Isaiah Chapter 34 - Search the Book

No doubt that after reading through Isaiah chapter 34, someone was about to have a bad day! The Lord lays out his indignation on the nations that have rejected Him, and come against His people. And as Isaiah closes out this writing, he issues a challenge:

“Search from the book of the LORD, and read: Not one of these shall fail; not one shall lack her mate. For My mouth has commanded it, and His Spirit has gathered them. He has cast the lot for them, and His hand has divided it among them with a measuring line. They shall possess it forever; from generation to generation they shall dwell in it.” (Isaiah 34:16-17)

Basically Isaiah is saying “after all of these things come to pass, look up these prophecies and note that they all came to pass." A bold statement to be sure!

See, when Isaiah made his declarations, there were many in Israel that mocked his words. So, Isaiah challenged his doubters to “look it up” once the prophecy was fulfilled.

But this is not the only time that the bible declares that God’s word, once given, will come to pass.

Isaiah 55 declares:

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11)

Ezekiel 12 promises:

"For I am the LORD; I will speak the word that I will speak, and it will be performed.” (Ezekiel 12:25)

Jesus stated in Matthew 5:

"For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” (Matthew 5:18)

In other words, when God says something, we should pay attention to it! But we also want to be careful not to only pay attention to the warnings - God’s word is also full of promises - promises we can count on!

Promises like...

• God's presence -- "I will never leave you" (Heb. 13:5)
• God's protection -- "I am your shield" (Gen. 15:1)
• God's power -- "I will strengthen you" (Isa. 41:10)
• God's provision -- But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus". (Phil 4:19)
• God's purposes -- "I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil" (Jer. 20:11)
• God’s equipping for ministry — Now may the God of peace, ...equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him (Heb 13:20-21)
• God's rest -- "Come to Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28)
• God's goodness -- "No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly" (Psalm 84:11)
• God's faithfulness -- "The Lord will not forsake His people for His great name's sake" (1 Sam. 12:22)
• God's forgiveness -- "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9)
• God's sovereignty -- "All things work together for good to them that love God" (Rom. 8:28)
• Everlasting life -- whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:15)

Want to have a great day? Then start your day off with reading, meditating, and praying the promises of God. 

Pastor Clay