Isaiah 31

ScriptureIsaiah 31:4-5⁴ This is what the Lord says to me:“As a lion growls,a great lion over its prey—and though a whole band of shepherdsis called together against it,it is not frightened by their shoutsor disturbed by their clamor—so the Lord Almighty will come downto do battle on Mount Zion and on its heights.⁵ Like birds hovering overhead,the Lord Almighty will shield Jerusalem;he will shield it and deliver it,he will ‘pass over’ it and will rescue it.”Observation - What does it say?God is frustrated with Israel because they looked to the people of Egypt for help against their enemy, Assyria. Rather than looking to God, who has infinite power and strength and commands the armies of angels, they looked to mere mortals who cannot even protect themselves… not very wise.Yet, because of his great love for his people, God himself will defeat Assyria even though they didn’t ask him for help. God himself will protect them from all harm. I love the picture God uses here!In Scripture God is often described as having the strength of a lion. The power and skill of the lion are legendary. And here, the picture Isaiah paints is of a hungry lion zeroed in on his prey, refusing to be distracted by the threats of its victim’s protectors. God’s people are his great prize, his possession. He will defend his prize and not give them up to their surrounding enemies. Isaiah is clear in declaring that God will use these enemies for his purposes, but he will not be frustrated by their schemes.Understanding - What does it mean?Even when they wander from him, God protects and fights for his people.What incredible love and mercy! He doesn’t say, “You want Egypt to protect you? Suit yourself then.” and then let them be destroyed. Even when we are unfaithful, God is still faithful! When we walk away, God leaves the 99 and is on our heels!Israel experienced the amazing love of God as he defeated their enemies, even after they walked away from him! It’s no wonder why it says they would return to the God they abandoned and throw away all their idols!Life ApplicationWorship God for his incredible, unconditional, unceasing, immeasurable love for us his children!God, it’s this love that first brought me to my knees in worship! It’s this kindness that led me to repentance! When I was running from you, broken and surrounded by the enemy, you came like a lion to rescue it’s cub. You scattered my enemies and poured out your forgiveness and love upon me. I worship you for your great love and I choose you back! You’re all I want in this life! After experiencing your love I now echo David's prayer, "there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you." Amen. On the mobile app?  Click here to comment.