Sunday, February 1, 2009

Warnings & the Free Offer of the Gospel- Isaiah 19

“…for they will cry to the LORD because of oppressors,
and He will send them a Savior and a Champion,
and He will deliver them.” (vs 20)


Isaiah 19 presents a message to the Egyptians and overall it is not a pretty one. “The LORD is riding on a swift cloud, and is about to come to Egypt” (vs 1). The idols will tremble and their hearts will melt. Brother will fight against brother. The water of their great river will run dry. Their princes will prove to be fools and they will become a demoralized people. Fear will fill the land and the judgment of God will be on fear's heels!

Here is a dire warning and yet in the midst of this warning there is an offer of mercy. Is that not the gospel way? “Out of the threatening clouds of the prophecy the sun breaks through and it is the Son of Righteousness” (Henry).

There is a warning and there is an opportunity for faith and repentance. “Repenting Egyptians shall find the same favor with God that was found by the repenting Ninevites” (Henry). "If they will cry out to the LORD... He will send them a Savior and a Champion and He will deliver them." The gospel is for the nations. Even the worst of idolators and the cruelest of oppressors will find grace and mercy if they will flee to Christ.

In His glorious grace,

Lori

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