Isaiah 24

This chapter continues the theme of the earlier chapters.

God has judged Israel and for many the time of joy will be replaced by a time of dismay as everything crumbles around them.

But for a remnant of faithful this time will continue as a time of rejoicing

Those who rejoice will not forget God. They will still look to Him for salvation and will obey His directions.

They may see the destruction around them, but they will still stand firm in God and in the promise of the saviour to come.

This is how the remnant waited for the birth of Jesus. 

Their example to us is to wait faithfully and trustingly. 

For us, Jesus has already come and ascended to heaven. He will come again and we have that promise.

No matter how bleak things look on earth, we have the promise of the heavenly babe when He returns again.

Isaiah 22:13

This Chapter of Isaiah is a departure from the usual picture of Joy. 

In this chapter, we people of Jerusalem are being attacked. Disaster seems imminent. The only way forward is to humble themselves before God and repent. To feel sorrow for the wrongs they have committed.

Repentance is what God is calling for.

Repentance is not what the people do.

They throw a huge party. There is eating and dancing and sounds of joy. But it is  not God’s Joy. It is an illusion.

There is a big party, but the people do not invite God to it.

No one turns to God and asks for help or guidance with the attack on Jerusalem.

Because they do not ask for help from God or repent of their sins, and instead follow hedonistic pursuits of partying. Because the last thing on their minds is God, then God’s judgement is to allow Jerusalem to fall. 

Godly Joy is the result of drawing close to God, hearing and obeying His word. 

Be careful how to you live. 

Be careful who you turn to when things go bad.

God intends us to ask Him for help.

Never forget to seek God’s guidance. 

He is the only one who can save you.

Repent of your unbelief and turn to God for guidance.

Isaiah 16

The stilling of joy.

That is the way joy is mentioned in this chapter.

Moab has been arrogant and prideful and its fall is coming.

Once that comes all joy will be stilled.

But there is a silver lining.

A time will come when God will place a saviour on David’s throne. Someone who will rule and will return Joy to the people.

As we journey through Advent during this year of COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption it has caused and continues to cause.

As many arrogant nations have been brought to their feet by a devastating death toll.

As the world economy struggles to remain healthy.

Let us not forget that joy may have been stilled for many, but we have a hope. The saviour who was born, lived, died and was resurrected. The saviour who sits at God’s right hand.

He is alive.

He is watching over us.

God’s purpose through Him is still on track.

Let us find joy in that wonderful news and let us have a fresh perspective on this wonderful news as we look forward to Jesus return.