest away. The rest of the story I think you already know. A storm came upon the ship. The cause was Jonah. Jonah hadn’t obeyed God. So God was angry. Therefore, he was thrown into the sea. A big fish swallowed him. He was in his belly for three days and three nights. There he repented. Then he went to Nineveh and preached the Word of God. He preached, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.” (Jonah 3:4) The people of Nineveh believed in God and repented “from the greatest to the least.” (Jonah 3:5)
“But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry.” (Jonah 4:1) He complained to God, “O LORD, is this not what I said …I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, A God who relents from sending calamity.” (Jonah 4:2) He thought it was natural that Israel’s enemy Nineveh, Assyria be destroyed. Even so they were saved.
“Then the LORD God provided a vine and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort, and Jonah was very happy about the vine. But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the vine so that it withered. When the sun rose, God provided a scorching east wind, and the sun blazed on Jonah’s head so that he grew faint.” (Jonah 4:6-8) He said, “It would be better for me to die than to live.” (Jonah 4:8)
Then God said to Jonah, “You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. Bit Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?” (Jonah 4:10, 11)
Even if people are antagonistic towards God, God still loves them. Also God doesn’t want them to be destroyed, but desires that all people be saved. That is the heart of God.
That is not all. “My heart cries out over Moab.” (5) The Moabites were not just people that God made, but they had a deep relationship with God’s people, the Jews. If you research into the Moabites you will see that their ancestor was Abraham’s nephew, Lot. In Genesis 19;37,38 it says, “The older daughter had a son, and she named him Moab; he is the father of the Moabites of today. The younger daughter also had a son, and she named him Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the Ammonites of today.” Moab was the child born to Lot and Lot’s daughter. Also King David of Israel was one eighth Moabite. David’s great grandmother was Ruth, a Moabite. Therefore, the Moabites were enemies of Israel, but in reality they had a deep relationship with the Jews. They were a people that were very close to the Jews. The Lord had a merciful heart towards such Moabites.
This means that around us there are such many “Moabites” like this. They still don’t believe in Jesus yet, but they are extremely near Christians who already believe in Jesus. For example, they are family members that still don’t believe. For such people just because in their family there is a Christian, they are in a special place where at any time they can seek God. It can be said that they are especially loved by God. If they seek it they can be saved. Not everyone is in such an environment. Some people are far away from God. They are in a place completely unrelated to salvation. Of course, even such people by the grace of God are sometimes chosen, but compared to people who are extremely close to Christians, it is not as easy. Therefore, to have a Christian nearby, to know Christians is a huge grace. Such people are the same as the Moabites. God is crying out over such people that they will believe in the Lord Jesus and be saved.

III. A lion upon the fugitives and upon those who remain (Vs. 7-9)
The third point is if they don’t repent what will happen. That is if they don’t repent, God’s relentless judgment will come upon them. Please look at verses 7 to 9.
“Dimon’s waters are full of blood” shows how many people were killed. However, the judgment of God on Moab is still not finished. God will send “a lion upon the fugitives of Moab and upon those who remain in the land.” (9) The “lion” (9) is Assyria, but it is God who sends them. God uses Assyria as his tool for judgment. The point here is that God towards those who are forever antagonistic towards God and those who do not repent, God will send a lion and thoroughly judge them.
This is not a contradiction to the mercy of God that we looked at earlier. This is not God’s holy wrath. God does not want a single person to perish, but wants all people to be saved. For this God is “gracious and compassionate…slow to anger and abounding in love.” (Jonah 4:2) He is waiting for us to repent. However, we must remember that there is a limit. A time will come. If they have not repented before that time, like God judged Moab, they will be judged. Because of God’s nature of being merciful, the judgment is very saddening to God. However, because of God’s nature of holiness he has to destroy those who are judged. However, God is not rejoicing over the judgment, but rather is saddened. That is God’s heart. We must know the heart of God. Knowing that heart, we must return to God.
Remember the ark of Noah. “The LORD saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.” (Genesis 6:5) Therefore, God told Noah to make and ark and for him and his family to enter it. In the midst of the laughing of the people around them Noah and his family entered the ark just as God commanded them. “Then the LORD shut him in.” (Genesis 7:16) The door where there wasn’t a second chance to enter was closed. This is the most serious time of our life. At that time, we will for the first time realize the importance of repentance. However, at that time it is too late. We must enter before the door is shut. Please enter the ark, you and your family. Enter and be saved. That is God’s heart. God is crying out over you.

Applying it to our lives
 Are you prepared so that you are ready if the Lord comes suddenly?

 Do you have family, friends, or people you know around you that still don’t believe in Jesus? The Lord has compassion on them. Are you praying for their salvation?

 Have you received God’s salvation? If you haven’t received Jesus as your Savior, please pray to accept Christ as your Savior.

Today I would like to talk about the last half of Isaiah. Today’s title is “Find Refuge in the Lord”. From chapter 13 Isaiah starts on a new theme. From there on is a prophecy against the neighboring countries. The first to appear was Babylon. Babylon is more than one country, but symbolizes all powers that are enemies to God.
In today’s passage the prophecy is against the next people that God’s judgment will come upon. Today’s passage is talking about Assyria and Persia. Today I would like to talk about three things about the blessings of taking refuge in the Lord.

I. As the Lord has purposed, so it will happen (vs. 24-27)
First of all let’s look at the prophecy against Assyria. Please look at verses 24 to 27.
God’s prophecy against Assyria is also written in chapter 10. There Assyria is described as an instrument of God to punish Israel. Assyria was nothing more than an instrument of God, but they didn’t realize that. Assyria assumed they have done everything by their own strength. They tried to ruin prideful Israel so God is going to punish their pride. Then here once again it talks about the judgment against Assyria.
In verse 25 it says, “I will crush the Assyrian in my land; on my mountains I will trample him down.” “My land” is Israel and the kingdom of Southern Judah. “My mountains” is Zion, Jerusalem.
This refers to the events that occur in the end of chapter 36 and chapter 37. In other words, in 722 B.C. Assyria that was destroyed by Northern Israel next in great force threatened the Southern kingdom of Judah, but by the fervent prayers of Hezekiah, there was the event of 285,000 soldiers being killed in one night. That was in 701 B.C. After that the Assyrian King Sennacherib returned to his country and there was assassinated by his son. Also the strength of Assyria followed a declining line and in 605 B.C. Assyria was destroyed and wiped out of existence by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. By this Assyria’s “yoke will be taken from my people, and his burden removed from their shoulders.” (25) As the Lord has said, “so it will happen.” (24) “This is the plan determined for the whole world; this the hand stretched out over all nations.” (26) This is not just for Assyria or Babylon, but will be the same for the whole world. As the Lord has “planned, so it will be…so it will happen.” (24)
Proverbs 19:21
Let’s not let our hearts get caught up in the things that are happening now, but keep our hearts on the plans of God. Let’s follow the will of God which is higher than our thoughts and expectations.
Quite a while ago at a meeting that I attended, a teacher said, “The Bible is the history of man and the omnipotent and almighty God who created all things including the universe. Each one of our individual stories is included in this history.” All of our history is in the hand of God.
Who would have ever dreamed that Joseph who was envied by his brothers and sold to Egypt would in the course of time become the second highest ranking person in Egypt. However, God in order to save Israel’s life sent Joseph first before his family to Egypt. This was to leave a remnant in Israel. Also this great salvation was to keep Israel alive for a long time. That was the plan of God. Our lives, our history are led by this great plan of God.
Jeremiah 29:11
God has a perfect plan for us. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Therefore, we can give our lives to God. The reason we have doubts about God’s word is that we don’t recognize the power of God, and have assurance. These are the two causes for us to fall into unbelief. However, when we know like this that the Word of God “will happen” (24) we have assurance that God is true and powerful and are able to leave everything in his hands.
Do you believe that everything that God does is good? What God planned “will happen.” (24) Let’s believe and know what God has purposed, and live leaving everything in His hands.

II. Do not rejoice, all you Philistines (vs. 28-31)
.Next let’s look at the prophecy against the Philistines. Please look at verses 28 and 29.
King Ahaz died in 715 B.C. It was in that year that Isaiah prophesized this.”Do not rejoice, all you Philistines, that the rod that struck you is broken.” (29) “The rod that struck you” (29) is Israel. From olden days the Philistines were always Israel’s enemies. All they could think of was hitting Israel. However, the Philistine territory was basically a small weak country so they always lost to Israel in power struggles. However, this Israel has been “struck”. (29) This is referring to Israel being destroyed by Assyria in 722 B.C. Their continuous old enemy Israel is “broken” (29) so they are all clapping hands and rejoicing. It is just like seeing a strong fighting opponent being beaten by even a stronger opponent and being glad about it. With shouts of joy filled with hatred you yell, “Great! It serves him right!” However, it is too early to rejoice. That is because “from the root of that snake will spring up a viper, its fruit will be a darting, venomous serpent.” (29) This means that Israel was “struck” (29), but instead a crueler country will appear and will torture them. This is Assyria. Assyria will be like a “venomous serpent” (29) darting from tree to tree and will dart into the Philistine territory.
The result of this is verses 30 and 31.
Vs. 30, 31
This is referring to Israel who became poor and weak as a result of being destroyed by Assyria and Babylon. They were weak and poor, but even so in a place that cannot be seen they were able to keep life power that led them to victory. That was the Lord himself. They had certainly sinned and turned their back on God, so they received God punishment, but by the mercy of God they found “pasture” (30) and lied “down in safety.” (30)
However, against the Philistines God says, “But your root I will destroy by famine; it will slay your survivors.” (30) This is clearly different. Of course Israel was judged and received punishment, but there was a remnant left and they “will lie down in safety.” (30) They are able to enter into the salvation of God. However, the Philistines aren’t like this. First the Philistines and then the other neighboring countries were completely destroyed. They were swept away. As this prophecy says the Philistines were destroyed by Assyria in 701 B.C. In the 6th century B.C. they became under the control of Egypt, and in B.C. 332 Alexander the Great captured them. Then the Philistines disappeared from history. It happened just as the Bible’s Words say.
What is very interesting is the race is different, but today too there are people who use their name. The word Palestinians comes from the Philistines. They live on the Gaza strip where the Philistines used to live. Originally the Philistines were whites who came from Crete and Cyprus, islands in the Aegean Sea. They were feared as men of the sea. Goliath was also a Philistine, a white giant. The Palestinians are of Arab descent so their race is different. However, this race, the Palestinians (Philistines) has taken their place and now is a threatening power to Israel. This is interesting. This means that this prophecy of the Bible is moving in history. Here the fate of the Philistines takes its course to the Palestinians.

