Isaiah 19 is a message of warning and promise for the nation of Egypt. Egypt at that time is a strong and oppressive nation against God's people. Throughout the old testament Egypt represented slavery and false worship. God delivered the Hebrews from them both. Now Isaiah prophecies against Egypt, that though they are strong, they will be made weak. Though they are proud, they will be humbled. But it doesn't end in the proclamation of destruction, but from a word of warning a word of promise blossoms. God will strike them, but soon there will be healing and restoration.
Today God gives us a warning, to leave our Egypts: the sins that we are keeping and the gods that we are trusting. God remains to be holy and no sin stands up to him. "Today, when you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts" (Hebrews). We either walk onto destruction or turn back to Him. Hope often rises from the most unexpected places. And springs up even from ashes of destruction and suffering. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1Jn 1:9). Forgiveness, freedom from guilt and holiness are available under the shadow of the cross.
Today God also gives us a promise, anchored upon the Word of God. That when we return to Him, when we seek and obey Him, He will restore and heal us. Even Egypt had a fighting chance for His blessing. He says in Isaiah, "Though our sins are like scarlet, they will be white as snow" (Isaiah). His blessings far trumps what the world has to offer:
- God will rescue you - v20 - "When the people cry out to the Lord for help … he will send them a savior who will rescue them."
- God will reveal Himself to you - v21 - "The Lord will make himself known to [them] … They will make a vow to the Lord and will keep it."
- God will restore what you lost - v22 - "For they will turn to the Lord, and he will listen to their please and heal them."
- God will rebuild your relationships - v23 - "In that day Egypt and Assyria will be connected … and they will both worship God. And Israel will be their ally. The three will be together, and Israel will be a blessing to them."
- God will raise you up - v25 - "For the Lord will say, "Blessed be Egypt, my people …"
There's no better way to start than today. Stop reliving the past and living in the future. Today is what we can do something about.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”