Monday, December 10, 2012

Isaiah 8:5


Copyright Ó 2012 J. Neely
Isaiah 8:5

5 The LORD [Yahovah] spake [dabar] also unto me again, [yacaph] saying, ['amar] KJV-Interlinear

5 And again the Lord spoke to me further, saying, NASB

The Assyrian invasion was coming and it was coming like a flood. 

First there were the nations of Syria and Samaria, which exist on the northern border of Judah.  They served as a  buffer of sorts, protecting Judah from that particular invasion.

And as far as the people of Judah go, if they remain positive toward God and truth, then they will be spared.

Even if there is a remnant, even a small remnant of positive volition within the country, then Judah will be spared.

However, if there is virtually nothing of a spiritual quality in the nation, then Judah will not be spared and the invasion of Judah will occur and the high price for betrayal toward truth, will be paid.

We of course know the history, and know that Judah was both negative and rebellious toward God, despite their deliverance, and despite Gods promises.  And, they were hammered thoroughly as a result.

But here we have a transition verse, wherein God is still speaking.
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And so long as God is still speaking and offering hope, then hope remains.  But when God stops speaking, then it all ends.

Today, we do not have prophets.  We not have God speaking to anyone in voice or in dreams or visions.  We only have the written scriptures.

And within those scriptures, we have the promise that if we open up our hearts, our minds, our volition, just a little, then we will have Gods ear.  That opening is through confession which places us in fellowship and in front of God, as it were.

That promise and opportunity is always there.

It is only when we shut down and refuse to comply with Gods rules, is access to Him also shut down.

Remember one thing.  God has immense patience and tolerance.  More so than all of humanity put together.  So, if someone whines and says that God has turned His back on them, then remind them that God turns away only after you have turned away first, and that God is always there, if you turn back.  So, who is the fool, and who is to blame, and who is being arrogant in the poor-me category?

Boasting of being a victim and a fool and a dummy, is not smart.  Wise people will see your foolishness and only fools will likewise feel sorry for you.  And what credit is there in having dummies feeling sorry for a dummy?