There is Strength Available

O. T. #1726  "There is Strength Available"
July 3, 2020
Summary of Isaiah-Part 2

How has your week gone friend? It's been different for me. Our son's family is on vacation at the beach this week, and I am dog sitting for them. It has been different from the last time we had her. She was young and full of energy back then; now she is old and sleeps most of the time, on our couch, of course. One good thing about this is that we have gone for a walk in the mornings. Finally, I am getting back into exercise. And, her little legs don't go fast, which is fine with me. Also, it gives me someone to talk to instead of myself. They will return tomorrow and so my nest will return to normal.

Well, we are continuing with the summary of the second and third section of the book of Isaiah. If you missed the first part, just look at the previous post.

We read of a transition of Assyria being Israel's enemy to that of Babylon. History says that Judah was taken away captive into Babylon for 70 years. Then the Medes and Persians conquered Babylon and King Cyrus allowed Jews to return home to rebuild Jerusalem. All of this happened according to God's omniscient plan. (He gave Judah and Israel ample time and warnings to repent of their idolatry.)

Here is the continued outline found in Liberty Bible Commentary:

II. Historic Consideration (36:1-39:8)
      A. Looking Back to the Assyrian Invasion (36:1-37:8)

Verses:
O LORD of Hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, that art the God, even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: Thou has made hast made heaven and earth. (37:16)
This was the beginning of King Hezekiah's prayer as he laid a threatening letter, which was a reproach to the loving God, from the Assyrian king before his God. Then God gave reassurance for His people:
But I know thy abode, and thy going out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against Me. (37:28)

      B. Looking Ahead to the Babylonian Captivity (38:1-39:8)

The angel of the Lord, Jesus, came one night and killed 185,000 Assyrians in their army for Judah.
In chapter 38, we read where healed King Hezekiah from a deadly sickness and added 15 years onto his life. As a sign that God would set free Judah and Jerusalem from their enemies, He moved the sun
dial back ten degrees, twenty minutes. God kept His promise, for there was peace for those 15 extra years of Hezekiah, before the Babylonians came.

III. Prophetic Consolation (40:1-66:24)
      A. Purpose of Peace (40:1-48:22)

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the Word of our God shall stand forever. (40:8)

Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of His understanding.
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
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. ((40:28-31)

Verse 31 is my favorite Bible verse. My daughter took time to embroider a picture of an eagle with that verse. It is so precious to me. God renews strength to those who serve and those who patiently await the fulfillment of His promises. He helps us run, walk, and fly, as well as wait on Him.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my rightness. (41:10)

In chapter 43-48, God is declaring Jesus/God is Savior, Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, your King, the First and the Last, the Only God, for there is none beside Him that is God, a Just God.  

Who is Jesus Christ to you, dear one? Is He your Savior, Redeemer, and King of your heart?
Isn't God's grace amazing? He is rich in love, slow to anger; His name is great and His heart is kind;
so merciful and faithful.  Is He your strength? How can we but sing His praises? Bless the Lord, oh my soul!
The Lord bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you, be gracious to you. His favor be upon you through thousands of generations.
Keep safe this weekend, friend as we celebrate our nation's independence and freedom of religion.