June 28, 2023 - Isaiah 33-35

Isaiah begins the 33rd chapter: “Ah, you destroyer, who yourself have not been destroyed, you traitor, whom none has betrayed! When you have ceased to destroy, you will be destroyed; and when you have finished betraying, they will betray you” (33:1). The day’s news constantly reminds us that wickedness is all around us. It’s enough to bring one almost to despair, especially when it seems that the evil doers are so numerous and that they so often seem not to pay for their deeds; in fact, in an increasingly godless culture, the deeds of wickedness seem, sometimes, to be applauded.

Ah, but the wickedness and the injustices that have been perpetrated, seemingly without fear of any sort of consequence, well, the Lord sees and he will deal justly with these people: “The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness, and he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is Zion's treasure” (33:5,6). In these days, it is good to have this assurance.

I keep reading, and all this just so precisely fits our day! “Behold, their heroes cry in the streets; the envoys of peace weep bitterly. The highways lie waste; the traveler ceases. Covenants are broken; cities are despised; there is no regard for man. The land mourns . . .” (33:7-9). But the Lord says, “Now I will arise” (33:10). Arise, Lord!

And to God’s people who are anxious: “Say to those who have an anxious heart, ‘Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you’” (35:4).

When the King shall come again

all his power revealing,

splendor shall announce his reign,

life and joy and healing:

earth no longer in decay,

hope no more frustrated;

this is God's redemption day

longingly awaited. -- Christopher M. Idle (1975)