March 24 - The Cornerstone

March 24 - The Cornerstone - Isaiah 28:1-29

Isaiah's words are awesome, aren't they? A wreath filled with fading flowers ... Ephraim's drunkards (Ephraim was the largest of the ten northern tribes that made up the kingdom of Israel - sometimes Isaiah used that name to refer to the northern kingdom) were so proud of it, but Assyria comes through like a hailstorm and destructive wind (can anyone in Omaha relate to that tonight?) with a downpour and that wreath will be trampled underfoot. (Isaiah 28:1-4)

Then comes a comparison ... but how can it even be called that? In that day the Lord will be a beautiful wreath for the remnant of his people. Instead of fading flowers, subject to the whims of earth-bound armies, He stands as justice and strength. (Isaiah 28:5-6)

The next two verses are a little disgusting and visceral, but he gets his point across. Those that are supposed to be the Lord's hands and voices on earth are drunk to the point of staggering and vomiting. The place is disgusting because they can not raise themselves above their personal desires. They see visions through the veil of drunkenness. These people were advising leaders. They are lost. (Isaiah 28:7-8)

They mock Isaiah in Isaiah 28:9-13, telling him that he speaks to them as if they are children. They use rhymes as children do as they laugh at him and scoff (do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule, a little here, a little there).

Then Isaiah moves to the scoffers in Judah. They were as guilty of sin as those in the north. They made pacts with other countries ... symbolized here by death and the grave ... thinking that would keep them safe. But, rather than trusting in the Lord ... they were trusting in a lie. (Isaiah 28:14-15)

Instead of the lie, they needed to trust in the cornerstone. While this is definitely a reference to the Messiah, in essence, the One in whom we need to place our trust is the Sovereign Lord. His faithfulness will be our foundation - if we simply trust in Him. Isaiah 28:17-20 describes how He can not only redeem the errors that have been made, but how He will protect.

The final verses of this pronouncement are Isaiah's words guaranteeing that if they think that God will not follow through and judge them, they are mistaken. The Lord sees through it all, He recognizes the differences in people's hearts and whatever it takes to deal with His people, He will do.

God's punishment on a sinful world will come, but the promise for today is from 2 Peter 3:9, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

The warning follows immediately "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare." (2 Peter 3:10)

Be prepared.