Isaiah 48:1-22

God has a plan and a purpose for the world He has created and for the people He has chosen.  He is determined to see those plans and purposes come true.  At the heart of this desire is the glory of God.  When God’s people rebel against His will and refuse to worship Him, they are in effect giving the glory of God to another.  When this happens God will discipline His children in order to bring them back in line with His plan and purpose.  The greatness of man’s rebellion is only exceeded by the greatness of God’s grace and glory.  He will bring His children to repentance and redeem them from their sin for the glory of His holy name.

GOD’S PLAN TO REFINE ISRAEL: Israel calls herself by the name of the Lord but has been living in rebellion against the Lord.  It is a very dangerous thing to call ourselves by the name Christian and then do not live according to the example of Christ.  Throughout history God has revealed His will to His people and brought those things about.  God has done this so the people would honor and worship Him as the Sovereign of the universe instead of crediting their home made idols for the work of God.  God knows the heart of man and He is jealous of the worship we give to idols of our own making.  He has graciously decided to refine His people instead of reject them, not because they don’t deserve it but for His own name’s sake.  God will use affliction in our lives in order to bring us in line with His will for us. 


GOD’S PLAN TO REDEEM ISRAEL: God is eternal and He has created all men and all things.  He calls His children to watch as He judges the nation of Babylon just as He had judged the children of Israel in the past.  God’s plans have been clearly revealed but Israel has not listened to the voice of her Redeemer.  God would have blessed her with peace and righteousness had she only followed God’s commands from the beginning.  Instead she will suffer under the captivity of Babylon, the cities will be destroyed and the people will live in bondage.  However, God’s purposes remain firm.  He will redeem His children just as He did from the nation of Egypt.  He will provide for their needs.  God will not grant peace to the wicked but He will refine the wicked so they can be redeemed and worship Him in holiness.

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