SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 28
WOE TO EPHRAIM (vs. 1-29)
Prophet Isaiah addressed Ephraim and indicted them for drunkenness and their unteachable spirit. Their leaders would not listen to His voice, so God let them listen to foreign voices speaking without peace and showing no love.
The prosperity of Israel will fade like trampled flowers (v. 1) They will be carried by hail storm and a destructive wind, like a driving rain and flooding downpour. (v. 2). Ultimately, it will be swallowed like a ripe fig. (v. 4) For judgment is at hand. (v. 6)
Isaiah was denouncing the sin of trusting false gods. (vs. 14-15). But it is God who can be our refuge from storm. We can surely be protected by his care.
THOUGHTS:
After the reign of Solomon, the entire kingdom of Israel had split into the Southern and Northern kingdom. Jerusalem was the southern kingdom while Judah was the northern kingdom. The leaders of Judah set up idols to keep people from going to the temple in Jerusalem to worship God. Isaiah sent message for Judah to repent.
When Isaiah spoke to the people, they don’t not want to listen. They regarded Isaiah as a school teacher speaking to small children. So Isaiah prophesized that the Assyrians would teach them in a way they would like less.
King Hezekiah of Judah made an alliance with Pharaoh Tirhakah, king of Egypt against Assyria. But Egypt cannot offer any help when Assyria attacked. King Hezekiah forsook his faith to seek temporary protection against an enemy. But only God is able to give real victory.
God promised to lay a stone in Zion, a precious corner stone with a sure foundation. This cornerstone is the Messiah, the foundation on whom we know how to build our lives.
Isaiah described on how a farmer use special tools to plant and harvest tender herbs so that it will not be destroyed. In the same way, God also takes all our individual circumstances and weaknesses to deal with us. We should follow his example when we deal with different kinds of people. Be sensitive to the needs of those around you and the special treatment they need.