III. Find refuge in the Lord” (Vs. 32)
Therefore, the third point is to find refuge in the Lord. Let’s read verse 32 together.
In order to resist Assyria among the neighboring countries, a movement occurred to form counter alliances. At that time the Philistines were enemies with Israel, but in order to resist the great country of Assyria in the north they had to think of some kind of countermeasure. Therefore, they made an alliance with the southern country of Judah. This is how humans think. When a person is pushed into a corner, he tries to depend on other people. He doesn’t depend on God whom he can’t see, but like this tries to depend on others. People of faith are the same too. Even though they believe in God whom they can’t see, in the hour of need, they depend upon things they can see. At times like that why don’t we pray? Why don’t we call on God? Why don’t we seek a solution from the Lord?
The blessed Israel of the North was destroyed and King Ahaz that ruled Southern Judah up until now has died. Therefore, here the Philistines are making a friendly alliance with the child of Ahaz, Hezekiah, to try to cope with Assyria. Southern Judah too had been invaded by Assyria and came almost to the point of ruin so they thought that King Hezekiah would be lured into the talk. Therefore, they sent a messenger to him saying, “Let’s fight together.” However, Hezekiah flatly turned them down. He said, “The LORD has established Zion, and in her his afflicted people will find refuge.” (32)
He is saying that they can overcome such dangers not by alliances between people and people or alliances between country and country, but only by finding refuge in the Lord himself. He answered that the Lord has indeed “established Zion” (32 and it is a place of refuge so we must find refuge in the Lord. This is a wonderful confession. That is because at that time the land that Assyria dominated extended over quite a large area. It included the territory of the Philistines west of Judah, to the East, Moab, to the South, Arabia, and besides that it extended as far as Egypt and Ethiopia. If you look at the map of Assyria what is very interesting is the area that Assyria controlled at that time was exactly like someone had sprinkled bread crumbs right up to the countries that neighbored Judah, but only Judah, and only Jerusalem weren’t under its control and they are like a lonely islands in the Great Sea that have been left alone by themselves.
This is because the Lord watches over Judah and Jerusalem. The Lord answered Hezekiah’s faith. “The LORD has established Zion, and in her his afflicted people find refuge.” (32)
It is blessed to find refuge in the Lord. That is because the Lord watches over such people. Where is your place of refuge. The Lord is your place of refuge. That is where the Lord is living so he will protect you from all kinds of misfortunes. When we are in such situations we are prone to not find refuge in the Lord , but to depend on people, on things, on money, and depend on the things of this world, but we need to remember that who we need to depend upon is the Lord
Of the 66 books in the Bible the passage that is in the center is Psalm 118:8. This verse which is in the center of the Bible should also be the center of our lives.
Psalm 118:8
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psalms 118:8) The next verse, verse 9 says, “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. We need to make this the center of our lives.
Matt. 6:26-30
“If that is how God clothes the grass of the field that is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you,” (Matt. 6:30) Will he not much more do good to you. The Lord Jesus is saying, “Why do you worry?” (Matt. 6:28) Would God end your life in tragedy?
We are more important than a flower, or a bird. We are the child of God. The angels too are given so much that they are envied so if that is the case why would the Lord not feed you? We worry because we don’t believe God. It is a problem of unbelief. We think that maybe God may not fulfill our life, and we try to fill our lives ourselves.
Romans 8:32 tells us the interest that God has toward us.
Romans 8:32
This is the interest that God has in us. God even gave his Son “up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)
When we look at our own lives, our problems never seem to be solved. We feel like things become worse and worse and that our troubles only are becoming heavier. We wonder why when God promised this why these things happen. We ask WHY? WHY? WHY? However, through the Bible find the full answer. In other words, this is not because God is not interested in us, but because we aren’t trusting in God. Man doesn’t think that he isn’t depending upon God, but thinks unsatisfiedly that God is not helping him. However, that is not the case.
Now at this moment, please depend upon God. We all believe in things that have value. However, believe in things that seem impossible is faith. When the Israelites walked around the wall of Jericho 6 times there was no change. This is the reality of faith. However, when they went around the seventh time, the wall fell down. Naaman who washed in the Jordan River 7 times saw no change up until the sixth time. At times like this people feel uncertain, worry, and are fearful. However, on the seventh time it happened just as God had promised. That is faith. Also that faith performed a miracle
What are you depending upon? Before when Hezekiah was in the midst of a tense situation, he found refuge in the Lord and experienced a wonderful miracle of the Lord. In the same way, you too by finding refuge in the Lord may you too experience the wonderful miracles of the Lord. “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psalms 118:8) Let’s believe that the Lord has a wonderful plan for your life, and depend on him.
Applying it to our lives
 Do you have faith that as God “has planned, so it will be.” (24) Do you believe this and are you leaving everything in the hands of God or have you fallen into unbelief?

 Have you found refuge? What are you depending upon? How are you accepting the Word of God that “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” (Psalms 118:8)

Today let’s look at the 14th chapter of Isaiah. The title of today’s message is “God who gives rest”. In verse 7 it says, “All the lands are at rest and at peace.” Verse 3 says “On the day the LORD gives you relief from your suffering and turmoil and from the harsh labor forced on you.” The word “rest” in verse 7 and the word “relief” in verse 3 are the same Hebrew word. God gives us such rest and relief.
From chapter 13 Isaiah starts on a new theme. From there on is a prophecy against the neighboring countries. The first to appear was Babylon. Babylon is more than one country, but symbolizes all powers that are enemies to God. In other words, it is about the “Great Babylon”. The prophecy about the judgment of God on Babylon is recorded in chapter 13 and this chapter.
In verse 1 the reason for God’s judgment upon Babylon is given That is because Israel is chosen by God. Israel is chosen by God so according to this promise Israel will be set free from Babylon and God “will settle them in their own land.” (1) Today let’s look at 3 points about this.

I. God who gives us rest (vs. 1-8)
First God gives us rest. This is in verses 1 to 8, but first let’s look at verse 1.
Here it says, “once again”. (1) This shows that this has happened once before. This is the event of the Exodus. Before they were slaves in Egypt for 430 years, but God raised up his servant, Moses, who set them free. In just the same way as that time, God “will choose Israel and will settle them in their own land.” (1) This was fulfilled 176 years after (538 B.C.) Isaiah gave this prophecy in 715 B.C. God by the Persian King Cyrus set them free from the hand of Babylon and they were able to return to their home land, Jerusalem. Isaiah prophesized this in 715 B.C. In verse 28 it says “This prophecy came in the year King Ahaz died.“ King Ahaz died in 539 B.C. Therefore, 176 years after Isaiah made this prophecy it was fulfilled.
Verse 2 tells us what happened at that time. The people from the countries that had oppressed Israel before and made the Israelites captive to them will reversely live under the control of Israel. Verse 3 tells us how this will happen. “The LORD gives you relief from your suffering and turmoil and from the harsh labor forced on you.” (3)
Here the word “relief” appears. The same word appears in verse 4 where it is translated “rest”. The Lord will give them “relief”, “rest” from their “sufferings and turmoil and from the harsh labor.” (3)
“On that day” (3) they will take up the taunt of verses 4 to 8 “against the king of Babylon.” (4) In verse 8 it says, “now that you have been laid low.” “You” (8) is Babylon. “The junipers and the cedars of Lebanon gloat over” Babylon. (8) Before Babylon cut down the junipers and cedars of Lebanon not because the wood was necessary, but they were just being violent. When the life of nature is cut down and destroyed violently, how sad nature must be! Babylon is ruined so such destruction deceases. Therefore, the “junipers and the cedars of Lebanon gloat over” Babylon. (8) Babylon who was so violent and destructive fell because “the LORD has broken the rod of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers.” (5) The Lord judged Babylon, and saved Israel that was suffering under the oppression of Babylon. The LORD will have compassion on Jacob; once again he will choose Israel and will settle them in their own land.” (1)

II. How you have fallen from heaven! (vs. 9-15)
Secondly let’s look at what the problem of the enemy, Satan, is. Let’s look at verses 9 to 15. First look at verses 9 to 11.
“The realm of the dead below” and “the spirits of the departed” is the spiritual world. It is the world after death. It is the place where God judges. The King of Babylon goes down to there. Then the spirits of the dead will all declare to the King of Babylon, ”’You also have become weak, as we are; you have become like us.’ All your pomp has been brought down to the grave, along with the noise of your harps; maggots are spread out beneath you and worms cover you.” (10,11)
What a terrible picture! Babylon that was an all powerful empire has died, gone to the realm of the dead, and has gone down to the world where the spirits of the dead are lost and suffering. Glorious people go down there. Their pride is destroyed. Everything has been brought down. They have lost all. There are “maggots…and worms.” (11) Jesus said about this world, “where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. “(Mark 9:48) “Where” is in the verse before, hell. It is a place of endless destruction. This is hell, “the realm of the dead below” (9)
Next please look at verses 12 to 15.
Here too, it is written that Babylon will be brought down “to the depths of the pit.” (15) If you look at this passage well, you will see that this is more about the spirit that is at work behind the King of Babylon, the ringleader who was the power behind the King Babylon, more than it is about the King of Babylon himself. This is the “morning star, son of the dawn.” (12) The Hebrew for this expression is helel. This word is used in the Old Testament in this passage only. It was translated “lucifer (“light-bearer”) in the Latin Vulgate. Lucifer was the Latin name for the planet Venus, the brightest object in the sky apart from the sun and moon, appearing sometimes as the evening, sometimes as the morning star. Lucifer is a “light-bearer” so “the morning star” is a shining angel. Lucifer was the in the highest position, the head of the angels. This Lucifer rebelled against God so he was “cast down to the earth”. (12) This is Satan, the Devil. This is the origin of the devil. People often say that if God made everything on heaven and earth then he also made Satan. This is wrong. God didn’t make Satan. God made good angels. Everything that God made was “good”. However, God made the angels like man with a free will. Then Lucifer was prideful and aspired to be like God. He rebelled against God so he was “cast down to the earth”. (12) Lucifer, the “morning star, son of the dawn” (12), the head of the angels was “cast down to the earth”. (12)
There are only two passages in the Bible where it is written that Lucifer is shining. That is in this passage and in Ezekiel 28:12-17.
Ezekiel 28:12-17
“You” (Ezekiel 28:12) is ”the king of Tyre””. (Ezekiel 28:12) Correctly said, it is Satan who was the power working behind the King of Tyre. In Ezekiel 28:13 it says, “You were in Eden”. He was there from the time God made the heaven and the earth. Here it says about Lucifer, “You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.” (Ezekiel 28:12) “Every precious stone adorned you.” This is what Lucifer was like before he fell. Lucifer was a light-bearer, shinning like precious stones, beautiful. He was “the model of perfection…and perfect in beauty.” (Ezekiel 28:12) He was “anointed as a guardian cherub…on the holy mount of God.” (Ezekiel 28:14) The guardian cherubs were also angels. He had one of the highest positions as an angel so we can see that this passage is talking about something greater than the King of Tyre. “you were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you.” (Ezekiel 28:15) This Lucifer sinned. This “morning star, son of the dawn” (12) like Venus was brightly shining, but he sinned and was “cast down to the earth”. (12)
The cause of this problem is given in verses 13 and 14.
Vs. 13,14
The reason Lucifer was “cast down to the earth” (12) was because he was prideful. In his heart he thought, “I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will make myself like the Most high.” (13,14) Lucifer was trying to make himself like God. Trying to be like God in and of itself is not a problem. Jesus too said in Matt. 5:48, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Also I Peter 1:16 says, “Be holy, because I am holy.” To be perfect like God, to be holy like God, to become like God is important. The problem is the purpose for becoming like God. This is the point. It depends on the motive. Lucifer wasn’t worshipping God as God, and becoming like God as a follower of God, but the problem was he wanted to make himself like God and sit enthroned as god.
Before when Satan tempted Eve, he said, “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:5) This means that from the moment you eat this you will become like God. You won’t have to take any orders from God. You will be free to decide everything on your own, and you will be able to freely do anything you want to do. In other words, you will be independent of God, make your own decisions, and do things by your own wisdom. In this way you will be like God. This is the problem. That is because originally man was made in the image of God. He was made to to worship God, believe in God, to follow God, to have fellowship with God. However, if man doesn’t listen to God, and lives his own selfish way, then he will lose his original purpose, and will lose his way. This is the essence of sin: to not need God, to believe in yourself, to decide things by yourself, to live by your own thinking, to live the way you want to, to be like God. This is the difference between those who believe in God and those who do not believe in God. Those who don’t believe in Jesus make themselves like God. That is the same as Lucifer. This thinking comes from Satan.
If you look at verses 13 and 14, you will notice that the word “I” appears 5 times. “I” is the essence of sin. It is the reason that Lucifer who was shining with jewels was “cast down to the earth.” (12) The problem with sin is that “I” is in the center of it. There is another word like it: pride. Pride too “I” is in the center of it. To not make God the center of your life, but to make “I” the center is sIn and it is prIde.
Jesus came to set us free from sin. Then he died on the cross.
Philippians 2:6-8
Christ was not selfish. He gave himself up. He “made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness…he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!” (Phil. 2:7-8) This is how those that are set free from sin should be. They should strive to have a heart like this. Paul said, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:3,4) The way that those who have been set free from sin should walk is by doing “nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:3,4)
To do that we have to get rid of our self. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) Deny yourself. Take up your cross. Take up your cross and follow Christ. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and give himself for me.”” (Gal. 2:20) To live with God as your God is the key to a really blessed life. This a life of trusting in God and giving the glory back to God
If you have in your heart the thinking of Lucifer, “I will ascend to heaven.” (13) or “I will make myself like the Most High.” (14), please repent. That thinking is rebelling against God. God will surely destroy that pride. Like God will bring down Satan who was the power that was behind the king Babylon” to the depths of the pit” (15) God will depose of the prideful.

