Isaiah chapters 13 to 23 plainly deal with the oracles of the prophet to the Gentile nations around Israel and Judah. These are God's words to the world spoken by the man he chose. We'll be studying them under the title "Lessons from the Nations", looking at each of these ancient near Eastern nations in turn, their spiritual state and what God Almighty has to say to them. Each week we'll consider what spiritual lessons God's word to them has for us, and recover ancient truths about human pride, rebellion against God, judgment and the nature of history itself.
So why should we make time for these lessons? Here are five suggestions:
First, because the God of the Bible is revealed as the God who acts in history. The Bible contains and records God's words (oracles) and His acts (history) for us. There is both a verbal element to hearing His message, and an observational element to behold. Often we miss out on what God wants us to see because we are unacquainted with what God has to say to us through history. What a timely reminder, to know at this time of war and conflict, that God is the God who acts in history. Will you come see the handiwork of God?
Second, because God has a good design for human history. Looking back on the prophesied events of Babylon, the Medes and Persians, Judah and Israel give us perspective about what God says will come to pass, and what eventually comes to pass. Studying them reminds us that God has a purpose for the events that unfold, which also gives us confidence to see that what is happening right now, will not only make sense, but eventually, show themselves to be indispensably part of God's purposes for our world. Will you come discover and marvel at what God is doing in the world, and where it all leads?
Third, because God has a purpose and plan for the nations in human history. It is stunning to think that in Isaiah 13-23, God has different things to say to each of the nations of the day. Each has its own spiritual challenge and situation, each has its own political and historical circumstance. Until we pause to notice that the God who knows all speaks to each in unique and distinct ways, we may not realise that God has something to say to us and our nation in our day. Will we come to know what God's purposes are, and be a part of His will for the nations?
Fourth, because God has lessons for us to learn from history. Indeed, the lessons of history are recorded for us so that we may be encouraged and learn to hope in God. Of all the modes of divine revelation, why does God involve history in the oracles of His prophets? In fact, we read in the prophetic words of Isaiah, what God has to say about what we are to observe, learn and apply about spiritual reality. Will we learn from the Gentile nations, and realise that God's patience with us is meant to lead us to repentance?
Fifth, because God wants you to find your place in human history. It can be alienating and too abstract for us to think of ourselves as part of a "nation" in which our personal identities are subsumed. But friends, the nations are where each one of us lives and moves and has our being. God's Word to the nations is God's Word to each of the people in those nations, and all who share their spiritual condition. Will we personalize God's Word and allow His Spirit to help us find our place in what He has to say in history? They are revealed after all, for us. Will we hear His own voice speaking to us in His words to the nations?
(This series will run from 2 March to 25 May 2022.)