R³ Devotional - Day 198

“An Oracle concerning Egypt.” This is how this passage starts. It is not just a prophecy, but it is a message with a heavy burden and impact for Egypt. As we read this passage, we can understand why.

Isaiah is writing a message here for the people of Israel, a pagan land, full of Idols, far from being submitted to the Lord. And because of their actions and their rejection of God, they are now subject to judgment.

“Behold, the Lord is coming on a swift cloud and comes to Egypt.” This is a picture that is used in the Bible to describe God bringing judgment (Psalms 104:3, Daniel 7:13). In these first verses, Isaiah explains the judgment they will receive for their sins, idols trembling, they will fight against themselves, confound counsel, and they will be given in to the hand of a hard master (vs 1-4).

But the beautiful thing about this passage is that while the Lord will bring judgment, he will use it for good and will deliver them as well. Verses 16-23 say that once the Egyptians surrender and call upon the Lord, they will worship Him, and He will deliver them. Verse 20 says he will send a savior and defender for them.

Does this sound familiar to you? YES!! Israel went through the same things throughout the Old  Testament. They walked far from God, and then they received judgment, and then they cried out to God, and He delivered them.

But not only the people of Israel, but we do the same as well. We were far from God; we had to receive judgment, but God sent a deliverer, Jesus Christ. We all sin and deserve God’s judgment, but also, God also offers that same forgiveness, love, and mercy to everyone who seeks him and surrenders to him.

Real: Life Principles:

• There are consequences for our sins. Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin are death. If justice is delivered, we should receive death.
  
  
• Romans 6:23 also says: “but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God offers forgiveness, mercy, and grace to us. He washes away our sins, and we are now justified by Christ to come to the Father.
  
  

Relevant: Life Applications:

• The Egyptians had their consequences, the Israelites had their consequences for their sins; we need to understand that sin brings consequences, and if we do not have Christ in our lives, it will lead to condemnation.
  
  
• God’s grace is free. We can count on him can deliver us from our sins if we just surrender our lives to him and make him our Lord.
  
  

Ready: Life Action Steps:

• There is only one thing left to do. Surrender to his grace, to his Lordship, to his mercy. He is our savior, and his mercy and grace are there for us every day of our lives.