July 13 - 2 Chronicles 27; Isaiah 9-12: God's Final Solution to Violent Punishments

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 27; Isaiah 9-12

The Message

English Standard Version

The chapter from 2 Chronicles repeats Monday's reading; therefore, I will summarize and comment on the Isaiah passage only.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Neither Israel nor Assyria understand their role in setting things right.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

A child named for boundlessly good works will vindicate the righteous. He will return the world to God's favor.
God's punishment missed its intended target—Judah's heart. Their wickedness was out of control.
God cries, "Assyria, you forgot you were my tool for justice. Your punishment is coming, too. When my Chosen People return to me, they will destroy you."
David's tree will bud and God will set all things right through Him. There will be no need for fighting. Refugees from everywhere will return when He is lifted up.
Then we will praise God, the Holy One of Israel!

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God's punishment missed its mark: Judah's heart.

The last time we discussed Isaiah, God pronounced punishment on Judah and Israel for worshiping other gods. Unfortunately, the punishment was met with indifference. So God was forced to bring worse and worse punishment, but that did not convict their hearts. Their addiction to evil blinded them to the god who wanted their hearts. God's punishes only with the intent of bringing His People to repentance. God is not a bloodthirsty, revenge-seeking god. He is a loving and merciful god who punishes only when all other options are exhausted.

God wanted to use Assyria as a lesson to Israel, but they rejected His purpose for their own aggrandizement.

God used Assyria to punish Israel. Regrettably, Assyria got the wrong message and thought they had strength on their own. Thus, He needed to punish Assyria, too. It shows not only is God's Punishment universal, it also shows no one on earth understands their role. Everyone takes strength from God and believes it came naturally. This problem is not limited to Israel. Everyone believes they are the source of their strength and forgets God.

God begins revealing the final solution—peace on the entire earth.

These are some of the most famous prophecies of Jesus' coming. In this section alone we know Jesus will vindicate the righteous and rule the world in overwhelming goodness and justice. Through God's Spirit He will bring wisdom and understanding to the entire world. Because of his righteous judgment, all nature will no longer feel the need to fight. God would no longer need to punish anyone with war and desolation. People will flock to be with Him when He is lifted up. Then they will come together and praise His Name—Emmanuel! God's problem is clear—no one cares about setting things right on the earth. Jesus would come to bring the final solution to God's problem through setting things right between God and humans.

Is God able to use you or do you take His credit?

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