Isaiah 13-23 largely consists of prophecies against the nations surrounding Israel and Judah - what God will do to them after he has used them to fulfill his own purposes. These oracles come after God has promised deliverance and relief for his people by means of his "Righteous Branch" (Isaiah 11). What I find comforting and intriguing about these prophecies is that they were given in a time when Israel was looking weak (and rightfully so, as God was about to punish them for their nagging idolatry) and the nations were looking pretty strong (though they too suffered from the same spiritual disease of idolatry and self-worship). God would not allow injustice to reign forever - he would set things right, through his Chosen One, for the sake of his people. It was only a matter of time.
This side of Christ's advent, we see God's mission unfolding and rushing toward its climactic ending. The enemies of the people of God have already been dealt the death-blow through Jesus' life, cross, and resurrection. Even now, today, we can live knowing that our God has the victory and rejoicing in his salvation (Isaiah 12). With the celebrations of Christmas in the background and the cold days of winter ahead, we have the opportunity to live in light of our God's victory - and such victorious joy empowers us to bear today's crosses.
God's peace to you as you walk with Him in 2011!
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