King of Kings
4/22/26 Bible Thought (Isaiah 14-15)
Main Idea: God is sovereign over the nations and His purposes are irrevocable.
A Look at the Text:
Yesterday, in chapter 13, we saw a message of judgment coming upon Babylon. That chapter marked a transition in Isaiah’s prophecy. Now, many nations will be addressed for their sins, and especially their sin of pride.
Today’s text continues God’s decree against Babylon. With future hope for Judah came future desolation for Babylon. A day was coming when the scepter of kings would be broken by the King (see Isa. 14:5-6). Though Babylon was mighty in the present, its pride would be cut down. The same would be true for Assyria, Philistia, and Moab as well.
For the Lord of Hosts, the God of angel-armies was ruling over His creation. His plans and purposes would stand (Isa. 14:24), and they could not be annulled (Isa. 14:27).
Bringing it Home:
To know that every earthly ruler is subjected to the One who has made all things should greatly encourage us. While there are many earthly kings down here that seem to do as they please, we cannot lose sight of the fact that the true Sovereign will actually do as He pleases.
The Lord revealed so clearly through Isaiah that God’s hand “is stretched out over all the nations” (Isa. 14:26b). There is only one King whose authority is undeniable. There is but one Ruler whose decrees are always carried out.
Earthly kings might make their plans, but ultimately God’s purposes cannot be annulled. So we can trust that when things seem to be falling apart, they are merely falling into place.
This is the purpose that is purposed concerning the whole earth, and this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations. For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back? (Isa. 14:26-27).
In the midst of a fallen world that is fraught with war, this comforts the heart. We see rulers rise and fall, kingdoms rise and fall, and it can be unsettling. This is especially true in today’s day and age, with the capabilities of nuclear warfare and other technological advancements that make destruction that much easier.
Yet above them all there is but One whose will is ultimately done. The kings of the earth might rebel against His reign and the reign of His anointed, and He will simply laugh at how futile their efforts are (see Ps. 2:4).
Perhaps then, we ought to find it laughable too, that any human leader would think they stand a chance against the purpose of God, no matter how mighty they seem to be in our eyes.
Challenge:
Do I trust, by faith, that there is only one King whose will is irrevocably done?
Grateful He is the one who is in control of all things!