III. The God of victory (Vs. 16-23)
The third point is that God will have victory over the enemy, Satan. Please look at verses 16 to 23. First look at verses 16 to 21.
No matter how much “the man” (16) shakes the earth, and “made the kingdoms tremble” (16) No matter if he “made the world a desert” (16), or whether he “overthrew its cities.” (16) Even if he would not let the captives return home, in the end he will be cast out of his tomb. He will be like the people who were “pierced by the sword, those who descend to the stones of the pit.” (19) He will be “like a corpse trampled underfoot.” (19) This is written about the Babylon King, but is talking about Satan who is the force behind him. Without fail Satan will be destroyed. He has “been cast down to earth.” (12) He will be brought down from the earth to hell. That is Satan’s fate. Verse 19 says, “But you are cast out of your tomb like a rejected branch.” “Branch” has appeared before. It is a symbol of the Messiah. It is a title of Jesus Christ. This is not just a branch, but a “rejected branch” (19) It doesn’t have any fruit, nor any flowers. It just takes away the nourishment that should be going to the tree. It has no purpose. It doesn’t bear any fruit so it is an unneeded branch. It is “a rejected branch”. (19) This is the anti-Christ. The anti-Christ will be cast out of his tomb “like a rejected branch.” (19) He will without fail be destroyed.
In verses 22 and 23 his judgment is described.
Vs. 22, 23
Awesome! Here there is a “broom of destruction”. (23) God is going to sweep the king of Babylon and all who belong to him “with the broom of destruction.” (23) In the present age we have vacuums, so maybe it is like a vacuum vacuuming everything up. God will sweep “with the broom of destruction.” (23) and will make it “into a place for owls.”(23) It will be completely changed into “swampland”. (23)
God will do this to Babylon and also to Satan who is the power working behind Babylon. “The LORD will have compassion on Jacob; once again he will choose Israel and will settle them in their own land.” (1) God will confront all powers that get in the way, and completely destroy them.
Lastly, let’s look at Revelations 12:9 to 11
Rev. 12:9-11
“His angels” are evil spirits. The head of the evil spirits is Satan. Satan and the evil spirits are not the same. The devil is called Satan. The evil spirits were originally angels. Both the evil spirits and Satan will be “hurled down”. (Rev. 12:10) At that time there will be a loud voice saying, “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.” (Rev. 12:10)
“The accuser of our brothers” is a title for Satan. Satan accuses us “day and night”. (Rev. 12:10) He accuses us and makes us feel guilty. He tempts us and we sin. Then on top of it, he makes us feel guilty over it. He works hard day and night causing us Christians to sin. He tries to bring us down by tempting us in every possible way. Then when we sin he next makes us feel guilty for it. How we can fight Satan is given in verse 11.
Vs. 11
“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Rev. 12:11) The way to overcome Satan is by “the blood of the Lamb and by the word of…testimony”, (Rev. 12:11) the Word of God. By depending upon the promises of God’s Word and “the blood of the Lamb,” (Rev. 12:11) we can have victory over Satan. No matter how hard Satan tries to make us feel guilty or tries to pull us away from God, we can tell Satan that Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins on the cross. Jesus Christ shed his blood on the cross and washed away all of our past sins, our present sins, and all the sins that we will commit in the future. God had that much compassion for me and gave me grace. This is the grace of “the blood of the Lamb,” (Rev. 12:11) By “the blood of the Lamb,” (Rev. 12:11) we can have victory over Satan.
God has compassion on you. By “the blood of the Lamb,” (Rev. 12:11) God redeemed you. You are loved by God. No matter how guilty Satan makes you feel, he can’t separate you from the love of God. You can have victory over Satan by “the blood of the Lamb.” (Rev. 12:11) God desires that you depend upon God, and live humbly before God. That is how a Christian can respond to God’s grace and mercy.
Applying it to our lives
 In your heart do you have self centered thinking of “I….I….I…”How can you serve others?

 Do you struggle and are you bothered by your sin? If you are sinning, please repent and receive the blood of the cross of Jesus and be forgiven. Let’s be thankful for the huge love of God through Christ.

Today let’s look at the whole 13th chapter of Isaiah. Verse 1 says, “a prophecy against Babylon that Isaiah son of Amoz saw”. Up until now Isaiah has spoken words against the Southern kingdom of Judah or Northern Israel. However, from here on until chapter 23 are words of prophecy against the surrounding neighboring countries of Israel. The first to appear is Babylon. In the world at that time the first country to threaten Israel was Assyria. Babylon hadn’t come to the front yet. Even so the prophecy against Babylon is spoken first. That is because the prophecies that Isaiah spoke weren’t just a coverage of the situation at that time, but is by looking at the whole Bible or all of human history what will occur. This means that Babylon is very important.
We can see this also by how much Babylon is mentioned throughout the whole Bible. In the whole Bible it is mentioned 294 times. Next to Jerusalem it is the second largely mentioned, 294 times. From that frequency we also can see how important Babylon was. Babylon is mentioned from the beginning of the Bible to the end of the Bible. The first time that Babylon is mentioned is in Genesis 11 in the story of Babel. After the Ark of Noah in the new beginning of human history, the first town to rebel against God was Babel. This is Babylon. “As man moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there.” (Genesis 11:2) In Shinar which in Babylonia they tried to build a tall “tower that reaches to the heavens.” (Genesis 11:4) God saw this, “confused the language of the whole word” (Genesis 11:9) and scattered the people “from there over all the earth.” (Genesis 11:8) The town was called Babel. This was way before the city of Jerusalem appears in the Bible. The last time it appears is in Revelations chapter 17 and 18. In Rev. 17:5 it is the name “BABYLON THE GREAT THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” In 18:2 it says, “With a mighty voice she shouted: ‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird.” This is greater than one country and is symbolic of the world that is opposed to God. Isaiah begins the message of judgment not only upon the Babylon of his age, but upon the nations. This is because according to the view point of the end times Babylon which is representative of God’s enemy, Satan, will definitely be destroyed. This Babylon is greater than the Babylon of Isaiah’s age and includes all the nations and peoples that oppose God. Today I would like to talk about three things concerning this “prophecy against Babylon.” (1)

I. God uses all peoples as his tools of judgment (Vs. 1-5)
The first point is that God uses the kings of the Gentile nations in order to destroy Babylon. Please look at verses 2 and 3.
“Raise a banner on a bare hilltop, shout to them” (2) is a banner on a pole that is placed on a hill as a signal for gathering troops as a sign of war starting so this means to put the Lord’s banner “on a bare hilltop” (2) so that it can be seen well. “Them” is all of God’s army. In these verses a summons is given to those powerful and warlike nations who God would make use of as instruments of his wrath for the Destruction of Babylon. The Medes (17) in conjunction with the Persians under the command of Cyrus destroyed the Babylonian monarchy. “Nations massing together” in verse 4 refers to the collation of the Medes and the Persians. They are beckoned “to enter the gates of the nobles,” (4) in other words, Babylon is here called “the gates of the nobles” (2) because of the abundance of noblemen’s houses that were in it. They were richly furnished so they would invite the enemy to come in hopes of a rich booty. “The gates of the nobles” were strong and well guarded so it was thought that no one could enter them. However, they would not be able to prevent those who come with the commission to execute God’s judgments. The Persian King Cyrus destroyed Babylon which was considered to be impossible to be destroyed in 539 B.C. Not only “the gates of the nobles” (2), but “the whole land” (5) is doomed to destruction. Not only that but Babylon was taken without bloodshed. They entered Babylon through the water ways and took the city.
That’s amazing! Babylon who was considered unconquerable was destroyed! In reality Babylon flourished the most of all the world empires. It is recorded as one of the most prosperous countries in history, but Babylon was destroyed! Nothing is absolute. The freeway structure that was said to be strong enough to withstand anything in the Osaka earthquake lost all credibility. The nuclear plant that was said to be absolutely safe was destroyed by the earthquake and tsunami. Even now we are living with its immeasurable effects. Nothing is absolute. Only God is absolute. Japan will never be destroyed. We all think that the second financially strong country in the world could never be destroyed. However, we don’t know. There are no absolutes. The great country of America could never be destroyed. However, we don’t know. If we look at history, any great country can be destroyed. Rising and falling are repeated over and over again in history. Babylon was no exception. Babylon who was considered unconquerable was destroyed.

To do this God used King Cyrus. In verse 3 it says, “I have commanded my holy ones; I have summoned my warriors to carry out my wrath-those who rejoice in my triumph.” “My holy ones” are those set apart to carry out God’s will. Here the reference is probably to the Persians under Cyrus the Great. In 45:1 the Lord calls Cyrus, “his anointed”. Just like before when the Lord used Assyria to punish Northern Israel, God uses the Persian King Cyrus to judge the prideful Babylon. Even though he is a heathen King, God uses him as his servant and tool. Cyrus was originally a heathen. He worshipped idols. Even so he was the Lord’s tool and was used to judge Babylon. He not only destroyed Babylon, but he set God’s people free. He set Israel free after 70 years in captivity by Babylon. He sent them back to their native country in Jerusalem. He was their liberator.
To think that God only uses Christians is a big mistake. He uses non Christians too. Because a person is a heathen, because he does idol worship does not mean he cannot be used by God. It is wrong to think that what a non Christian says has no meaning, that he is of no use, that there is no reason to have a relationship with him. We must not say things like that or look down on such people. God at times uses non Christians. God in order to fulfill his will at times uses such people as his tools. This means that you and I too can be used by God. If heathens and non Christians can be used, it is only natural that Christians who are God’s servant will be used much more by Him. For example, if you are as stubborn as a donkey or have a brain full of rocks, you will still be definitely used by the Lord.
However, in verse 5 it says, “They come from faraway lands, and from the ends of the heavens-the LORD and the weapons of his wrath-to destroy the whole country.” Here it says, “They come from faraway lands, and from the ends of the heavens” (5), but both Persia and Medes were not faraway lands. They were neighbors. They were the countries in front of Babylon’s eyes and nose. They were not coming “from faraway lands, and from the ends of the heavens” (5) Verse 5 is not just referring to the destruction of Babylon, but as I said earlier the destruction of all powers who are opposed to God which are symbolized by Babylon. Revelations 17 and 18 is such a prophecy. This is a prophecy about the end of the world in the far future about the final judgment of God. At that time God’s tool will be the antichrist, the beast. Rev. 17:16, 17 says, “The beast (the antichrist) and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. (Babylon) They will bring her to ruin and leaver her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast their power to rule, until God’s words are fulfilled.” God give the antichrist, the beast power to rule. By doing this they believe in the antichrist, and in the end “God’s words are fulfilled.” (Rev. 17:17) To do that God uses the antichrist, the beast. Let’s remember that God like this uses many different things as his too. Also as being nothing more than a tool of God, we need to follow God and be humble so that we will become a vessel that God uses.

