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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
We continue in these opening verses of Isaiah Chapter 2 – this glorious and wonderful vision which Isiah the prophet received and shared.
As we submit our hearts and minds and brain and life - to God's holy Word - Jesus comes and reveals to us babes - things that the world would love to know about – but they cannot just now, because they will not come and surrender like little children to the Word of the Heavenly Father - even though He invites them and calls them.
Here are the nations coming to God's people - seeking advice and counsel - and returning having received that advice.
It is significant that over these past 50 years or so peoples from all nations have visited this land of Israel in numbers that have never previously been seen. But the purpose here is slightly different - and has a deeper significance.
Where do the nations come to for help and advice and counsel? Not Washington - or New York - or London - or Moscow - but Jerusalem.
At the moment that is the one city which is never even mentioned as a possibility. But God is not going to abandon His intention to use this nation as a light to the Gentiles.
As men receive justice and righteousness from GOD - the result is PEACE.
HE is the GOD of PEACE. GOD will judge. HE will hear the cases of the nations.
HE will settle disputes - and the consequences will be PEACE.
Peace will be one of the consequences of His Judgement.
1 – Nations will stop building up armaments - and begin to use their resources to produce food. Weapons of warfare will be transformed into productive industries. This is the very thing we hear so much about today. But to do this - men need Jesus Christ, the Son of God. God will create in them the desire to go and learn what Jesus has to say. They will listen - and they will be so teachable.
2 –There will be no aggression in the world - so there will be no need for defence.
3 –There will be no military training - nations shall not learn war any more – it is the end of international disputes and international conflict.
How and when will all this happen? Is this just an ideal picture which will never really become the actual scene - wishful thinking - another mirage - a nice illusion or delusion - which will never happen?
Isaiah sees this vision - and Isaiah knows that it is going to happen.
This passage has always been linked with the Coming Again of Jesus - as Isaiah suddenly jumps forward almost 3,000 years - to speak to us - to all who belong to the House of Jacob.
We can paraphrase this verse - "Come, O Church of Jesus Christ - let us walk in the light of the Lord." I John Chapter 1verse 5 . Scripture is such a unity - and God reveals so much to those who are His - so that they can walk in the light - and see what is going on in the world - and know something of what is going on in our world.
In the book of Jeremiah, we read of false prophets saying that things were all right – “Peace, peace - where is no peace.” – and God revealed to Jeremiah how “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name.” Jeremiah 6 verses 13,14 – repeated in 8 verses 10,11 .
It is important as to whom we listen and pay attention.
When Jesus Christ made his will he bequeathed to his disciples, peace – “Peace I leave with you – my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives.”
Fighting, feuding, violence, suffering, bloodshed, warfare – is the experience of millions around the world – but one day the nations will come to Jerusalem – as Isaiah has revealed. “God will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths.”
How can all this possibly happen?
As the animals were led to Noah and entered the Ark – as Jesus was born of Mary in Bethlehem – as Christ, the crucified Saviour, was raised from the dead – so God will fulfil the prophecy proclaimed by Isaiah – and the Prince of Peace will dispense what no one else can give – forgiveness for sin – and peace everlasting.
Be patient – be ready – do not worry.
“Help us loving Father to accept and embrace and receive what You have revealed in Your Word through the prophet Isaiah – and thank You for the revelation we have through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord and coming again King. We praise You and we worship You through the risen and living Jesus, Your Son.” Amen
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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