Isaiah 34:16-17 – An Assured Judgement
We’re looking at a theme of judgment and of redemption that we find in this and the next chapter — judgment upon those who will not have Christ as their king. But it is redemption and rescue for His people. It’s like a coin with two sides. And as we come to the end of this first side of the coin here in chapter 34, the judgment upon the wicked, we have the summary of it here in these two verses.
This is an assured judgment. It certainly shall happen. We can see from history that it happened. But even before the history came along, it was certain because the mouth of the Lord said so. If God says it, it certainly shall come to pass. The lesson for us, of course, is that all that God has said for us most certainly shall come to pass. The promised destruction upon all the enemies of Jesus Christ shall certainly happen because the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
When we see great and terrible enemies with their weapons that are continually becoming more and more sophisticated and more and more fearsome, we can be tempted to think, how can there be any hope for the people of God? How can there be any hope that the wicked, that the mighty ones, the strong ones of this earth shall be brought to nothing? How can there be any hope that king Jesus shall complete his reign? Well, friends, the mouth of the Lord has spoken it. It will certainly come to pass. His plan and purpose is something that is certain. Whatever He promises, He fulfills it utterly, completely, fully.
The judgments here are also assured because the Spirit of the Lord shall bring them to pass. He is the One Whom the Father sends to be doing the will of the Father and the Son. He always brings about the plan of God. He always brings about the purposes that are given to Him. He works sovereignly within individual sinners, and upon great groups of people. He brings about the change of cultures. He brings about the transformation of societies. And sometimes in marvellous and rapid ways.
Questions
- Why is this an assured judgement?
- Who will bring it about?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that God’s Word is sure and certain.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.