II. God destroys sinful man (vs. 6-16)
God destroys sinful man. Let’s look at verses 6 to 16. First let’s read verses 6 to 8.
As I said before, “the day of the LORD” (6) is the age of tribulation at the end of the world. This refers to God’s judgment and the time when God’s wrath is poured out on the world that rejects Christ. On that day destruction will come “from the Almighty.” (6) Everyone “will go limp, everyman’s heart will melt. Terror will seize them, pain and anguish will grip them; they will writhe like a woman in labor.” (7)
This is described in verse 9.
Verses 9-12
These are all things that will occur during the tribulation at the end of the world. This will especially occur during the last 3 years of the Great Tribulation. At that time God’s “wrath and fierce anger” (9) will come upon this world. It is “a cruel day” (9) By God’s “wrath and fierce anger” (9) He will “make the land desolate and destroy the winners within it.” (10) God “will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins.” (11). If God is love, we wonder why he would do such a thing, but God’s love is God’s righteousness. God’s love comes from his characteristics as being perfectly holy. God is perfectly righteous and He is perfectly holy so he can’t just leave unrighteousness and filth sitting around. He judges righteously. However, so that we are not judged, God sent his only son to this world. Through that he showed his love so the Bible says, “Here is love”. Therefore, God does not leave unrighteousness there forever more. Without fail a time of judgment will come. Jesus himself says this.
Luke 21:23-27
“The heavenly bodies will be shaken.” (Luke 21:26) Changes on the earth and in the heavens will take place. The stars in the heavens will give no light and the sun and the moon will lose their light and it will be dark. At that time the Son will come in shinning glory. In other words these are the things that will occur just before Jesus’ return. Isaiah is prophesying about what will happen at this time. At this time this prophecy will occur just as it says. This is to “destroy the sinners.” (9) It is to “put an end to the arrogance of the haughty” (11) who are enemies of Christ, and “humble the pride of the ruthless.” (11)
Therefore, look at verse 12. “I will make man scarcer than pure gold, more rare than the gold of Ophir.” (12) This means the population of the whole world will decrease. At the beginning of tribulation, one fourth of people on the earth will die from the “sword, famine and plagues.” (Rev. 6:8) A third of the rivers will turn bitter and many people will die from the water “that had become bitter.” (Rev. 8:11) A fearful army comes and “a third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their mouths.” (Rev. 9:18) “The sun was given power to scorch people with fire” (Rev. 16:8) and many people die. In this way the population of the whole world decreases. Man becomes “scarcer than pure gold, more rare than the gold of Ophir.” (12) The Jews will also go through these times. Jeremiah calls this “a time of trouble for Jacob.” (Jeremiah 30:7) In the midst of these troubles the Jews will see who they pierced. In the midst of their troubles they will repent and turn to the Lord. They will receive Jesus of Nazareth as their Messiah. Then the Word of God that all of Israel will be saved is fulfilled.
God doesn’t leave evil sitting there forever. A day of righteous judgment will come. The only way to be saved from his wrath is to believe in Jesus Christ whom God sent to this world.
John 5:24
Here it promises that if we believe we “will not be condemned.” (John 5:24) Those who hear the Words of Christ, and believe in God who sent Christ will have “eternal life and will not be condemned.” (John 5:24) They have “crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24) From the moment we believe we receive God’s righteousness and God’s forgiveness, and we taken care of so we “will not be condemned.” (John 5:24) What a wonderful promise!
In verse 13 it says, “Therefore I will make the heavens tremble; and the earth will shake from its place at the wrath of the LORD Almighty, in the day of his burning anger.” (13) However, those who believe in the Lord Jesus will be given a kingdom that will not be shaken. Please receive this kingdom. Please your security in this kingdom.

III. There is no other God than the Lord (Vs. 17-22)
Therefore, the third point is to look to Christ and be saved. Please look at verses 17 to 19. These verses tell us what became of Babylon who had God’s judgment come upon them.
This is a prophecy that Babylon will be destroyed by the coalition of the Medes and Persia. This became a reality in 539 B.C. Isaiah prophesized this “in the year King Ahaz died” (14:28) which was 715 B.C. This means that Isaiah prophesized something correctly that happened 176 years later. In Japan that would be like someone in the Age of Edo prophesying something about something in the present Heisei age. It is amazing that Isaiah prophesized this completely correctly! Not only that, but please look at Isaiah 45:1. Here it tells us what the name of the Persian King will be in that age. “This is what the LORD says to his anointed, to Cyrus.” (45:1)
Of course, Cyrus hadn’t been yet. It is 176 years before the event. Even though he wasn’t even born yet, Isaiah is proclaiming the name of Cyrus! The fact that Isaiah could clearly proclaim the future is evidence that God is the real God and that God can do anything. God is all knowing and all mighty. He knows everything and can do anything. That is why the Bible is the Word of God. It is proof. Please open your Bibles to Isaiah 41:23.
Only God can proclaim what is to occur in the future. By this God shows us that He is God.
Also please open your Bibles to 45:21 and 22.
Other religious books have good things written in them too. They even have things written in them that sounds like the truth. However, the Bible is unique in that the future is written clearly. Only God can know the future accurately. If this prophecy didn’t occur, then it wouldn’t be truth. It wouldn’t be something we could put our faith in. It is not a prophecy that could taken anyway we would like to take it. It is clear; “Cyrus” (45:1) There is no one that can tell us the future before it happens except the God of the Bible, the God of Israel.
Let’s look at Isaiah 46:9, 10
This is the God that we believe in. Let’s leave everything in the hands of this God. Everything that happens is in the hands of God. Your past, your present, your future are all in the hands of God. Therefore, let’s leave everything in His hands. That’s because he knows everything and can do everything. God knows what is going to happen in the future. He has eyes to see the future. Let’s give our lives to the God. When we don’t know our future or we can’t see ahead, we feel uncertain. We worry. However, God knows what’s ahead. He knows everything so it is only natural that we leave everything in his hand. By leaving everything in his hands we can have real contentment and peace.
Please look at verse 19 to the end of the chapter.
This is describing the complete destruction of Babylon. This says Babylon “will never be inhabited.” (20) This is prophesying that Babylon will be deserted. “No Arab will pitch is tent there, no shepherd will rest his flocks there. But desert creatures will lie there.” (20,21) That’s how ruined it will be. As this prophesy says Babylon was gradually destroyed and almost totally destroyed for the last time by Persia in 478 B.C. Then in 330 B.C. the city was completely destroyed, deserted and fell into complete disrepair and ruin, and has remained that way ever since. The enemies of Christ will be completely over thrown, and ruined to the point that they are deserted by man.
Rev. 18:2
Therefore, we need to fear and believe in the one and only God. We need to live in humility before God. Even flourishing Babylon was destroyed. What we need to believe in, be sheltered in, keep our eyes on constantly is God who no matter what will never be destroyed. He has promised us the kingdom of heaven. Let’s receive this kingdom that will never be shaken no matter what happens. Let’s live putting all our assurance in this. This is what God desires of us.

Today let’s look at Isaiah 12. Verse 2 which are words of praise by those who are saved says, “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. “ God is my salvation.
Today I would like to talk about three things from these words of praise.
1. God is our salvation.
2. The joy of those who are saved.
3. Those who are saved will proclaim that salvation to the whole world.

I. God is our salvation (vs. 1,2)
First please look at verses 1 and 2.
Here too it says, “In that day” (1). “In that day” is one of the key words of Isaiah. I have talked about this several times, but this is a prophecy both about an event that will occur in Isaiah’s age and at the same time is about what will happen in the last days. “In that day you will say; ‘I will praise you, LORD. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me.’” (1)
These are words of praise to God. Although the Lord was angry with them, God’s anger has turned away and God has comforted them. This is the prophecy of the Babylonian captivity in the age of Isaiah. Israel turned their back on God and walked their own selfish road so God sent the country of Babylon and destroyed them. Then they were captured and deported to Babylon where they stayed for 70 years. That was in 586 B.C. Isaiah prophesized this around 730 B.C. so this happened about 150 years after Isaiah gave this prophecy. Northern Israel had already been destroyed by Assyria. That was in 722 B.C. In the age of Isaiah Northern Israel was destroyed. In the Southern Kingdom of Judah there were comparatively good kings so it lasted a little longer. However, the Southern Kingdom also became prideful and turned their back on God so at last they were destroyed. However, that was the judgment of God to chastise Israel. God chastised them so they would repent and return to God.
Hebrews 12:7, 8
They were chastised because God loved Israel. God chastised them so that in their agony they would repent and turn to God. 70 years later under the Persian King Cyrus who was also ruling Babylon, the Israelites were able to return to Jerusalem. God’s anger had turned away and God comforted them.

