Justin speaks through some of his favoured scripture as he reflects on lessons learned and changes he has weathered throughout his life and career, as well as the effect that they have had in shaping him.

In Isaiah 17, God pronounces judgment on Damascus and Israel. Once proud and flourishing, they will be reduced to ruin because they trusted in idols and foreign alliances instead of the Lord. Yet, even in judgment, there is a glimpse of hope: a remnant will turn back to God, remembering their Maker.

Isaiah 18 speaks to Cush (Ethiopia), portraying a nation of power and influence. Though Cush sends envoys and displays strength, God reminds them that He is the one who directs the course of nations. At the appointed time, all nations will recognize His sovereignty and bring tribute to the Lord in Zion.

Together, these chapters remind us that human strength, wealth, or alliances cannot save—only God can. Judgment is certain for the proud and the self-reliant, but those who return to the Lord will find mercy and life.

Earthly power cannot secure us, but turning back to God does. Nations rise and fall, but the Lord remains sovereign over all.

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Catch the Season 1 of Isaiah Recap video: Recap Video

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Get more information on the series:

https://ruc.org.za/isaiah

Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg

https://ruc.org.za/visit

Catch all the other podcast episodes and find out more about the Raising Parents ministry on their website: https://raisingparents.co.za

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This podcast is brought to you by Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg. Please check out our website: https://ruc.org.za to find more resources for parenting and to find out more about our church!

In the oracle against Moab, Isaiah delivers a prophecy of judgment against Moab. The cities of Moab are pictured in ruins, and its people are filled with grief, weeping, and fleeing for survival. Yet in the midst of judgment, there is a call for Moab to seek refuge in Zion and to show kindness to God’s people. Ultimately, Moab’s pride leads to its downfall, and within three years the nation is humbled and broken.

This passage highlights both God’s justice against sin and His offer of mercy to those who turn to Him. The contrast is clear: pride brings destruction, but those who humble themselves and seek the Lord find hope and security.

Pride leads to ruin, but God offers mercy to those who take refuge in Him. Our safety and future are not in our own strength, but in trusting the Lord’s reign.

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Catch the Season 1 of Isaiah Recap video: Recap Video

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Get more information on the series:

https://ruc.org.za/isaiah

Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg

https://ruc.org.za/visit

Welcome to the Sidebar — a new podcast where we go deeper into Scripture beyond the Sunday sermon. In this episode, hosts Zwai Zulu, Ansune Schoeman, and Richard van Lieshout unpack the poetic taunt in Isaiah 14 and explore a compelling question: Is this passage only about the king of Babylon — or is there a deeper, spiritual reality at play?

We journey from Genesis 10–11 through Isaiah, Daniel, and the New Testament, connecting biblical dots to reveal how the origin of Babylon — founded by Nimrod — is entwined with ancient spiritual rebellion. Could the pride of the Babylonian king mirror the fall of a heavenly being? We examine the Nephilim, the "sons of God," the meaning of Rephaim, and how ancient language points to a cosmic battle behind human tyranny.

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Recommended Resources:

-The Bible Project – “Spiritual Beings” series

https://bibleproject.com/videos/collections/spiritual-beings/

-Word Matters – Episode on Genesis 6

https://wordmatterspod.csbible.com/2016/08/08/episode-19-who-were-the-nephilim

-Expositional Leadership

https://www.crossway.org/books/expositional-leadership-ebook/

-The God Who Is There by D.A. Carson

https://www.amazon.com/God-Who-There-Finding-Place/dp/0801013720

Additional Articles:

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/satan-world-providence-christ

https://wordmatterspod.csbible.com/2016/08/08/episode-19-who-were-the-nephilim/

In this, they talk about 3 possible views on who the Nephilim were in a really helpful way. The two hosts share their own views, which also models charitable discussion when there are different ways of understanding something in Scripture.

https://www.crossway.org/articles/podcast-the-truth-about-satan-and-demons-iain-duguid/

