Today’s passage: Isaiah 10:5-19
Helpful thoughts:
- Assyria had come to think they were pretty special. But, they were a tool/weapon in God’s hand.
- When Assyria considered what power Judah and Israel had to hope in, all they knew of were the false idols they had been worshiping. There was no testimony of the LORD in Israel or Judah (Verses 10-11).
- This prophecy was written about Assyria. But it was written for Judah’s knowledge. It therefore served as a relief, that Assyria would not defeat Jerusalem and Judah. It also served as a rebuke. Judah had turned to the Assyrians for help instead of the Lord, and the Assyrians were nothing more than a tool in God’s hand. Judah should have repented and turned to the Lord in the first place!
Questions to consider:
- What do I tend to hope in when things look bleak? If what I hope in isn’t God, who created and owns that thing?
- Why didn’t the Assyrians know they were going to have to contend with the LORD of the Jews if they proceeded to battle? What are some ways people could see where our strength comes from today? How can a Christian show who fights our “battles” today?
- When God calls Himself the Lord of hosts, He is reminding us that He doesn’t lose…ever. What struggle might you be fighting right now without turning to Him? How can we think about a question like this and not fall into the trap of the prosperity gospel?