Isaiah - Verse By Verse | Isaiah

Isaiah - Day 7

versebyverse | May 14, 2008 17:44

Scripture: Isaiah 1:7 (NIV): "Your country is desolate, your cities burned with fire; your fields are being stripped by foreigners right before you, laid waste as when overthrown by strangers."

Thought: To me, our nation illustrates a turning away from one-time prosperity toward a more downward trend.

Question: Do I see desolation and waste in my own life?

Beyond our own self and body, (verse 6), our possessions are also affected by our sin and rebellion: our property, our cities, our country--they are "desolate", "burned with fire" and "stripped by foreigners." I think of myself, and others, who may be vulnerable to satan. He makes us desolate and "burns" our "cities." He strips our "fields" and he is indeed a "stranger" and "foreigner" to us. He is the author of confusion, chaos and destruction. We ought not be like Israel here and become overthrown by his evil power. Israel was overthrown because Israel rebelled against God. God may allow enemies of several kinds to enter one's world as God's judgment comes against the practice of rebellion.

It would seem we are either blessed by God possessing us or cursed by satan victimizing us. There seems to be no middle ground. Where do I stand?

Prayer: Dear God, help me to draw near to You that evil strangers may not overthrown my life. Amen.