SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 48
STUBBORN ISRAEL (vs. 1-11)
God rebuked Israel for her stubbornness. He warned them that their sins would bring judgment but they closed their ears and hardened their hearts.
ISRAEL FREED (vs. 12-22)
After going through refining, the Israelites repented and was purified. They had learned to turn from idols and trust Jehovah. Their captivity was about to end. They were beginning to experience true peace.
THOUGHTS:
The people of Judah felt secure with their heritage, cities and temple without depending on God. That was false security. If you want true confidence, you must have a good relationship with God in your heart and mind.
God allowed the Israelites to be tested in the furnace of suffering so that they could turn to Him in faith. When you are experiencing adversity, turn to God and ask for strength to endure. The testing would make you grow and become more pure and Christlike.
In order to experience true peace, we have to turn away from sin and open the channel to God. The peace that God gives consist of:
P – Protection E – Empathy A – Affection C – Comfort E – Eternity