An Encouraging Word from Isaiah About Our Future

Isaiah has words of encouragement as we await the LORD's return and navigate these difficult times during which the forces of evil are growing in power.

Isaiah 64:4 "For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him."

Most often I have heard this verse used in reference to what is in store for us in heaven, and I am sure that is a valid statement.  In context, however, the prophet is speaking of the conditions on planet earth that will accompany the return of the Messiah as King.

Paul quotes this verse in 1Corinthians.

1Corinthians 2:9 "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."

An excerpt from that journal might be appropriate here.

Notice that as Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah, he changes the word “waiteth” to “love.”  That tells me that the two are interconnected since the same Holy Spirit breathed the words to both men.  Love involves waiting and endurance.  The root word for waiteth includes the idea of carving and entrenchment.  That seems to be referencing a strong commitment, fortifying oneself to stay the course no matter what.  This ties in with the truth of love presented in 1Corinthians 13:4—Charity suffereth long….  The words charity and love are the same in the Greek—agape/agapao.  It takes unconditional love, a love of choice, to patiently endure even when the going gets really tough and we don’t understand why God is allowing certain things to happen in our life.

The Hebrew for heard states “to hear intelligently, understand.”  “Perceived by the ear” is a reference only to listening.  Every teacher knows that a student can hear without understanding.  The point seems to be that only God knows what He has prepared for those that wait on Him.  Everything that God does is good; every provision He makes is abundant.  Those who choose to be faithful and wait on the LORD, even when circumstances are difficult and hard to endure, will be blessed beyond imagination.

Some thoughts on Proverbs 28:2 & 4

Proverbs 28:2 ¶ For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

I liked the NLT: “When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But with wise and knowledgeable leaders, there is stability.”

The people of our country (America) should take this truth to heart.  I think there have always been men of both good and bad character in government leadership in our country.  The difference today being that those of bad character seem to greatly outnumber the good and are stepping forth more boldly in declaration of their wicked agendas, doing all they can to destroy the moral fiber of our society.  The inevitable conclusion will be the destruction of America.  Only if the American people wake up and recognize that truth and actively work to turn our nation back to the principles upon which it was founded that were rooted in the word of God, do we have a hope for the future.  Our only hope is in strong, godly leadership.  Sadly, I believe we have passed the point of turning back.  My hope is in the return of Jesus to take His children home and eventually usher in His earthly kingdom.

Proverbs 28:4 ¶ They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

The Hebrew for the word “law” is a reference to God’s law.  Those who reject God’s law praise the wicked, while those that choose to obey the law oppose the wicked.  

Again, this is blatantly on display in America today.  Those that reject God and His word are blatantly passing laws and instituting practices that are in direct disobedience to God’s word.  As they do so, the masses cheer them on.  They are so blinded by the god of this world that they cannot reason properly.  

2 Corinthians 4:3–4 “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

Those of us that seek to honor the LORD and obey the laws and principles set forth in His word are fighting back—but I think complacency and apathy have been allowed to reign for far too long.  It will take a great revival in our country to change course to honor the biblical foundation upon which this country was established.

Scripture is very clear that when it comes to a choice—Acts 5:29 “We ought to obey God rather than men.”