The Arm of Flesh; Isaiah 31-35
ZADOK PUBLICATIONS - Dr. C. R. OLIVER
December 1, 2014
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December 1, 2014 The Arm of Flesh Isaiah 31-35 Introduction: Chapter 31 The opening lines of this great condensed work form a principle of the Lord. He will not tolerate His people using man's means. It has been tried in success programs, implementing agendas in government and religion, as well as, personal dependency…it always fails. Isa 31:1-2 Now this is His Principle: (These verses prompt a question.) Who wants to be in the place where God has to use such a response? Yet ministries and men continue to "go their own way."2 Yet He (the Lord) also is wise and will bring disaster, One may ask, "Why do you continue to point out this factor?" The answer is simple, because men like to line up with power, they like to reason their opportunities and dictate their own lives. Proverbs 3: 5, 6 says, The Study: The balance of this chapter is very localized to the time frame of Isaiah. It is an assurance that Assyria will fail and the Hand of the Lord is responsible for their failure. This is an assurance that He defends Jerusalem (not some man). (This is evident even today with the protection Israel has experienced, especially Jerusalem.) Isaiah 31:5 Chapter 32 A brief summation will suffice for this prophecy. It is linked to the previous word and is about the defeat of the Assyrians (Sennacherib). The low estate of the people of God is reviewed as Isaiah calls an end to their ignorance and low esteem. (Probably under Ahaz the demoralization took place, but a new king and a reign of righteousness will rectify their estate.)Isaiah, no doubt, describes the reign of Hezekiah. Isaiah 32:1-2 Two powerful promises emerge. First, the people will regain their spiritual hearing and their spiritual eyes. (Eyes that see not and ears that hear not continue in darkness and represent a curse.) Second, discernment will return to the people of God. They will no longer be a part of calling evil good and good evil. Isaiah 32:5 The principles of God will be re-established. Isaiah 32:8 A generous man devises generous things, And by generosity he shall stand. The prophet warns of a bumpy road of austerity that will precede the "reign of righteousness." Isaiah does what Amos did before him; he addresses the "ladies of luxury," who have adopted a lifestyle of materialism. Amos called them "cows of Bashan," which was a most unpopular characterization. Isaiah tells them to prepare themselves for austerity. Isaiah 32:9-11 Even though there is a period of calamity and ruin, there is coming a time when God makes all things right for them. These passages offer the "blessed Hope," as they branch in two directions. First, Isaiah declares the onset of change will be when the Spirit is poured out upon them. That which happened in the Upper Room caused Israel and the world, which had no message for 400 years, to hear the gospel in amplified terms. Wildernesses of ignorance were overcome by the planting of the Lord. The fields were white to harvest. Second, Righteousness was loosed from the bondage of religious tradition, and its offspring were "quietness" and "peaceful habitation" and "assurance" forever! Isaiah 32:15-33:1 Next, that wonderful verse 20 comes into focus. It is the great missionary passage where blessings flow toward those who "sow beside all waters." Reports from vast fields of evangelism ministered to by God's saints are a continual source of inspiration and edification to the body. Those who travel to the fields, and those who send them supplies and cover them with prayers, are blessed. Chapter 33 Spoken to the haughty Assyrians, the Lord's response to His people's faith is massive. First, The Lord declares their defeat. Though their army generals were, at that moment, sizing up Jerusalem as to the amount of booty they would gather in victory, God assures the prophet it will be Israel who will garner spoils (even the lame will have their share). Second, the Lord intended to address the nations through His actions. When He brings down Assyria, it will be a testimony of His power to all the other governments. Isaiah 33:10-13 (Next is an Open Letter to the fearful and unbelieving: "Your meditations have come up to Me.") Isaiah 33:14 Unfortunately, verse 14 is the question of the day for most moderns. Under the threat of armed aggression, acts of terrorism and threats from the ungodly, the power of the Lord slips from their view. Yet, THE message for today is taken from Elisha, "Lord, open His eyes" in order for his servant to see the army of God above every soldier. Righteousness prevails! (God's response to people of faith is His provision in spite of the odds.) Isaiah 33:15-16 15 He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, The faith-filled person will see a defeated Assyria and their enemy's broken navy. They will see a peaceful Jerusalem, while having been supplied with food and water. Jerusalem's inhabitants will not be sick and their sins will be forgiven. What greater assurances could any people have? Isaiah 33:22 Chapter 34 This message is primarily directed toward Edom. The chapter opens with a word to the nations that God will judge all nations like He judged Edom and the cliff dwellers of Petra. The opening verses of Obadiah's prophecy suffice for an example to any haughty nation who comes against God's people. (Obadiah preceded Isaiah in chronology.)Obadiah 1-4 There really is very little difference between the prophetic words given by these two men of God. One variant is apparent. That is a universal promise to the nations, and I believe it speaks to the current time. Isaiah 34:1-4 Judgment time has come, not only for those who have maligned Israel, but for those who have persecuted all of God's children. These verses reach far into the future and incorporate End-Time days. The nations are lining up now for judgment. Just as Edom thought itself impregnable, in actuality, they were "sitting ducks" for God's earthquake. (An earthquake opened a path through the mountains that did not require going over the top and passing through Petra. It's magnificent palaces and stone work are, to this day, the habitat of jackals.) Chapter 35: Keeping the last days theme, this chapter is filled with God's promises for those who wait for Him. Isaiah 35:3-6 Verse 4 should be the order of our day! The number of the fearful mounts daily, and the message most hear is "doom, despair, misery and woe, if it weren't for bad luck, there'd be no luck at all." Looking down centuries, Isaiah's words might well have inculcated both Jesus' first and second coming. During Jesus' earthly ministry, verses five and six became common place. When He comes the second time, those verses will burst forth and become common place once again upon the earth, like streams in a desert. One of the greatest passages in Isaiah comes next. The "highway of Holiness" is described, along with its occupants, who are the righteous and the redeemed! (I used this passage extensively in the Regal Pair.)Isaiah 35:8-36:1 The Highway of Holiness is not an extension of the "yellow brick road," and its destination is not whimsical Oz. Holiness is a requirement for heaven, regardless of current trends and theology. Verse eight makes a declaration as to who will not be on this highway. The description could approximate whole congregations today! There are, however, certain promises for those who are "walking the walk." On that road there are no detour signs, no obstacles or threats. The redeemed, the ransomed of the Lord, have nothing to fear. The heavenly Zion is visible and their destination assured, for they will move along with Song. Everlasting (eternal) joy will surround their heads (ie: picture of The Glory of God), and they "shall obtain" joy and gladness as sorrow and sighing flee away. Hallelujah, Glory to God… (Pardon Me: I must burst forth with tongues)! (The last lines of this chapter were taken and put to music. Often when I hear services include this Scripture Song, I wonder if the congregation even knows it is the song sung on the Holiness Highway?) Until Next month, Dr. Cosby R. Oliver, PhD. |
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