A VERY LITTLE WHILE -- Monday:
"Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest?" KJV (Isaiah 29:17).
The children of Israel had not conducted themselves honorably before the Lord. Their lips honored Him, but their hearts were far from Him (29:13). As a result, the Lord judged them in a most awesome manner. "For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath He covered" (29:13).
The things of God became unintelligible to the people, and no one could open them to their understanding. "And the entire vision shall be to you like the words of a sealed book, which when they give it to the one who is literate, saying, ‘Please read this,' he will say, ‘I cannot, for it is sealed.' Then the book will be given to the one who is illiterate, saying, ‘Please read this.' And he will say, ‘I cannot read'" (29:11-12). This is an inspired explanation for spiritual obtuseness. Jesus referred to this passage (Matt 11:25), as well as Paul (Rom 11:8).
In an act of Divine judgment, the Lord dried up the wells of human wisdom. No amount of purported scholarship or mental discipline could open the truth to the people. Here are His words. "Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid" (29:14).
Satan will tempt men to believe the Lord cannot, or would not, do this. The devil will suggest that men are wiser than they really are. But there is no human effort that can undue a judgment from God like this.
Having pondered these things, I am convinced we are living in a time when this very thing has happened. That is the reason for the rise of religious charlatans, and the inordinate elevation of human wisdom. Such attempts are described as though men and their understanding were equal to God and His wisdom. Our text says it this way, "You turn things around! Shall the potter be considered as equal with the clay . . . " (v 16).
However, praise the Lord, this is not the end of the matter! The same God who pours out a spirit of deep sleep can enlighten the eyes. The same one who closes the wells of wisdom can open them again! That is the very point of our text. After announcing God would deprive them of wisdom and insight, the Prophet declares it is "a very little while" until the whole matter will be turned around. The field that was once desolate and barren land would become a "fruitful field," and the field would be seen as a mighty and fruitful "forest."
The Spirit elaborates on this remarkable transformation that would be wrought by the hand of the Lord. This is the language of blessing and benefit, of recovery and flourishing. It is New Covenant talk.
The deaf will "hear the words of the book." Out of "gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see" (v 18). The afflicted will "increase their gladness in the Lord," and "poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel" (v 19). Spiritual vitality would leap forth out of what appeared to be impossible circumstances. Joy and gladness would break forth with a spontaneity only God can produce. "The book" would be loved and understood by those who were formerly mystified by it.
The "terrible," or ruthless one, will "come to an end," the "scorner will be finished," and "all who are intent on doing evil will be cut off" (v 20). Opponents of the truth would be reduced to nothing, and they would become impotent in all of their efforts to hinder the truth and those who love it.
Who would not rejoice to see such things? What refreshment would be realized if suddenly the professed church was characterized by spiritual understanding and fruit unto God! What if the mouths of the scorners and opponents were stopped? What if the advocates of moral degradation and pornography could no longer successfully promote their ways? What if the evolutionists and abortionists became unpopular with the masses? What if dead churches were no longer popular, and religious charlatans were no longer received by the people?
Do you think such a thing is impossible? All of this does not require a lot of time. God can bring it to pass in "a very little while." He can turn things around, for He "gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist" (Rom 4:17, NASB). Look about you, and behold the conditions! Do we see a barren field? It can become a fruitful field? Do we see a scarcity of fruit trees? They can become a fruitful forest! Do you see those who are deaf, who cannot "hear the words of the book?" They can suddenly be caused to hear! Are there mournful sounds of discouragement in your hears? They can be turned into songs of joy.
Based upon Isaiah's prophecy, the saints of God have every reason to be joyfully optimistic about the possibilities!
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for opening the door of hope in the valley of Achor!