While talking about the far future and while talking about the end times, this is prophesying about the events of the Tribulation. Israel didn’t repent and accept the salvation of God readily so God by the power of the anti-Christ gives them pain. In other words, this is about the age of Tribulation. That was pain like they had never experienced. It was so painful that they desired their own death. In the midst of it many people died, but a remnant remained. They are the “remnant”. In the midst of the pain they receive Jesus as the Messiah, the Savior. Like this the Words of the Bible that all of Israel will be saved will be fulfilled. A time will come when Israel will be encouraged. God’s anger is not to ruin them, but so that they will be saved. God loves them so much that He is jealous for them so he has anger. As a result of that anger they will be saved. Then God’s anger will be turned away and He will comfort them. Please open your Bibles to II Cor. 7:9 to 10.
II Cor. 7:9, 10
Paul so that people in Corinth would repent wrote a letter “with great frankness.” (II Cor. 7:4) The Corinthians that read the letter were very sorrowful, but their sorrow led them to repentance. Therefore, Paul says, “now I am happy…because your sorrow led you to repentance.” (II Cor. 7:9) “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (II Cor. 7:10) There are two kinds of sorrow, Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation… but worldly sorrow brings death.” (II Cor. 7:10) The comfort that is spoken about in Isaiah is this Godly sorrow. From that sorrow comfort is born. God gives the Israelites who turned their backs upon God, pain. To chastise them God sent chastisement. However, God’s anger will turn away and God will comfort Israel.
God will comfort you too. By not following the will of God and trying to get your own way and your own thinking, you will have painful experiences, and be sorrowful, but this will bring repentance, and you will receive real comfort.
Then “you will say…’Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.’” (1, 2)
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.” (2) In Hebrew this, “God is my salvation” (2) is Joshua which means “Yahweh is salvation”. This is Jesus in Greek. Jesus means “Yahweh is salvation.” Jesus is salvation. Jesus is Lord, the Messiah, the Christ. It is the creator God who expresses Himself as “I am who am I am”. Salvation is brought about by depending on this Jesus. We depend on the Lord so we have no fear. We don’t have to worry. We don’t have uncertainties. Also we don’t have complaints or dissatisfactions. This is because Jesus is our salvation. Jesus is salvation. He was put on the cross and atoned for us who should have just been destroyed in the depths of hell. Therefore, by trusting in him, we don’t have to be afraid of anything.
To”trust” (2) means to “lay on the ground with our arms spread wide open“. It means to leave everything in the hands of God. It is to say to God that He can do anything he wants to with us. To trust means to give our whole self to God. It is to trust God with all our temporal concerns, not doubting but believing that He will make all work for our good. If we have such a trust, then we have nothing to fear. Those who have God for their salvation can enjoy holy security and serenity of mind.
F.B. Meyer said, “Faith is a bucket.” Faith as a bucket is drawn up from the wells of Jesus. From the wells of salvation we draw up the buckets of faith so we have nothing to fear.
“The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” (2) The word used here for “LORD” (2) is “Yah”. “Yah” is the contraction of Yahweh, and both signify his eternity and unchangeableness, which are a great comfort to those that depend upon him as their strength. Here “The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” (2) expresses　great joy. “The LORD, the LORD himself…has become my salvation.” (2)
Jesus has become our salvation. He died on the cross in our place for our sin of which we could do nothing about except be destroyed by it. By his death on the cross those who believe in Him have their sin forgiven. Jesus is salvation. The source of our salvation is in Jesus who died on the cross. Those who accept the salvation of Jesus have nothing to fear. They are overflowing with praise and joy. If you give everything to God, and trust in him, the Lord will give you salvation.

II. The wells of salvation (vs. 3)
The second point is about the joy of salvation. Please look at verse 3. If you experience the salvation of the Lord, you will be overflowing in joy.
In this verse we can feel the joy of the Israelites as they draw the water. You probably know the song, “Ｍayim Mayim“ which means “water, water” in Hebrew. It is a folk dance. The dance was created in 1937 for a festival to celebrate the discovery of water in the desert after a seven-year search. In 1948 the country of Israel was established and whenever wells were built, while remembering the events of the Exodus, the people made a circle around wells and danced. After the war the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers introduced this song to Japan to help rebuild their fields of burnt down cities and towns.　In time in 1963 the Jew, Mrs. Gurit Kadman taught the Jewish dance when she was in Japan and the Ministry of Education put it into the school curriculum so it began to be danced throughout Japan. However, originally it was a song of joy for drawing “water from the wells of salvation.” (3) The words of the song come from this verse, Isaiah 12:3. How great a joy it was to drill a well in the desert where there is nothing and hit water and draw the water up!
Here it says, “draw water from the wells of salvation.” (3) Before I said this, but “salvation” is “Joshua”. In other words, it is Jesus. Jesus is the well of salvation. From Jesus we can “draw water from the wells of salvation.” (3)
Let’s open our Bibles to John 7:37 to 39.
John 7:37-39
“On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’” (John 7:37, 38) “The festival” (John 7:37) is the Festival of Tabernacles. This was to remember that before when Israel left Egypt during the 40 years going towards the promise land they lived in tents and to be thankful to the Lord that during that time He provided all they needed.
According to Lev. 23:33-36, the Festival of Tabernacles was to last for 7 days. Up until the last day every day the priests drew water from the pool of Siloam. In a procession they returned to the temple, where the water was taken in procession once around the altar and then the water was poured out as a libation at the morning sacrifice. This was a time of great joy. This joy was associated with Isaiah 12:3. On the seventh day when the priest returned to the temple the procession continued seven times around the altar. Then trumpets sounded 21 times and the water was poured out as a libation. There was great rejoicing.
The Festival of Tabernacles started on the Sabbath. Then on the eighth day the following Sabbath, they were to “hold a sacred assembly…It is the closing assembly.” (Lev. 23:36) Jesus “on the last and greatest day of the festival” (John 7:37) “said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’” (John 7:37, 38) The question is whether the last and greatest day of the festival refers to the seventh day of the festival when there was the greatest amount of rejoicing as the water was carried around the seven times or if this was the closing assembly which was held on the eighth day which was the Sabbath. Some people think that because it was the Sabbath it was called the greatest day of the festival.
The eighth day was the closing ceremony marking the close of the Festival of Tabernacles which celebrated the Lord’s provision during the 40 years in the desert. Therefore, on the eighth day the priest did not draw water, but brought the water container to the temple empty. He did this because this expressed that their life in the desert was over and they were entering the Promised Land. In the Promised Land there was plenty of water so they would not need to be given water supernaturally. The Promised Land is rest.
If the eighth day, the Sabbath, was day that Jesus stood up and said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:37, 38) then Jesus is saying that He is the source of living water, the real (Sabbath) rest. By drawing water up from the well of Jesus, we can receive a filling of real rest. This is not just a thirsty throat or physical thirst, but we will be healed of spiritual thirst too. Only the Messiah can do this. This Messiah came and healed everything including our thirsty hearts. This Messiah is Jesus.
Jesus heals our thirst. Before Jesus testified to the Samarian woman that he was the well of salvation.
John 4:13-14
The physical world always gives us thirst. Various advertisements inspire us to buy and make us buy goods. However, even if we buy it for the moment we are satisfied, but again soon we are thirsty. No matter how much we buy we can’t be satisfied. It is like a lake with no depth. With things of the physical world we are still thirsty. Some time ago I heard the testimony of Arthur Holland. He said that he had experienced all various kinds of pleasures of this world, but they were never able to give him fulfillment. Even if he gained temporary fulfillment, he still became thirsty again. When he was fulfilled by the things that you see with your eyes he became thirsty again. However, Jesus gave him living water so that he was never thirsty again. Anyone who is thirsty, who doesn’t want to be thirsty again always is talking about their discontentment and complaints. If we want to be set free from such a life we are told by Jesus to come to him and drink. “The wells of salvation” (3) is Jesus. Let’s remember that Jesus is the real “wells of salvation” (3)

III. Proclaim what he has done (Vs. 4-6)
The third point is that the people who have drawn water from the well of Jesus, will not just keep it within themselves, but will proclaim it “among the nations.” (4) Please look at verses 4 to 6.
“In that day” (4) is used here again. In verse 1 it says, “In that day you will say”. This “you” is in the singular form. It is a personal praise. In verse 14 it says again, “In that day you will say”. However, this “you” is in the plural form. It develops into praises by a group. The personal praise is “I will praise you, LORD” (1), but the group hymn is “Give praise to the LORD” (4) It becomes “Give praise” (4) “proclaim” (4) and “make known” (4)
Those who praise the Lord with out fail will feel like they have to tell other people about Him. They will “make known among the nations what he has done”. (4) Just going to church and singing hymns and saying “hallelujah” and “Praise the Lord!” is not just praise. Singing is only just one way of praising the Lord. Even when we don’t sing songs, we can praise the Lord. Even when it doesn’t become words, we can praise the Lord. It is wonderful to praise the Lord by songs, but you can also praise the Lord by your behavior. There are times when without words, by your behavior that you can praise the Lord. By payer you can praise the Lord. By testimonies, by evangelism you can praise the Lord. Praising isn’t only just coming to church and being a part of the worship service. Praising, proclaiming his name, making “known among the nations what he has done” (4) are all ways of praising the Lord.
The other day at the annual meeting of the Missionary Training Center a pastor said quietly, “We can’t go to the mission field and evangelize ourselves, but I’m so happy that we can take part in the grace of world missions by praying for the Missionary Training Center and by giving. I thought that this is really true. There are many ways that we can praise. We can show thankfulness. Here we are recommended to “give praise to the LORD” (4) by making ““known among the nations what he has done”. (4)
Those who praise the Lord can’t be quiet. They think that they want to tell as many people as possible about how great God is. They want to say “Hallelujah” “Give praise to the Lord.” (4) The Lord is wonderful so “make known among the nations what he has done.” (4) If you do that then you too will become someone who praises the Lord. That is what this is saying here.
That day is coming. Even people who today don’t feel like praising God will when that day comes want to praise the Lord. A day will come when all mouths will confess the Lord and bow in worship. I said that it is prophesized that that day will come at the end of the world. However, personally I don’t think that is in the distant future. I feel that that day is just around the corner. It is not unbelievable that Jesus Christ could come any time. We are living in such an age. It may be tonight. It may be tomorrow. It may be within the year. It is not so far away. Are you prepared for it? Can you say, ”Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.” (4-6) Hallelujah!
The Lord has become your salvation. With joy you have drawn “water from the wells of salvation.” (3) Let’s praise this wonderful God and “let this be known to all the world.” (5)

Applying it to our lives
* Are you depending on the Lord? Are you giving thanks to the Lord and are you overflowing in praise like the Israelites? What are you afraid of and what are you worrying about?

* Are you thirsty? How are you healing that thirst? Are you drawing water from Jesus, the well of salvation?

* Are you making known the joy of salvation to other people? What wonderful things has the Lord done for you?

Today I would like to look at the last half of chapter 11 of Isaiah. In the first half of chapter 11, we are told what the Messiah who sprouts out of the stump of Jesse is like. Said in one word, He is filled with the Lord’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit. The Messiah who is filled with the Lord’s Spirit will bring a perfect kingdom.
In today’s passage, one other big event that will occur at the Lord’s second coming is prophesized. That is the return of the Jews to Jerusalem. The Jews who have been dispersed throughout the whole world will be gathered in Jerusalem. This will happen. When this happens the end of the world is near. Today let’s look at three points of this event.

