Isaiah 17

Isaiah 17:10, 11 NIV

You have forgotten God your Savior;
you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress.
Therefore, though you set out the finest plants
and plant imported vines,
though on the day you set them out, you make them grow,
and on the morning when you plant them, you bring them to bud,
yet the harvest will be as nothing
in the day of disease and incurable pain.

The Bible rhetorically asks, "If God be for us who can be against us?" The opposite is also true. If God is against us who can be for us? Our talent, our money, our influence, our intricate plans will all fail if God is against us. Can people be successful without God's blessing? From the world's perspective the answer is "Yes." People who do not honor God or believe him have conquered kingdoms, built business empires, amassed wealth, established false religions, gained large followings, and accomplished great things.

It is one thing to use one's personal charisma, talents and power for "success" when God for some reason elects to either leave you alone for the time being or allow you to prosper. It is a very different thing when God chooses to judge or oppose you. If God is against us, who can be for us? The obvious answer is, "No one." In this chapter God has decided that it is time to judge Damascus. All of their planning and success will fail them. God has decided that enough is enough and it is time for their demise.

Father, sometimes when I see the ungodly prosper it makes me wonder what's going on. Thank you for the reminder from this chapter that their day is coming and nothing short of repentance can stop it. Today may I simply keep in step with you.

By His grace,
Rick Weinert
District Superintendent
EFCA Northern Mtn District