In this they talk about not overestimating or underestimating the impact of the enemy. It's got a couple of useful parts!

https://www.crossway.org/articles/why-we-should-not-fear-satan-and-demons/

Isaiah 14 continues with God’s promise to restore His people and bring judgment on their oppressors. The chapter opens with comfort: the Lord will have compassion on Israel, gather them back, and give them rest from sorrow and fear. In contrast, Babylon—the symbol of pride and arrogance—will be brought low. The once-mighty oppressor is mocked, shown as powerless in death, and humbled before the Lord of hosts. This passage reminds us that no kingdom, leader, or force that exalts itself against God can endure. Human pride ends in downfall, but God’s people find hope and strength in His faithfulness. The proud are brought low, but the Lord gives His people rest and a future. True security is not in earthly power, but in the God who rules over all nations.

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Catch the Season 1 of Isaiah Recap video: Recap Video

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Get more information on the series:

https://ruc.org.za/isaiah

Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg

https://ruc.org.za/visit

In this passage, God delivers a prophecy against Babylon, announcing its coming judgment for pride, cruelty, and idolatry. Through Isaiah, the Lord declares that He will stir up nations to bring Babylon down, leaving it desolate and without mercy for those who oppressed His people. The fall of Babylon is not only a historical event but also a reminder that no earthly power, no matter how mighty, can stand against God’s sovereignty.

For God’s people, this judgment is also a promise of deliverance. Those who were once captives will be set free, returning to their land and finding rest in the Lord’s justice. This reminds us that God sees the suffering of His people, and at the right time, He will act to rescue them and humble the proud.

God’s justice is sure, His power unmatched, and His care for His people unfailing. We can trust Him to bring down the proud and lift up the humble in His perfect timing.

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Catch the Season 1 of Isaiah Recap video: Recap Video

~~~

Get more information on the series:

https://ruc.org.za/isaiah

Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg

https://ruc.org.za/visit

James closes his letter with a powerful call to patience, perseverance, and prayer. He urges believers to wait patiently for the Lord’s return, like a farmer waiting for the harvest. We are reminded of Job’s endurance and God’s compassion, encouraging us to remain steadfast in suffering. James ends with a call to spiritual restoration, urging believers to bring back those who wander from the truth. Saving a soul from death and covering a multitude of sins is a sacred act of love. We are called to be patient in trials, persistent in prayer, and passionate about restoring others. James reminds us that the Christian life is not passive—it’s active faith, grounded in hope and community care.

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Get more information on the series:

https://ruc.org.za/james

Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg

https://ruc.org.za/visit

James challenges believers to abandon arrogant self-confidence and instead submit their plans to God's will. He rebukes those who boast about future business ventures without considering God's sovereignty, reminding us that life is brief—like a mist. We are called to live with humility, ignoring God's will is not just careless—it's sinful. James delivers a warning to the rich who hoard wealth and exploit workers. Their luxury is short-lived, and their injustice cries out to God. James paints a sobering picture of judgment for those who pursue riches at the expense of righteousness. Zwai calls us to live humbly, depend on God for our plans, and use our resources justly. Life is fleeting, and true security is found not in wealth or control, but in faithfulness to God.

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Get more information on the series:

https://ruc.org.za/james

Plan a visit to Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg

https://ruc.org.za/visit

Rarely do we compare ourselves as parents to others and experience joy. In this episode, Zwai and Ansuné are joined by her husband, Alex, and together they unpack the causes and effects of unhealthy comparison. They also turn to God's Word to discuss how we as parents can turn from comparison and find lasting joy in Christ instead.

Catch all the other podcast episodes and find out more about the Raising Parents ministry on their website: https://raisingparents.co.za

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This podcast is brought to you by Rosebank Union Church in Sandton, Johannesburg. Please check out our website: https://ruc.org.za to find more resources for parenting and to find out more about our church!