Good morning,
We are living in in very interesting times. The period of relative stability that we have enjoyed over the last 30 or 40 years world wide is all changing right in front of our eyes. The countries of the western world that were seen as models of progress and success are now struggling with how to pay their bills. The European Union countries are all trying to stabilize their economies and the United States government has been struggling for months to fund their growing debt. Last week we were told that a single American company, Apple, had more actual cash on hand to spend then the U.S. government could claim for itself. We are watching what happens when people and governments turn their backs on the God who has given them life and try to succeed doing things their own way. We are watching what has always happened before in the history of our world. God always has the final word and the rebellious and the wicked lose again. So now what will happen to us who are living by faith in our Creator God?
The prophet Isaiah lived at a time in history very much like our own. The world was in turmoil as old alliances crumbled and godly people were surrounded by the ungodly peoples facing failure and defeat. The message he gave Isaiah is true for us as well. God tells us that he has his hand on those who are his and that, for the godly, “all will be well”. His promise is even richer than that. He tells us that “They will enjoy the rich reward they have earned!” God will surround us with his peace and his comfort even though our own way of life will be radically changed with those around us. It’s true, the wicked are doomed and will get what they deserve. But God’s kids are not lumped in with the rest. It’s true, childish leaders are oppressing their people and leading them down the wrong road, but our God is walking with us through these changes and will bring us safely into our own eternal country. Instead of despair, we will be filled with strength and peace. Instead of loss, we face an eternity of reward for our faithfulness and obedience. As the hymn writer has so aptly written may we “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will go strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.”
Isaiah 3:10 Tell the godly that all will be well for them. They will enjoy the rich reward they have earned! 11 But the wicked are doomed, for they will get exactly what they deserve. 12 Childish leaders oppress my people, and women rule over them. O my people, your leaders mislead you; they send you down the wrong road.
Roy Wisner
