Transcript

Podcast Introduction

Today is Prophecy Friday. We’ll read Isaiah 23-28. I’m calling today’s episode “Wonderful Counselor.”

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Zdeněk Macháček on Unsplash

Comments on Isaiah 23-28

We read some pretty apocalyptic things today, didn’t we? There is coming a day when God’s judgment will no longer be held back. Since the fall in the Garden, He has seen all of creation groan under the curse of sin, and one day He will say, “Enough!”

I know that it is not popular to talk about or consider that God is a God of judgment. We like to speak of His love and His grace. We emphasize Jesus’ telling us that God is our Abba, “Daddy”. And yes, that is true for those of us who have responded to His invitation to follow Him.

But there are two types of people in the world, isn’t that right? Those who serve God, and those who don’t. Bob Dylan wrote a song several years ago called “Gotta Serve Somebody”. Those who have chosen not to serve God serve…who? Themselves? Money? Power? Fame? A political ideology? Whatever you choose, it is only a manifestation of the liar of liars, satan.

Yes, satan is real. He is as real as real can be. He exists, just as you exist. And we know from scripture that he is roaming the earth, seeking whom he can destroy. He is the reason for man’s rebellion and for the evil that is all around us. 

In today’s reading we found out that there is coming a day when God will no longer allow him free reign. Yes, God will bring down the corrupt and evil nations of the earth, but not before dealing decisively with satan, the enemy of mankind. And of course, mankind is the object of God’s love. 

That will be a glorious day for those who love Him, but a dark day for those who reject Him.

In the middle of chapter 28, verses 16 and 17, we read some beautiful words of encouragement:

And so the Lord says,

16 “I’m laying a firm foundation for the city of Zion.It’s a valuable cornerstone proven to be trustworthy;no one who trusts it will ever be disappointed.17 Justice and fairness will be the measuring lines that help me build.”

After that, there is advice to those who are deserving of judgement, then moves on to talk of God's perfect timing. And the chapter ends with the words: “This wonderful knowledge comes from the Lord All-Powerful, who has such great wisdom.” 

But I like it better in the NASB: “This also comes from the Lord of armies, Who has made His counsel wonderful and His wisdom great.” This phrase "His counsel wonderful" is the same as Isaiah 9:6 "wonderful counselor". 

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 23-28 CEB

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Transcript

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Isaiah 23-28: Wonderful Counselor (LSFAB S13E034)

[TEASER - 0:00]That's enough.

[INTRO S13E034 - 0:09]This is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible coming to you from Riverside, California, and podcasting since 2004, I'm your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily podcast where we'll read through the entire Bible in a year and I'm so glad you're here today. Welcome. Today is Prophecy Friday. We'll read Isaiah 23 through 28. I'm calling the episode, "Wonderful Counselor". But before we read, let's pray.

[OPENING PRAYER - 0:35]Our Father, we love you so much, and we thank you for your Word, and we thank you for revealing yourself to us through the Bible. I pray, God, that you would open our eyes and open our hearts. Help us, Father, to learn what you have for us today. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Okay, let's begin.

[ISAIAH 23 (CEB) - 0:56]Isaiah, chapter 23.

(1) An oracle about Tyre.

Wail, ships of Tarshish,because your port is destroyed!