In this chapter, Isaiah reveals that Jerusalem will be restored, but the people will remain in the dark and be destroyed because their hearts are far from God. Here’s how the chapter begins: “Destruction is certain for Ariel, the City of David. Year after year you offer your many sacrifices. Yet I will bring disaster upon you, and there will be much weeping and sorrow. For Jerusalem will become as her name Ariel means – an altar covered with blood. (Interesting…Jerusalem has another name (Ariel).) I will be your enemy, surrounding Jerusalem and attacking its walls. I will build siege towers around it and will destroy it. Your voice will whisper like a ghost from the earth where you will lie buried. (Wow! Lord, let us do right, so you never have to become our enemy.)
But suddenly, your ruthless enemies will be driven away like chaff before the wind. In an instant, I, the Lord Almighty, will come against them with thunder and earthquake and great noise, with whirlwind and storm and consuming fire. All the nations fighting against Jerusalem will vanish like a dream! Those who are attacking her walls will vanish like a vision in the night. (Isaiah 29:1-7) (Yes, Lord!)
The chapter continues, “Are you amazed and incredulous? Do you not believe it? Then go ahead and be blind if you must. You are stupid, but not from wine! You stagger, but not from beer! For the Lord has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has closed the eyes of your prophets and visionaries. All these future events are a sealed book to them. When you give it to those who can read, they will say, “We can’t read it because it is sealed.” When you give it to those who cannot read, they will say, “Sorry, we don’t know how to read.”
And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away." (Isaiah 29:9-13) (Wow, let that not be us, Lord!)
In the rest of the chapter, Isaiah calls the people stupid for the foolishness they speak.. As usual, read the rest of the chapter for yourself, draw some conclusions, make some connections, and strive to deepen your knowledge.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us believe completely in you, never doubting your word and power. Help us deliver on what we say by truly believing in our heart that you are our Lord and Saviour, keeping our hearts close to you! Lord, we love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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