Are We in the Furnace of Affliction?

O. T. #1660  "Are We in the Furnace of Affliction?"
April 1, 2020
Isaiah 48-Part 2

Verses of Encouragement:
Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God. (Isaiah 40:1)

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Is. 40:31)

They helped every one his neighbor; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage. (Is.41:6)

LET IT GLOW

The message in this chapter was given to both Israel and Judah. Right off the bat God reprimands them for being hypocrites giving only lip service to Him and not following in truth nor in righteousness. Their heart is far from God, although they call themselves by His name and by the holy city. Many are practicing idolatry on the side. They put on a good show, but that is all it is, since God sees in their hearts.

Because God is the only true and living God, His predictions come true, to pass.
What are the 3 things that God mentions in verse 3 that He can do?
He alone can reveal:

1. the former things,
2. new things,
3. and hidden things.

Concerning former things, God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt. We have proof that God can do those things because His predictions came true. God told Israel and Judah to repent of their sins, or else they would go into captivity. Then Babylon captured them, some 150 years later. After 70 years, He sent set them free and sent them back to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and the Temple.
Also, the new things involved the first and second coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The hidden things could be grace and mercy and the Holy Spirit, for they had yet to experience them.

LET IT GROW

Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
(verse 10)

The word chosen as used in this verse, means tried.

From what we read in chapter 47, the Babylonians were wicked people. They made their slave girls grind with millstones while being naked. The elderly had to work, too. They put people in the den of lions, as Daniel, when they would not bow down to the idol of their ruler. Also, they put them in the fiery furnace, as the 3 Hebrew boys experienced. Certainly that was their furnace of affliction.

Liberty Bible Commentary states:

We are here reminded that even God's acts of judgment are ultimately acts of mercy. The reason for His severe treatment of His people is that they might emerge from their afflictions minus the dross of their sin and that they might reflect His glory and greatness among them.

The good news is that God preserved His children, a remnant of believers. He is the same God, friend. He can preserve us during this pandemic, our furnace of affliction. Let us comfort, help, and encourage each other, as the verses say above. We will make it through this. While we are here, may our faith in our God increase and may we grow closer to Him.

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes. (Ps. 119:71)
 
LET IT GO

                     ... of fear and trust God to meet my needs.
                                ... of fear and rely on God to protect me and my family from this deadly disease.
                                ... of self-centeredness and encourage others.
                                ... of weak faith and grow strong faith.
Glory to our God, the Lord of all creation. How great is my God!