Handwriting on the Wall

O. T. #1597  "Handwriting on the Wall"
Jan. 1, 2020
Isaiah 21

LET IT GLOW

Aren't these years flying by? Did you ever think about writing the year 2020? Not me. What if God gave you a handwriting on the wall telling you what was going to happen in your life this year, how would you react? Would you fall on your face before a Holy God?
This actually happened to the king of Babylon, Belshazzar. We find the event in Daniel 5. The great empire of Babylon was going to fall, but the king didn't repent of his sins.

First of all, recall 14:24-27 where God says as He thought it, it will come to pass; as He purposed, it will stand; His hand is stretched out to the nations on the whole earth; who can disannul His purpose and who can turn back His hand stretched out? (my summary)
God had all the nations under His control. He gave them a warning to repent and believe in Him, not idols, but they would not heed the warning. Sad isn't it?

Next, in verses 1-10 of chapter 21, we read of another prophesy to Babylon through Isaiah. Keep in mind that during these 200 years (600 B.C to 400 B. C.) there were battles over world dominance. The empires were Assyria, Babylon, Media, and Persia, yet God was in control of them. (Stick with us friend, for all of this information will come in handy later as we study other prophets during this time.) Again, I hope this timeline will help us keep these historical events in perspective.

--689 BC: Babylon fell to Assyria
--612 BC: Nineveh, Assyrian capital, fell to control of Babylon and Medes
--605 BC: Babylon conquered Judah under King Nebuchadnezzar
--586 BC: Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and Temple
--542-540 BC: Daniel was in Babylon under King Belshazzar, Neb's son; Belshazzar saw God's
                         finger writing on the wall that Babylon was given to the Medes and Persians
--537 BC: First group of Jews return to Jerusalem to rebuild it, under King Cyrus of Persia

During the 70 years of the Jews in captivity, God's prophets of Ezekiel, Obadiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel prophesied. Those empires mentioned above were going to fall. Their idols of false gods could not and would not prevent this.

Keep in mind that not only are Isaiah's predictions for those times before Christ, but also during the times Revelation speak about happening in the last times. Babylon will fall; Iraq will fall.


LET IT GROW

7. The Burden, Oracle, or Message to Dumah

In verses 11-12, we read of a prophesy to Dumah, which is Edom, located south of Moab. The people of Edom were descendants of Esau, and where usually were enemies of Israel. They rejoiced whenever Israel fell to the Assyrians (chapters 34 and 63) and this sealed Edom's doom.The watchman keeps watch night and day for enemies. The Medes and Persians took over this area after defeating Babylon.

8. The Burden, Oracle, or Message to Arabia

In verses 13-17, Arabia would fall. They allied with the Philistines to invade Jerusalem, but were later defeated by Uzziah. There were trade routes through Arabia, so the land was important during that time. Assyria first invaded Arabia in 732 BC and again in 725 BC.
You don't mess with God's people and get away with it.

Have you looked back over the last year? Was it a year of heartache and loss, tragedy and sorrow? Or was there happiness and joy, success and achievement? Did you close the book on last year with regret, or with relief? How do you think God looks on this past year in your life? Did it bring you any closer to Him? What lessons will you take from last year into this coming year? What did God teach you? (from Billy Graham's devotional, Wisdom for Each Day)

Philippians 3:13-14 says, but one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

LET IT GO

Learn from the past and let it go.
Live in today.
Look to the future in heaven.
 Happy New Year!