I. Christ, the King of the world (Vs. 10)
First please look at verve 10.
“In that day” (10) is pointing to both an event in the age of Isaiah and an event in the far future. “In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.” (1) The Root of Jesse” (10) also appeared in verse 1. It was a title of the Messiah. It is Jesus Christ. In that Day Jesus Christ “will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.” (10) Paul quoted this verse in Romans 15:12.
Romans 15:12
Here it says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations.” (Romans 5:12) Here Paul is referring to the salvation of the Gentiles. The Gentiles too by the mercy of God will be saved and together with the Jews “with one mind and one voice” (Romans 15:6) will “glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:6) In other words, the coming Messiah is not just for the Jews, but is the Savior of whole world including the Gentiles. He will be the king of the whole earth. That is the meaning of “the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples.” (10) “In that day” (10) this will occur. In the last days when the later part of the 7 years of the Great Tribulation have passed, when Christ comes and stands again on this earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, then he will rule the Kingdom of the Millennium. Here this Kingdom is called a “resting place”. (10) Christ is a “resting place” not only for the Jews, but for people from all over the world. People from the entire world will take refuge in Christ, “and his resting place will be glorious.” (10)
Where is your resting place? What is glorious for you? What are you putting your hope in? Christ is a resting place. Let’s remember that we should rally to the Messiah, the Savior, and Christ who “will stand as a banner for the peoples”. (10)

II. The Lord who gathers again (Vs. 11-13)
First please look at verses 11 and 12.
Here too the words, “In that day” appear again. This refers as I said earlier to an event both in the age of Isaiah and to an event in the future. “In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people.” (11) Here it says, “A second time” (12) which means this has happened one time before. This was the event of the Exodus. In the past Israel was for 430 years in the condition of being enslaved, but God reached out his hand and saved them. In the same way God will reclaim Israel who had been captured and save her.
In the age of Isaiah this refers to the deportation by Babylon. In the age of Isaiah the country of Assyria was a menace. A huge issue was how to deal with the attack of Assyria. Northern Israel didn’t depend upon God, but formed a coalition with King Rezin of Aram in opposition so Israel was destroyed by Assyria. This was in 722 B.C. This was the chastisement of God against Israel who didn’t depend upon God, but depended upon Assyria. However, King Hezekiah of Northern Judah wasn’t like this. He received Isaiah’s advice and only depended upon God and prayed so he was able to overcome the danger. The Lord answered Hezekiah’s prayer and performed a miracle. In one night God killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. However, after that they were destroyed by Ｂabylonia. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and completely destroyed the Jerusalem temple. This was in 586 B.C. Then they exiled the Jews captive to Babylon. This is what Isaiah is prophesizing about. Here it says, “Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the Mediterranean.” (11) However, the Lord after 70 years in exile had mercy on them and brought them back again to their homeland, Jerusalem.
However, this is not the only thing this is saying. At the end of the world the same thing will occur. “He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth.” (12) The Jews that have been dispersed throughout the world until then will return to Jerusalem. Unexpectedly this prophecy was fulfilled in 1948. The Jews that were dispersed throughout the world returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the country of Jerusalem. Who could have ever imagined that the Jews that were destroyed by Rome in 70 A.D. and dispersed throughout the world would after the passing of 1900 years would return again to Jerusalem? However, God just like this prophecy says “assembled the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth.” (12) Then on May 14, 1948 Israel was officially recognized as a country by the United Nations. That was to fulfill what was said here.
Matt. 5:18
What God says always happens. Let’s remember that what we can really depend upon is the Word of God, the Bible. No matter how great a person’s words may be, no matter how fascinating they are, they will change. “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.“ The only thing we can really depend on is the Word of God.
Here it says, “from the four quarters of the earth”. (12) Jesus quoted these words in Matt. 24:31
Matt. 24:31
Here Jesus is telling us about the signs of the last days. In the last days “they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” (Matt. 24:31) When this happens, the end is near. It can be said that the event of Israel becoming established as a country is the beginning. When peace comes to the Middle East and the land of Israel then it is closer to coming to the end. Already summer is near. The Lord’s second coming is already come this close. Are you ready? Are you prepared for the Lord to come at any time?
Our Lord Jesus in Matt. 25 tells how those who are waiting expectantly for the Lord can prepare their hearts. That is in the story of the 10 virgins who were waiting for the bridegroom. 5 of them were foolish because they prepared the lamps, but they didn’t prepare the oil for them. On the other hand, the 5 other virgins brought oil with their lamps. The bridegroom was late in coming so everyone began to fall asleep. In the middle of the night someone cried out, “Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” (Matt. 25:6) All the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. However, the foolish virgins didn’t bring oil for their lamps so they said to the wise virgins, “Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.” (Matt. 25:8) However, the wise virgins said, “No…there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.” (Matt. 25:9) While they were shopping at the store, the bridegroom came and the 5 virgins that had prepared their oil went to the wedding banquet. Then “the door was shut.” (Matt. 25:10)
Christians must prepare oil for their lamps. Our lamps are the light of our faith. The oil is the Holy Spirit. Christians must not only have a faith of belief in Jesus Christ as their Savior, but they must have the oil of the Holy Spirit that continues to keep a burning faith. They must be filled with filled with the Holy Spirit. Before the second coming of our Lord, all men must receive the Holy Spirit and be filled with the Holy Spirit. The bridegroom came in the middle of the night. Our Lord Jesus might come in the middle of the night. When Christians are falling asleep they might hear the call, “Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” (Matt. 25:6) When Christians are dozing off, Christ will come. Satan is desperate and is making Christians doze off. The church is moving in the direction of losing vigor, and becoming lukewarm. “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matt. 25:13) We need to be aware of this and along with our lamps, carry the oil of the Holy Spirit, and like the wise virgins, we should wait for the coming of the bridegroom, Christ.

III. There will be a highway (vs. 13-16)
Lastly let’s finish by looking at verses 13 to 16. First let’s read verses 13 and 14.
“Ephraim (13) is Northern Israel. Of the 12 tribes, 10 tribes belonged to Northern Israel. Among them the largest tribe was Ephraim so Northern Israel was called “Ephraim”. On the other hand “Judah” was the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
Besides the tribe of Judah which belonged to the Southern kingdom of Judah there was also the tribe of Benjamin. Judah was representative of the Southern Kingdom so it was called Judah. “Ephraim’s jealousy will vanish, and Judah’s enemies will be destroyed.” (13) In other words, Israel which was divided into the North and South will become one. After Solomon’s death since 931 B.C. Israel was divided between the North and South and they opposed each other. However, by Christ’s coming they will be unified. Now the Israel that we see is the beginning of the fulfillment of this prophecy. Worldwide the Jews are returning to Jerusalem, and the Republic of Israel was founded. That country is not divided. It is an unified country. However, this perfect reality can’t be seen yet. When Jesus returns again, we will see this.
“They will swoop down on the slopes of Philistia to the west; together they will plunder the people to the east. They will subdue Edom and Moab, and the Ammonites will be subject to them.” (14) These countries that are mentioned here were old enemies that had in the past subjected, harassed and threatened Israel. Such countries will be subject to Jews.
Today too Israel is threatened by powers. In the periphery are the Islamic small Arab countries. However, this is a prophecy that they also will obey Israel and will co-operate with Israel. There will be no one that will check Israel’s way. No one will put an obstacle in front of them and they can return freely to Jerusalem.
This is written in verses 15 and 16.
“The gulf of the Egyptian sea” is the Red Sea. Both the Red Sea and The Euphrates River protect the Mesopotamia, but in that day, when the remnant of Israel return, God will break the Euphrates River “up into seven streams so that anyone can cross over in sandals.” (15) The Lord will prepare a highway for the Israelites. Before like the day when they came from Egypt and God divided the Red Sea in half and made a road for them to take. No one will be hindered and they will be able to return.
The problem is whether you will take this road or not. Just like the Israelites who were slaves to Egypt were set free by the Lord’s strong power, the Lord will again through the real Savior Jesus Christ save you from the pits of sin’s judgment. The Lord will gather you up again. You must answer God’s invitation, and by faith make one step forward. In order to become a citizen of this new kingdom of God that God is giving you, you must walk this highway. However, inside of us we have a sinful nature of old habits and customs of the world that we can’t readily separate ourselves from.
However, the Lord will prepare a highway for you. If you will walk that road by faith, you will be able to have a joy and peace that you have never experienced up until now and you will be blessed. It all depends on whether you can step out on the highway the Lord has prepared or not. Please step out in faith. The Lord will gather you again.

Let’s apply it to our lives
* What is your “resting place”? (10) What hare you placing your hope in?

* Are you prepared for Christ’s coming? Do you have oil in your lamp?

* Are you walking on the highway that the Lord prepared? What things in your old life are you trying to leave behind you?

Today let’s look at Isaiah 11. We also looked at this passage during advent. Let’s look at this passage again in light of the context of chapter 10.

I. The coming Messiah as a shoot (vs. 1)
First please look at verse 1.
What is “the stump of Jesse”? (1) Jesse was the name of David’s father. This son, David, was a famous King, but Jesse wasn’t very well known. There were very few people that had even heard his name and there was not really anyone that was moved by him. He wasn’t really known by anyone except his neighbors. It was like, “I know David, but I don’t know anything about Jesse.”
Also Jesse was a shepherd. At that time shepherding couldn’t be said to be an outstanding job in society. A shepherd slept with and got up with the sheep, so their bodies were dirty, and they smelled so it was a job that no one wanted to do. In other words, the expression, “the stump of Jesse”, (1) was an insult, showing contempt. However, Isaiah said that “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; and from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” (1) If you are going to use a name, to use the name of a famous person is more effective. That way you will draw interest from everyone, and you can appeal to many people. Even so Isaiah did not say “of David”, but “of Jesse” (1). This was to show that the Savior while he would be born as a child into the family of David, he was also put in the lowest condition as Messiah.
Here it says “stump”. (1) A stump is what is left in the ground when a tree is cut off. In the previous chapter in 10:33 and 10:34, it says, “See, the Lord the LORD Almighty, will lop off the boughs with great power. The lofty trees will be felled, the tall one will be brought low. He will cut down the forest thickets with an ax; Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One.” 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Here the judgment upon Assyria is written. Assyria didn’t think about their position and were prideful so God says he is going to cut them down. After they are cut down what is left is the stump.
Judah has always been in such a condition of a stump. Also when they were attacked by Aran and Israel they didn’t depend on God, but depended upon Assyria. As a result next they were attacked by Assyria and took a big blow. The towns around Jerusalem were destroyed. Luckily Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz was a King of faith who desperately prayed to God so miraculously they were saved from the danger. 185,000 soldiers of Assyria’s army were killed by the angel of God in one night so Assyria returned to their own country.
However, that was not the end. After that the country of Babylon gained power. It was by this Babylon that Judah was completely destroyed in 586 B.C. and the people were exiled. This was the Babylonian exile. However, exactly as God promised after 70 years they returned to Jerusalem. This was by nothing except by the grace of God. Even so they turned their back on God again so they were ruled by Persia and next Greece and next Rome. They were always ruled by other countries. They were in a hopeless situation of being such a quiet forest where not a sound is heard and all the trees are felled and all that is left is just stumps.
However, in such quietness where not a sound is heard, John the Baptist was born, and then Jesus Christ was born as if to shatter the quietness. The Messiah was born as a shoot. From a single stump that looked like it had no life in it a shoot was born. From it “a Branch will bear fruit.” (1) When everyone was in despair, when no one had any expectations, the salvation of God appeared. When there was thought to be no more life, and no more hope, God’s salvation began. That is this “shoot”. (1)
Incidentally, this “Branch” is “neser” in Hebrew. This is the roots for the word, “Nazareth”. In Matthew 2:23 it says, “and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets; ‘He will be called a Nazarene.’.” This is talking about this prophecy of Isaiah 11:1. This prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled here. The Messiah “will come up from the stump of Jesse… a Branch,” (1) who “will be called a Nazarene”. (Matt. 2:23) The Branch, the Messiah is from Nazareth. This has four meanings.
1. This means that the Messiah is King. In Jeremiah 23:5 it says, “The days are coming… when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.” This means the same as what is written in Isaiah. The coming Messiah is seen as a King.
2. This means that the Messiah is a servant. In Zechariah 3:8 it says, “Listen, O high priest Joshua and your associates seated before you, who are men symbolic of things to come; I am going to bring my servant, the Branch.” This is the Branch as a servant.
3. This is the Messiah as a man. This is written about in Zechariah 6:12. “Tell him this is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will branch out from his place and build the temple of the LORD.’” This is the Branch as a man.
4. This is the Messiah as God. In Isaiah 4:2 it says, “On that day,. The Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel.”

