Deliverance is Ahead

O. T. #1655  "Deliverance is Ahead"
March 25, 2020
Isaiah 45-Part 3
Thus says the LORD, the HOLY One of Israel, and His Maker: "Ask Me about the things to come concerning My sons, And you shall commit to Me the work of My hands."
(New American Standard verse 11)

LET IT GLOW

We have already read that the LORD is the Holy One of Israel and Maker. That He formed the light and created darkness, made peace and created evil. God established that there is no other God besides Him. The LORD does all these things. He is unique in that God alone can predict the future. He has already foreordained whatever comes to pass.

Verse 8 is a prayer for God to intervene in human history. The imagery is that of a refreshing rain upon a fertile field, which causes it to spring forth abundantly. This wonderful picture is that of the blessing of God coming down from above and beneath simultaneously. (Falwell)

In the hot summer, don't we pray for God to give us rain so our gardens and the national crops can grow? We need a refreshing that rain provides.What about spiritual refreshing? We are in need of it in our nation, today. We need salvation and righteousness springing up together. Immorality is just as rampid in our country as the coronavirus. Perhaps that is why we have this disease, to bring us back to God and His principles for life. Will we surrender under His righteous hand? Will we pray for God to intervene in human history and change hearts?

You know, it is foolish to argue with our Maker. Verses 9 and 10 show that a pot can't question the one who formed it; children don't get to criticize parents for giving them birth. Since God is the Creator of all things, He is the author of the story. We are His, and He gets to decide how the game is played. No one is Israel, then, could question why God did what He did in the way He chose to do it. If He wanted to use an unrighteous king like Cyrus to accomplish His righteous purposes, that's what He would do. (Tony Evans)

Neither should we ask God why He is allowing this deadly virus to kill people worldwide. Maybe we should yield to God's authority in our life and over His creation. We are not in control. Perhaps we should be praying for our churches, neighborhood, families, and friends. We should bow before a holy God and repent of our sins and the sins of our nation. Folks, we have allowed idol worship to come here and influence our children. We have removed prayer and Bible reading in our schools and from public meetings and places. We need to establish God as the God of our nation.

LET IT GROW

Look at our key verse above.
The people of God in captivity, who reconciled themselves to the will of God in their affliction and were content to wait His time for their deliverance, are here assured that they should not wait in vain.
They are invited to inquire concerning the issue of their troubles. God encourages Israel to consult His Word from prophets and the watchmen. Be earnest in your requests, and confident in your expectations, as far as both are guided by and grounded upon the promise. We may not strive with our Maker by passionate complaints, but we may wrestle with Him by faithful and fervent prayer. Bring them to God and leave them with Him. (Mathew Henry)

After 70 years in captivity, God would deliver Israel and return them to their Promised Land. Deliverance would come, for God planned using a heathen to accomplish His will.

We can ask our Maker for deliverance. From what do you need delivering?
Let us not question what God does, but to ask what we need to learn from a problem or situation or trouble. Isn't it for the glory of God and our good?

LET IT GO
Glory, glory, Hallelujah You reign, Jesus.
Bring your sorrows and let Him turn them to joy.
Come to the altar. The Father's arms are open wide.
Oh what a Savior! He is wonderful!
Forgiveness is bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.