Read Isaiah 19—23
In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria,
a blessing on the earth.
Isaiah 19:24
Chapters 13 through 23 of Isaiah teach us some important lessons.
First, God is in control of the nations of the world. Second, God
especially hates the sin of pride (Isa. 13:11; 16:6; 23:9; see also Prov.
8:13). When nations turn from the living God to trust their wealth
and their armaments, God must show them that He is the only sure
refuge. Third, God judges the nations for the way they treat each
other. Judah was the only nation mentioned that had God’s law, yet
God held the Gentile nations accountable for what they did. Finally,
God always gives a word of promise and hope to His people. Babylon
will fall, but God will care for Judah (Isa. 14:1–3, 32). Assyria and
Egypt may be avowed enemies of Judah, but one day the three nations
will together glorify God (19:23–25).
Therefore, no matter how frightening the national or international situation may become, God’s children can have peace because
they know that almighty God is on His throne. The nations may rage
and plot against God, but when the Lord of heaven and earth is our
Father, and we gladly wear Christ’s yoke, we have nothing to fear.
Something to Ponder
What difference does it make in your personal life to believe that
“God is in control of the nations of the world”?