The Branch of the Lord has these 4 meanings. It is in exact concordance with the four Gospels of New Testament. The Gospel of Matthew sees Christ as King. The Gospel of Mark sees Christ as servant. The Gospel of Luke sees Christ as man, and the Gospel of John sees Christ as God. The coming Messiah is coming as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The Branch of the Lord is in agreement with the Gospels. 2,000 years ago too the Lord came as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, However, Judah put him on the cross and killed him. This Messiah will at the end of the world come again as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
Let’s have hope in this. Your life may be in the condition of being felled and may be like a stump with nothing left on it. However, from that stump God will bring up a shoot, and from it a Branch which will bear fruit. No matter how felled you are, how despised you are, God will never leave you. God will without fail restore you.

II. The nature of the Messiah that comes as a Branch (Vs. 2-5)
Next let’s look at the nature of the Messiah who comes as a Branch. Please look at verse 2.
“The Spirit of the LORD” (2) rests on the Branch. “The Spirit of the LORD” (2) is the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River, these Words were fulfilled. Then the heavens opened and the Spirit descended upon Jesus like a dove and God’s voice from heaven said, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11) The trinity appeared there. The voice of God the father, the son of God, Christ, and the Spirit of God was present. From then on Jesus’ public life, public ministry began. He received the Holy Spirit because He was baptized. He received the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the same time as he was baptized by water. He took on power and went out into public ministry. By that power in the wilderness of Judea he had victory over temptation, and also by that power he performed many works that only God could do. The oil of the Holy Spirit was poured out upon Jesus.
“The Spirit of the LORD” (2) here is expressed as seven Spirits. This does not mean that there are seven Spirits. There is one Holy Spirit, but He has seven works. First is “the Spirit of the LORD”. (2) Secondly, is “the Spirit of wisdom”. (2) Thirdly,. is the Spirit of “understanding” (2). Fourth, is “the Spirit of counsel” (2). Fifth is the Spirit of “power”. (2) Sixth is “the Spirit of knowledge” (2) and the seventh is the Spirit “of the fear of the LORD”. (2) This expresses the seven works of the Holy Spirit. Seven in the Bible is the number that expresses completeness. Therefore this expresses that the Holy Spirit is perfect.
Rev. 1:4

This does not mean that there are seven Spirits. This is expressing that the Lord’s Spirit has the 7 works of 11:2. This also appears in Rev. 4:5 so later please check it out. These are all expressions taken from Isaiah 11:2.
“The Spirit of the LORD”, (2) The Holy Spirit will rest upon the coming Messiah and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. However, that is not just Jesus, but all those who believe in Jesus, Christians, are the same. The Holy Spirit has been poured out upon all Christians that believe in Jesus. We too can receive the power of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:8
The Holy Spirit comes upon us. When that happens we receive power. It is the power that is necessary to do the work of God. It is the power of the Holy Spirit. From the moment we believe in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit lives in us. Regardless of the experience when we do the work of God, ministry, the Holy Spirit is poured out upon us. This is the power of the Holy Spirit. When Christians do the work of God, it is necessary that they be filled with the Holy Spirit. It is not by our own strength or our own flesh that we minister. “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.” (Zech. 4:6) It is necessary that we too work by the Holy Spirit.
This will be given to anyone who desires it.
Luke 11:13
“Ask and it will be given to you; see and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:9,10) Let’s desire the baptism of the Holy Spirit.　That’s not just one or two times. Here it is saying to continually seek. If so just like Christ the Holy Spirit will be poured out upon you. You can take on the power of the Holy Spirit and do the work of God. Without the pouring of the Holy Spirit, you can’t be successful in the work of the Lord. Without the power of God you can’t be changed into the image of Christ. That is because that is the work of the Lord through the Holy Spirit.
Here it says, “When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will receive power.” (Acts 1:8) That power is like the power of dynamite. When we are full of that power, we can overcome any persecution. You will be able to perform works greater than your abilities. “When the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8) you will receive a power like dynamite. You will be able to have a life like dynamite. Of course, that is not for your own personal success. The power is so that “you will be my witnesses.” (Acts 1:8) It is so you can do the work of being a witness to Christ. Jesus gives this power so “you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (1:8) At the same time, the Holy Spirit brings abundant blessings to our personal lives too.
Next please look at verses 3 to 5. Here it is written what the Messiah who is filled with the Holy Spirit of the Lord is going to do.

The Lord of Lords, the Lord will take on the power of the Holy Spirit and He will bring a kingdom that shows righteousness and faithfulness. It is not a kingdom like today where righteousness is distorted and righteousness is replaced with unrighteousness, but will establish a kingdom where righteousness and faithfulness are clearly seen. Now we have outrageous feelings towards our country. We have bitterness. We must live giving laments of “Why?” “Why this?” “For how long?” etc. There will be a time when those questions will be answered. That is when the Messiah rules the world. That is “he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears.” (3)
Jesus said to the woman who was caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn you…Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11) Jesus saw her heart. “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (I Samuel 16:8) This woman was weighed down by her sin. She thought that it was only right that she be judged, that she had done something outrageous, that she had done an irrevocable thing and that she couldn’t be helped if she was blamed for her sins and killed by stoning. She was well aware of this so she earnestly sought the mercy of the Lord. The Lord saw this heart. He saw this heart and said, “Neither do I condemn you.” (John 8:11) He didn’t judge her by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears.” (3)
But then again, Jesus strongly cares for those people who are forever trampled over, who have an outrageous time of it, who are seen by society as being weak, that have nothing to shelter them, that are extremely abused authorities, and those who are weak.
When Jesus comes again he will make this a reality. We should pray that this day will come soon, “Maranatha” “Lord, come!” This event is in other words the Lord’s second coming. This event is recorded in Revelations 19. “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war.” (Rev. 19:11) Jesus Christ will come from heaven on a white horse. At that time the Christians who have already been taken up to heaven, Christ’s bride, the church, will also ride white horses and come down to this world. According to this passage Jesus will be “Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war.” (Rev. 19:11) “King of Kings, Lord of Lord” is written in verse 16. Our “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” (Rev. 19:16) will judge with justice. He will fight for the weak. This is our real hope.

III. The rule of the Messiah (vs. 6-9)
Finally let’s finish by looking at what the kingdom that Messiah brings will be like. Please look at verses 6 to 9.

This is not just a poetical expression. This will happen just as it says. This is being prophesized. This is a description of Millennium that the Messiah will bring after Christ’s second coming. At that time the whole earth will be restored to the condition of the garden of Eden. Here is describing this.
At that time “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 a little child will lead them.” (6) Peace will come to the world of dog eat dog. Even if “the infant will play near the hole of the cobra” (8) he will not be harmed. That is because “the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” (9) Just “as the waters cover the sea”, (9) the whole “earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD” (9) so this perfect peace will come.
For nature and the world of animals were changed by the impact of man’s sin. The first man Adam and Eve sinned so the impact of sin was extended to all of the natural world. Therefore, when Jesus comes again when sin is completely atoned for, all of the natural world will be restored to its original condition.
Romans 8:19-22
That is what is meant by all of “creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.” (Romans 8:19) When Christ returns again and atones for mankind, all of creation will be “brought into the glorious freedom.” (Romans 8:21)
Therefore, the important thing is to know the Lord. In the course of time, at the end of the world, “the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD.” (9) The peaceful age of Millennium where the Lord reigns will come. This is not just at the end of the world. Today is so. If we know the Lord, the Messiah that rules the Millennium that we can’t see with our eyes, will rule our hearts.
Luke 17:20,21
“The kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:21) Therefore, more important than when Jesus Christ is coming, is to be prepared for Christ’s second coming by believing in Christ, the Messiah and receiving the forgiveness of sins so no matter when he comes, you are o.k..
Hebrews 9:28
Are you prepared to welcome the Messiah, Christ? Isaiah prophesized that “a shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” (1) The Messiah that comes from the child of Jesse, the child of David is indeed the Savior. “He will save his people from their sins.” (Matt. 1:21) Jesus came one time “to take away the sins of many people”. (Hebrews 9:28) He was put on the cross and died, and 3 days later rose again and completed the work of salvation. Then in the course of time he will return again. “He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:28) Are you waiting for this salvation? Are you prepared for Christ’s second coming? Do you believe in Christ and are you living in the kingdom that Christ rules? Let’s believe in Him and live waiting expectantly for his rule. That is where real joy and hope are.

Applying it to our lives
* Are you in the condition of being a stump? In such a despairing condition do you believe that God sent the Savior to be born?

* Are you filled with the Holy Spirit? Are you desiring to be filled with the Holy Spirit? How are you desiring to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

* Are you prepared for the Lord’s second coming? Have you believed in our Savior Christ and are your sins forgiven?

From Isaiah 9:8 on Isaiah spoke the Word God to Northern Israel. The central message was, ““his hand is still upraised”. (9:12) Even though they had received the Word of the Lord, they responded to the message that fell on them “with pride and arrogance of heart” (9) and didn’t listen to it. God’s hand of wrath was still upraised” (9:12) against such an Israel.
Today’s passage is not spoken to Israel, but is to Assyria. Assyria was asked by King Ahaz of Judah to attack Aram and Israel, and is the country that plundered it. It is to this Assyria that these words are spoken. Let’s learn three things from this message.
1. We must not be prideful. Just as the ax can not “raise itself above the person who swings it, or the saw boast against the one who uses it,” (15) we can not be prideful towards God. We must think about our position as an instrument of God, and we must put all our heart into it. .
2. God’s judgment will come upon such prideful men.
3. Depend upon the Lord.

