Read Isaiah 22
Highlights:
Isaiah weeps as God judges unrepentant Jerusalem, which uncaringly eats and drinks, then is destroyed (Is. 22:1-14). Wicked leaders deposed (22:15-25). Judgment and salvation promised (chap. 25). Our only deliverance from sin and its consequences (26:4).
The Author of true peace is none other than our Lord, the God of peace (Rom. 15:33; 16:20; Phil. 4:9). His peace is illustrated as a river (Is. 48:18; 66:12) that swells and rolls onward until it carries sin and sorrow away as far as the east is from the west (they never meet as do north and south) (Ps. 103:12) — to be remembered no more (Heb. 10:17). Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee (Is. 26:3). In every trial the child of God is enabled to rejoice in the Lord, knowing the Lord is at hand (Phil. 4:4-5).
If His perfect peace is to be experienced, we must be born again and trust ourselves in sincere, childlike faith to Christ, the Source of all true peace. The Apostle John said: As many as received Him (Jesus) . . . were born . . . of God (received the spiritual nature of God). . . . Except a man be born again, he cannot . . . enter into the Kingdom of God (John 1:12-13; 3:3-18).
Sometimes, for our best spiritual benefit, God has been pleased to withdraw all evidence of His presence for a season as He did with Job (Job 23:8-9). Many believers experience unnecessary frustration by letting temptations, sorrows, suffering, and disappointments overshadow Christ's presence like the uncertain weather or wind on a dark night. No chastening (trial, discipline) for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous (painful, most unpleasant): nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness (His peace) unto them which are exercised thereby (trained by it to allow their faith to overcome all fears) (Heb. 12:11). Now faith is the substance (assurance) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (11:1). The presence of Christ does not depend on our feelings, which are as changeable as the clouds, but on the unchangeableness of His love.
We will experience His peace when we recognize that no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly (Ps. 84:11). So in the midst of all the conflicts of life, we may have perfect peace (Is. 26:3) when we are in submission to the Lord of peace (II Thess. 3:16). Our circumstances often are not pleasant, but we can be satisfied knowing that in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us (Rom. 8:37).
Thought for Today:
Great peace have they which love Thy Law: and nothing shall offend them (Ps. 119:165).
Christ Portrayed:
By Eliakim, master of Hezekiah's household (Is. 22:20-22); what was said of him is true of Christ who is Master over the household of faith. Christ . . . a Son over His own house; whose house are we (Heb. 3:6; Gal. 6:10).
Word Studies:
22:1 valley of vision Jerusalem; 22:2 stirs shoutings; 23:13 raised up destroyed; 24:7 mourneth laments, sorrows; 24:15 fires dawning light; 24:19 clean dissolved split open; 24:23 ancients elders; 26:7 weigh make straight, lead in the right way.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts • Government Official: Gov. Brian Sandoval (NV) and Rep. Michael Doyle (PA) • Country: Seychelles (79,000) a group of islands in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and India • Major languages: English and French • Religious freedom • 89% Roman Catholic; 8% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to forgive your sins (Ps. 25:11).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
Psalms 34:19