The book of Isaiah is a wonderful teacher of God. One thing Isaiah teaches us is that God controls history! It is one of the manifestations of His power. For instance, take Isa. 44:28. God speaks about a man named Cyrus. He calls Cyrus His shepherd and will perform what the Lord wants performed. In chapter 45 Cyrus is spoken as God's anointed. Who is this Cyrus? He is the king of Persia! Here's the unique thing about God and demonstrating His control and power. God calls Cyrus by name and speaks about what he will do 150 years before the man was ever born!!
God not only shows through Isaiah His power but God is also shown as righteous in the using of His power. God causes things to work for the betterment of man to bless all mankind. God punishes a nation when that nation gives Him no other alternative. The hearts become removed and the throwing off the things that stand for right, God finally reaches a point where He has to do something in order to bless the whole. God is dealing with a world of sinners, of people who oppress one another and working the counsel of His will among this world is His choice. God would love to bless everyone with all His goodness and kindness but because man makes choices that are in direct conflict with God they make things impossible. The result is the oppressor must be punished that blessings might be obtainable for the oppressed.
Isaiah shows us that while God punishes, He is never vindictive! God does not punish for punishment sake unlike man. God punishes to bring about the best possible result. We have difficulty with that. Not only does God punish in His righteousness but He is not partial. The heathen world around felt the wrath of God as well as a disobedient Israel when she walked in ways that were not God's ways.
Take time and read Isaiah. What a great book. Learn God's holiness and righteousness. Above all know that God is in control so we don't have to fear all the things everyone else seems afraid of. Those faithful take refuge in God!
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