I. Don’t be prideful (Vs. 5-15)
First let’s look at the pride of Assyria. Let’s look at verses 5 to 15. First let’s look at verses 5 and 6.
The Lord is uttering “Woe” to Assyria. In chapter 5 these words were repeated over and over again. There they were used as a warning of catastrophes that would come upon Israel who had turned its back on God. Here the same words are used toward Assyria. This is because even though Assyria was just an instrument of God, they deviated from their position and became conceited. Here it says, “Assyrian, the rod of my anger, in whose hand is the club of my wrath!” (5) Here the word “my” is being stressed. In other words, Assyria was only God’s instrument. Assyria was “the rod of my anger”, and “the club of my wrath”. (5) God used Assyria to punish Israel who didn’t follow God。 Assyria was to attack the people of Israel, “to seize loot and snatch plunder, and to trample them down like mud in the streets.” (6) The purpose was so Israel would repent. They were nothing more than an instrument for that purpose. Even so Assyria was proud as if though they had accomplished this by their own hand. They had the mistaken idea that by their own strength they had built up a powerful country. They thought of themselves as being more than they really were. However, this was wrong. They were nothing more than just a tool of God. Their statergy militarily succeeded. They expanded their territories. They prospered. This was all because of the hand of God. Behind all of this was God’s authority. It was definitely not by their own strength. Even so they did not understand this and were prideful. This was the problem.
Please look at verse 7. Here describes what their pride was like. “This is now what he intends” (7) means that they didn’t think that they were God’s instrument. In their heart was “to destroy”. (7) It was not on the level of punishment. It had exceeded that. Assyria’s “purpose is to destroy.” (7) Not only Israel, but Assyria’s “purpose is to destroy, to put an end to many nations.” (7) They wanted the other nations to be subject to them. They wanted to thoroughly destroy them. Assyria is famous for its cruelty. They gouged out the eyes of their enemies, chopped off their noses, chopped off their ears, and put hooks in their tongues and pulled them, and buried them alive in pits. What’s more they brought beheaded heads and speared them showing them and saying to everyone, “Everyone who does not follow the Assyrians will become like this!” That is because didn’t know their position, and they assumed that they were absolute.
Verses 8-11
This means that what they are saying is that up until now all of their great war victories were all by their own strength, their high level of fighting ability, and good occupational policies, so it was not by the Lord Almighty’s plan. Calno was a region in northern Aram which was destroyed in 738 B.C.. Next is Carchemish. This fell in 717 B.C. Hamath fell in 720 B.C., Arpad in 740 B.C., Samaria in 722 B.C., and Damascus fell in 732 B.C. Up until now the cities and countries that they had fought with all had their own protective gods, but they were not able to protect them from the attacks of Assyria. Assyria boasted that Jerusalem’s God was the same, and there was no way that they could resist Assyria. The real God not to be equated with the idols that man made, but Assyria was prideful in thinking that the Lord Almighty wasn’t able to protect Jerusalem from the hand of Assyria.
Their prideful attitude is written in verses 12 to 14.
Verses 12-14
If you look carefully you will realize that the word “I” is repeated over and over again. “My” “I” “my” “I” “I” “I” “I” “my” “I” They are bragging that their present prosperity, their present blessings, their present victories were all “by the strength of my hand…by my wisdom, because I have understanding.” (13) I am strong, I am might. I have ability. However, this is funny. This is pitiful. That’s because Assyria is only a tool. Even though Assyria is only a tool, Assyria assumed they have done everything by their own strength. If you were to compare their prideful thinking it would be like verse 15.
Verse 15
An “ax” and a “saw” (15) are nothing more than tools. Even so if the ax or saw tries to order and move the person that is using it, then it would be funny. If the ax says, “cut a little more to the left” or “a little more to the right”, the person that is using the ax would say, “No, that’s ridiculous!” However, Assyria was doing this. Even though they were only a tool, they had an illusion of themselves that they had moved everything by their own wisdom and their own strength, and they thought they had ability, and they were mighty.
We too are like that. Let’s be careful. There are times too when we are prideful. Who do you think gave you what you abundantly have now: your job, your wealth, your family, your health or your prosperity? Do you think this way? “By the strength of my hand I have done this.” (13) I won the battle of the entrance exams! I was able to enter into a reasonable company for what a high educational level I have. I get a reasonable salary and have reasonable status. I tried my best in everything so I have done this by “my wisdom because I have understanding” (13) and by my abilities. Assyria is no different from us, a group of sinners. Terribly sinning man always think this way. We forget our position and quickly have pride in ourselves that we did it by our own strength. Similar to Assyria we forget that we are only a tool of God. We are only a tool. If we take the Ichiro’s bat that doesn’t mean that we will be able to hit like Ichiro. Recently Tiger Woods isn’t doing so well, but if we took Tiger Wood’s driver golf club that doesn’t mean we can hit the ball as far as we want. A bat and a driver are nothing more than a tool. The tool is not magnificent. It is the person that uses the tool that is magnificent. Therefore, the tool must not boast. If we boast, we should “boast in the Lord.” (I Cor. 1:31)
I Cor. 1:26-31
Here it says, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” (I Cor. 1:31) If you succeed in ministry, if you succeed in business, if you are blessed in your personal life, or in your school life, it is all through God’s help. There is nothing that we can boast about. It wasn’t because we studied the Bible hard, or went to seminary that we succeeded. Or it wasn’t because we have a high educational level or have the qualifications that we have a high salary. All blessings are by the grace of the Lord. The Lord gives you health. He gives you the necessary abilities. He gives you the opportunities. He gives you places to work and serve. We are nothing more than a tool that is used by the hand of the Lord. If we can be used as a tool, and glorify the Lord, we should be glad about that. We should be glad that God is using someone like us. If the Lord is using it, he doesn’t have to use Ichiro’s bat. A bat that is sold around here in the sports shop is sufficient enough to make a hit. God doesn’t have to use Tiger Woods driver to hit a perfect shot. If we are held in the Lord’s hand, no matter how shabby a tool we are, in any way that we are used, we can do a wonderful work. Therefore, if we are used by the Lord, if we are more and more successful, if we prosper, we need to be conscious that we are the tool of God. It is as it is written, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” (I Cor. 1:31)
We have limitations. However, there are times when we are able to do something unbelievable that is above our abilities or limitations. This is beyond doubt by the grace of God. God uses people like you and me. This is to prove that this is not something that came from us, but is clearly the power of God that comes from God. That is to show that it is the solo work of God alone.
We are not used because we have a deep faith. It is not because we are a devout Christian either. It is not because we are working hard either. It is not because we are holy either. It is not because we are more splendid than other Christians either. It is all by the grace of God. God’s grace is not something we are in the position to receive, but the grace of God is that great that He extends it to us who do not deserve it. Therefore, if we are allowed to speak about the Word of God, it is only by the grace of God. If we can study the Bible, if we receive training, if we get experience, and so we think that we will talk, that is a big mistake. If we are commissioned to speak boldly the Word of God, it is by the grace of God.
Jesus said, “apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Jesus is the true vine and we are nothing more than the branch. The branch by itself can not bear fruit. Only by being attached to Jesus can we bear fruit. We must not forget this.

II. The prideful will be punished (vs. 16-19)
However, Assyria was prideful. They didn’t consider their position as a tool. They were irreverent, rebelled against God and were prideful. God’s judgment came upon this Assyria. Please look at verses 16 to 19.
Vs. 16-19
Each one of the things written here happened exactly as it says to Assyria. In verse 17 “The Light of Israel will become a fire, their Holy One a flame; in a single day it will burn and consume his thorns and his briers” is the event when Assyria surrounded Jerusalem. In the past Assyria destroyed Northern Israel, and with great force pushed into Southern Judah. The Assyrian King Sennacherib and his general spoke irreverent words. They plainly cursed the God of Israel. As we read earlier, Assyria attacked other countries just like they attacked Jerusalem and just as they won over the gods of the other countries, they boasted that they were going to destroy and bring an end to the God of Israel too by their own hand. Then King Hezekiah who was in a hard situation bowed before the Lord and prayed from his heart. Then an amazing thing happened. “The Light of Israel” became “a fire, their Holy One a flame; in a single day it” burned and consumed “his thorns and his briers” (17) “His thorns and his briers” (17) is Assyria. “In a single day” (17) it was burned and consumed. When Jerusalem was surrounded by the Assyrian army, the angel of the Lord put to death 185,000 soldiers of the Assyrian army. In verse 18 “the splendor of his forests and fertile fields” is also Assyria. In verse 19 “the remaining trees of his forests” is also Assyria. They will be so few that they can be counted. In a single night they received a huge blow. “The Light of Israel will become a fire, their Holy One a flame; in a single day it will burn and consume his thorns and his briers” (17) At that time the army that was said to be the strongest in the world was destroyed by and lost to Judah, an area smaller than Japan’s area of Shikoku. After that the Assyrian King Sennacherib returned to his country and there was assassinated by his son. Then Assyria led by the son became weak and fell into decline. Eventually Babylon demolished and completely destroyed Assyria. Assyria who bragged that much about its victories was completely destroyed.
That was the judgment of God. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) Therefore, we must be humble under God’s mighty arm. God will at just the right time, raise you up.

III. Depend on the Lord (vs. 20-34)
Therefore, the third thing is to depend upon the Lord. Please look at verse 20.
“In that day” isn’t just the day that Assyria fell around Jerusalem. Certainly the people of Jerusalem saw the work of the Lord and there were people who returned to God, but it is not just this. This is the last days of the world. Concretely, this refers to the last 7 years of the tribulation at the end of the world. It is also the Day of Judgment when God’s wrath is poured out. This is described fully in Revelations chapter 6 to chapter 19.
In that day Israel’s remnant will once again, “no longer rely on him who struck them down, but will truly rely on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel.” (20) “Him who struck them down” (20) is Assyria. They won’t rely on Assyria or Aram or such surrounding countries. They will rely on “the Holy One of Israel.” (20)
The same thing will happen at the end of the world. Israel formerly relied on him that struck them down. Concretely this is the anti Christ. The Bible the anti Christ is represented by various names. One name is “Assyria”. At the end of the world, someone like Assyria that beat Israel will appear. That is the anti Christ. He will suddenly appear and bring a peace even to the Middle East that no one has been able to bring and will solve the Palestine problem all at one. The Wailing Wall that is in present day Jerusalem is the place where the temple was. There the temple will be built again. Therefore, they will say because he rebuilt the temple, that he is the Messiah. The Jews think that when the Messiah comes, he will rebuild the temple. Therefore, when they see the temple rebuilt, they think he will be the Messiah.
However, in the middle of the 7 years, at the end of 3 and a half years, the situation will change completely. The person that they thought was the Messiah changes and shows his real self. In Revelations the anti Christ is called a beast. Like a beast he will devour the Jews. Irreverently, he will stand in the Holy Place and he will ask to be worshipped. As a result the Jews who think they were deceived will desperately run away, but the anti Christ will chase them around, put pressure on them, and slaughter them. It will be worst and more fearful than when Hitler killed the Jewish people. Therefore many Jewish people will be killed then. At that time the remnant of Israel will be awakened. They “will no longer rely on him who struck them down” but will return to the Lord, “the Holy One of Israel.” (20) It will become like verses 21 to 23.
Vs. 21-23
In the midst of this “a remnant will return…to the Mighty God.” (21) They will return to the real Messiah, Jesus Christ. Then the promise of the Bible that all of Israel will be saved will be fulfilled.
Isaiah lamented over the hardness of Israel and called out, “For how long, O Lord?” (6:11) The answer is this: until this time. At this time, the hardness of the people will be broken down and a day will come when they will return to God.
“Therefore, this is what the Lord, the LORD Almighty, says,” (24)
Vs. 24 to 27
Here there are times when there is a fear of Assyria. This should be taken just as it says for the age of Isaiah. However, if we look in the far future, this “Assyria” is the anti Christ. However, here it is Assyria just as it says. “Do not be afraid of the Assyrians”. (24) “The LORD Almighty will lash” Assyria “with a whip as when he struck down Midian at the rock of Oreb; and he will raise his staff over the waters, as he did in Egypt” (26) and destroy Assyria. When Israel left Egypt, the Egyptians chased after them. Moses put his hand over the Red sea and the waters were divided into 2. Therefore, they walked on the road where the sea was parted and were saved. Like this there will be a great victory over Assyria. And they will be set free from their condition of slavery. Like this the Lord will protect his people from Assyria, and the anti Christ.
The Lord is like this. In the past in Israel’s history just like “when he struck down Midian at the rock of Oreb; and he will raise his staff over the waters as he did in Egypt” (26) God watched over his people. Also in the far future when Assyria, the Beast, the Anti Christ appears in the course of time God will do an amazing work and save us. That is our Lord, the Almighty God.
In our personal histories too, at that time, this time, God who has done amazing work and has helped us will today rescue us from the problems that we are facing. No matter how great a problem it is, it is not as great a problem as hell. The Lord saved you from destruction in hell. The Lord has the responsibility for your life. The Lord will take off the baggage of your life from your shoulders and will help you walk strongly in this world.
Therefore, won’t you “truly rely on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel”? (20) Your faithful heart, your faith will save you.

Apply it to our lives
1. Within your heart do you feel that you by the strength of your hand have done everything? Are you thankful to God and see everything you have as being from the grace of God?

2. What are you anxious or fearful of? Do you have faith that if you depend on the Lord, the Lord will rescue you from that problem? To have such an assurance, what do you need to do?