PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Isaiah 23-24
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Therefore a curse consumes the earth; its people must bear their guilt.” (Isaiah 24:6)
I wonder if it is fair to say that our world is under a curse?
Isaiah points to the corrupt powers and the coming political social upheaval.
We could point to the pandemic, the opioid crisis, the rise of fundamentalism?
How about the changing weather patterns, related to climate change?
Some people think that the world is getting worse, but knowing history I doubt it.
People have suffered throughout the ages, and governments have always been corrupt.
“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again;
there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9)
Actually, there is one thing new: Jesus has overcome the curse (Galatians 3:13).
In Jesus we see signs of love, joy, peace, justice mercy, compassion.
We still see the curse, but we focus on Jesus and the blessing he brings.
Jesus is on the throne, Satan has been crushed, the kingdom is being restored!
Isaiah gives us a hint that the world will see this, and rejoice!
“From the ends of the earth we hear singing: ‘Glory to the Righteous One.'” (Isaiah 24:16)
PRAYER
Lord, I can either focus on the curse of sin and death, or the blessing of Jesus and his goodness at work in the world. I choose Jesus!
Sin has infected us and causes the ultimate price – and the earth will be cleansed – it will be punished – until we all come to our senses and recognize that it is God who holds us accountable: “The Lord Almighty planned it, to bring down her pride in all her splendor and to humble all who are renowned on the earth.” The key is that we acknowledge the Lord and admit our own ego and arrogance – thinking that we can just ignore Him! Lord Jesus you are my Lord – I submit to you. I know I sometimes trip over my own ego, cleanse me I pray and help me to live under your will!
The Lord of host reigns. My God reigns.
The wrong seems so strong these days and the earth groans in turmoil. And the people go their own way. They do not return to God. They believe in their own ways. They believe they are in charge. But this is my Father’s world and He will one day restore His kingdom in full.
1 How lovely on the mountains
Are the feet of him
Who brings good news,good news
Announcing peace, proclaiming
News of happiness.
Our God reigns; our God reigns!
Chorus:
Our God reigns!
Our God reigns!
Our God reigns!
Our God reigns!
2 He had no stately form;
He had no majesty,
That we should be
drawn to Him.
He was despised,
and we took no account of Him,
Yet now He reigns
With the Most High. [Chorus]
3 Out of the tomb He came
With grace and majesty;
He is alive, He is alive.
God loves us so see here His hands,
His feet, His side.
Yes, we know
He is alive. [Chorus]