Day 181, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Isaiah 7:1–10:4; Isaiah 17
A Flood of Adversity
Natural disasters, such as floods, take us by surprise. Others kinds of calamities creep upon us but are predictable—we can see them coming. For instance, we can see the deterioration of a house, a church, a business, or a marriage and know that if something isn't done, it can't survive.
Useless Responses to Predictable Disasters
What do many of us do when facing predictable disasters? Here are some typical things:
- Make excuses
- Cast blame upon others
- Deny the reality of the situation
- Seek the sympathy of friends
- Put a finger in the bulging dam
- Run
Useful Responses to Floods of Adversity
In today’s Bible reading, the northern kingdom of Israel forges an alliance with Aram (Damascus). Together they plan to wipe out Judah and install their own king.
All parents have fears about coming danger and its effects upon their children. Isaiah faced these fears, too, but God doesn't want him to react the same way as his fellow Israelites.
Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it.
The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, and he will be a sanctuary (Isaiah 8:12-14a, NIV).
To whom can we turn when faced with a flood of adversity? We can turn to the LORD and let him be our sanctuary, our place of peace and refuge during the days of disaster. We should fear him, not the circumstances.
God doesn't want us to behave as unbelievers might—in darkness, seeking counsel from spiritists to try to understand their circumstances. Instead, we should seek understanding from God’s Word (the Bible). They blame God, but we can bless God for the peace that we have through him.
The Apostle Paul would later tell us, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8, NIV).
Assyria had already taken the tribal areas around the Sea of Galilee. The people of Zebulun, Naphtali, Asher, and eastern Manasseh were exiled to the land of their captors. Isaiah's prophecy in chapter 9 gives the exiles hope; one day the Messiah would come and bring them peace. Now, however, the LORD would punish Israel for her sins, and God would not withdraw his hand of judgment.
Israel has rejected the gentle waters of Shiloah (a pool in Jerusalem); she spurned the peace of God that comes from an obedient life, so the LORD would send the flood waters of Assyria (her powerful army) to deluge the land and carry her away (Isaiah 8). Yet, God would be “with” Judah (Immanuel means “God with us”) and protect her from the same fate as Israel (8:6-10).
Assyria would destroy Damascus and Israel (or Ephraim) and only a few would remain. Judah would be threatened by disaster, too, and the flood of adversity would reach up to her neck. This is because she (under the reign of King Ahaz) also forgot God and engaged in all kinds of idolatry and wickedness (Isaiah 17).
King Ahaz's son, Hezekiah, however, would lead a revival. He would lead Judah to turn from all wrongdoing to seek the LORD for deliverance. Her people would put away their idols and only serve the LORD.
In 722 B.C. Sennacherib, king of Assyria, would lead his troops to destroy Aram and Israel. On a conquering binge, he would move south, intent on destroying Judah, too, but overnight the LORD would put 185,000 of his soldiers to death, and Judah would be saved (Isaiah 17:14; Isaiah 37:33-37). For the time being, The LORD (Immanuel) would be with them.
God is with us, helping us, when we are with him.
Discussion
What are some useless things people do when guilty of wrongdoing?
What should we do when facing an impending flood of disaster?
When we pray and seek the LORD, does he always answer right away? Why or why not?
What did it mean to the Israelites that the LORD is with them when they were with him? What does it mean for us?
Focus Verse
2Chronicles 15:2 (NIV) “He [the prophet Azariah] went out to meet Asa and said to him, ‘Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.’”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod
Looking Ahead: If we want protection, we must heed the warning sirens in God's Word and make the LORD our refuge.
Back to top of page
Return to Chronological Bible Studies main page
Go to Scriptures main page
Go to Topics main page
Go to Home pagere-edited 6-30-22
COPYRIGHT @ 2019, MASTER'S TOUCH BIBLE STUDIES