Do You Have Joy?

O. T. #1592  "Do You Have Joy?"
Dec. 24, 2019
Isaiah 15-16
Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion.  (16:1)

LET IT GLOW

3. The Burden, Oracle, or Message to Moab

Do you recall the background of the Moabites? Back in Genesis 18-19, we read about Lot (Abraham's nephew) and his two daughters escaping the destruction of Sodom. Moab was conceived through Lots incestuous relations with his older daughter. (How horrible!) Moab had always been Israel's enemy. The Moabites oppressed Israel and invaded their land (Judges 3:12-14) and fought against both Saul and David. Then in 2 Samuel, we read about King David defeating Moab. The Moabites were shepherds and gave yearly tribute to David of lambs and wool. Later, they rebelled and stopped sending the tributes

The land of Moab was located east of the Dead Sea. In chapter 15, we read about the prophesy of the devastation of when the Assyrians would conquered them. God brought judgment upon Moab, the center of pagan idolatry. There would be no green grass nor water in the land, but there would be weeping of the remnant. Their false god could do nothing to help Moab. Gladness, joy, singing and shouting, as well as wine were taken away from Moab. Has trouble taken away your joy during this time of celebration, the birth of Christ the Messiah?

After the Assyrians attacked Moab, the Moabite refugees would flee to Sela, which refers to Petra the capital of Edom, in the south. The only hope for Moab will be found in making peace with Judah, thus, send the lamb meant to pay tribute to the Davidic dynasty again. Jerusalem would be a safe refuge for a while. Isaiah advised Judah to accept them as a sign of compassion during the enemy's time of devastation.

LET IT GROW

During the millennial, when Christ shall sit upon the throne of David, He will extend His mercy toward the remnant of Moab. (Falwell)

John the Baptist declared Jesus to be the Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world. Is He your sacrificial lamb that died to take away your sins? If He is, then you have reason to sing, rejoice, and celebrate the birth of your Savior. Do you need your joy restored amidst the hurry of the season?
Let Jesus restore it, dear one.

Let the joy of your heart become joy to the world. (David Jeremiah)

LET IT GO

May I sing with joy, my King Jesus has saved my soul!
May I live with gladness this life You have given me.
Merry Christmas, everyone!!