July 23

Isaiah 35-36
The king of Assyria defies the Lord, telling the people of Judah that there are no gods who are mightier than the king of Assyria.  He dares to compare the one true living God to the gods of the nations.  Yet, he is going to attack Judah at the Lord’s bequest.  He is going to be used by God to fulfill His judgment against His people because of their sin.  We often find it disturbing that the Lord allows ungodly men to rule.  However, we would do well to remember that He is still in control, and that He is often using these men as part of His plan to discipline those who are supposed to be following Him, but have turned away in rebellion.  I personally believe that we see this taking place in America at this time.  As a nation, we have turned from the truth of God’s word, and have embraced popular thought when it comes to immorality and the sanctity of life.  We have forgotten the injunction of Jesus that it would be better that a millstone be hung around the neck than for one to harm a child.   “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”  Matthew 18:10