An Unknown God
4/23/26 Bible Thought (Isaiah 16-17)
Main Idea: Judgment is certain for those who reject God.
A Look at the Text:
Today’s text continues the judgment oracles that began back in chapter 13. Chapter 16 picks up with the prophet’s address towards Moab, and chapter 17 finishes with decrees against Damascus (Syria) and Israel, who had allied themselves together against Judah (see 2 Kings 16:5).
Moab had three years left on the clock (Isa. 16:14). Though some came to find refuge, ultimately Moab would be judged for its pride (Isa. 16:6). Their prayers would not prevail, for their idols could not hear them (Isa. 16:12).
Likewise, Israel, who at present had rejected their God, would not be heard (Isa. 17:10-11). When destruction was coming, some would look to their Maker, rather than idols that they had made (Isa. 17:7-8). Yet, when God’s decree of destruction stood against the nation, Israel would fall to Assyria within a few years (2 Kings 17:6).
On the other hand, Judah, though seeing the thunder of nations raging, would be spared in a moment at God’s rebuke (Isa. 17:12-14). At least, for a time.
Bringing it Home:
It can be hard to keep track of cities, nations, and promises in God’s Word. Nevertheless, we can see a clear pattern in these sections of Isaiah. As God had forewarned in His law, if His people would follow Him, things would go well for them. If they abandoned Him, things would go badly.
Seeing Israel (the northern kingdom) listed amongst the nations that stood under God’s judgment is truly a sobering reality. They had abandoned the One who made them in favor of the products of their own hands. When judgment day came for both Moab and Israel, they quickly found that idols offered no help.
Even up until now, many reject God.
They spit in His face. They don’t believe they have any need for Him, or that He has any rightful claim on their lives. Yet there will come a day when they will cry out for deliverance to the very One whom they spent their lives rejecting. On judgment day, idols will be of no avail. The only hope is for mercy at the hands of the true and living God.
That mercy hinges upon our response to Jesus Christ, the One who bore our sin and the righteous wrath of the Father.
Yet, Christ has come not only as Savior, but as Lord. To receive Christ’s forgiveness is to also acknowledge His lordship. You can’t have one without the other. Salvation isn’t merely a “get out of jail for free” card. It is a lifelong and all-consuming allegiance to the One who first loved us.
When the Assyrians came with their hosts, none of the nations in their sights would be spared by calling on a God they didn’t know, who neither knew them. In the same way, some will one day call on a Lord who will reply, “I never knew you” (Matt. 7:23).
Challenge:
Does my life ever put a split between Christ as Savior and Christ as Lord?