Early in history, people came together on the plain of Shinar. In their pride they decided: “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves.” To save them from their own self-centeredness and folly, the Lord confused their languages in order to make their boastful project logistically impossible. If they couldn't talk to one another, they couldn't get the job done (Genesis 11).
Sooner or later, God always strikes down the proud. We know from yesterday's reading that the idols of Babylon wouldn't be able to resist God's decree, and now as further assurance of His care and justice, chapter 47 gives a poetic description of the future fall of Babylon. She who had been a queen among nations would become a slave. How proud were the Babylonians? They believed their empire would last forever. They thought they were invincible and could get away with any kind of wickedness. Worst of all, they said, “I am, and there is none besides me” (47:7-10)—a claim that is true of God alone.
“Listen up, Israel!” Isaiah was saying (48). “Don't be stupid! Why are you trusting idols to save you? Not even Babylon's idols will save them. Give worship where worship is due. God will not allow His glory to be wrongfully given elsewhere.” He continued to recite God's credentials in an attempt to get the people to respond in faith. He urged them to remember His care throughout history! If only they would listen—they could flourish in peace and righteousness. (Today's verse is the original context of the popular chorus, “Peace Like a River”—a warning and exhortation about lost blessings.)
Feeling superior is the wrong response for us. Honestly, are not our hearts close kin with the Israelites' hearts? We need to pray that God will replace our hearts of stone with hearts of flesh (Ezek. 36:26).
posted by I love Jesus! ! ! @ Friday, June 22, 2007
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