Broken by sin, redeemed by Grace.. the story of God healing humanity

Isaiah chapter 30

“Woe to the rebellious children,” says the LORD, “Who take counsel, but not of Me, and who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin; Who walk to go down to Egypt, and have not asked My advice.” To strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! Therefore the strength of Pharaoh shall be your shame, and trust in the shadow of Egypt shall be your humiliation.” (vs. 1-3)

Lord, forgive me for acting similar to these men. The Lord was speaking to a nation who wanted nothing to do with Him. They were no longer faithful children who looked to GOD for their direction. Instead they walked in their own wisdom and trusted the strength of Egypt.

When we as Gods children walk in our own ways, we grieve God. God calls them foolish children, they were irritated when the prophets tried to tell them about God. Does that sound familiar today? We want God out of our country. As we see in Isaiah when we ask God to leave, He will. But the outcome will not be good.

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD and in His law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-2).

Israel’s trust was in Egypt. But Egypt was no help, God called their efforts idle (Rahab-Hem-Shebeth). (vs. 7) Who made man? Who established the earth? Created the galaxies? Who gave you your very breath? This is the GOD who you are choosing to battle. How will you ever be victorious against God?

Before God begins speaking to them on what will happen if they choose to trust Egypt instead of Him, God tells them to write down what He is about to say (vs. 8). He is like a father who is making sure they know what they are choosing. They will have in their record, that they did not want God and know that they chose to sin after God had warned them not to. Just as our nation will be able to look back in our history books and see where we voted and passed laws to take God out of our schools, government, and work places.

God starts off by describing the spiritual state of His people: “These people are rebellious lying children who will not hear My Word.” (vs. 9) They are asking people not to tell them what is right, they are asking to be lied to. They do not want to know what I am saying to them. (Verse 10) You ask me to leave your community. (vs. 11)

Then God responds to their sin: Because you hate my word and trust in false Gods (v 13) you will be broken in pieces like a broken piece of pottery that has no use. (vs. 14) Your people will be afraid and flee and your nation will be left like a tree stripped of its branches. (vs. 17)

That is not a promise that I would want God to keep. Your nation will be like a tree stripped of its branches! Why after so much warning do we choose to sin? It grieves God, separates us from God, and removes God’s blessing from our lives. I am so humbled that no matter how many times I sin God takes me back.

When this disobedient nation turns from their sin and cries out to God He hears them. “God is so faithful to hear our cries (vs. 19) redeem us, though he provided us with warning against our sin and we continued in it, He is gracious to buy us back.”

Though sin leaves us broken and useless God pays the highest price to bring us back into a right relationship with Him. He can restore our broken lives and make beauty from our ashes.

“But now oh LORD You are the father; we are the clay, and You our potter. And all we are the work of Your hand. Do not be furious oh LORD, or remember iniquity forever’; indeed, please look- we are Your people.” (Isaiah 64:8-9)

“Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are those who wait for Him.” (vs. 18)

After this nation turns from their sin, they ask the prophets to teach them Gods truths. They no longer want to be lied to. “You will ask your teachers to show you truth (vs. 20-21), you will be shown the right way to walk. You will also turn away from your sin and turn from your idols (vs. 22).

And then the Lord will bless your land and make you fruitful.” (vs. 23-25)

“In the day that the LORD binds up the bruise of HIS people and heals the stroke of their wounds.(vs. 26) “The eyes of those who see will not be dim, and the ears of those who hear will listen. Also the heart of the rash will understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers will be ready to speak plainly. (Isaiah 32:3)

“My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, In secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places,.” (Isaiah 32:18)

xoxo Ashby
Prayer: Thank you gracious father for saving us from our sins. LORD you truly are the only healer who can bind up our bruises and hurt. GOD I pray, LORD that you would give us eyes to see You and ears to hear You. God I pray that we would cling to You, father. Thank you LORD for sending your Son to save us from our sins; and make a way for us to be with YOU. Lord let us live lives that glorify your name. We praise you LORD and remember everything that You have done for us! Forgive us for being distracted by sin or idleness. Amen