Tuesday, December 17 – Isaiah 32, 33
1. What will happen when the Spirit is poured out? (Isaiah 32:15)
2. What is the effect of righteousness? (Isaiah 32:17)
3. Who will dwell on high? (Isaiah 33:15)
4. Who is the Lord to us? (Isaiah 33:22)
Commentary and Reflection:
In chapters 32 and 33, Isaiah redirects attention from the imminent Assyrian attack to the peace that will come with the reign of the Righteous King. These chapters offer rich lessons for us to reflect upon.
First, in a world filled with injustice, deceit, and pain, a Righteous King will come to bring true peace into our lives. Isaiah describes Him as the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), and Jesus says, “My peace I leave with you” (John 14:27). This peace is realized when we accept His righteousness and grace. The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary explains:
“God is love, and all His commandments are “righteousness” (Ps. 119:172). Men who love God with all their heart and their neighbor as themselves are at peace with God and with the world about them. Lasting peace can prevail only where there is a solid foundation of righteousness. Without justice there can be no peace (Isa. 48:22). Men who cling to sin will never find peace, no matter how earnestly they seek it. The greatest need of our troubled world is an understanding of this important, fundamental principle.” (SDABC, Isaiah 32:17)
Perhaps you feel weighed down by burdens, overwhelmed, and without peace today. But in Jesus, you can find the true and lasting peace the world cannot provide. Let us take this moment to give glory to God for the Prince of Peace, who brings hope and solace to our hearts.
Second, Isaiah 32:15 contains a promise that speaks to us today. It assures us that when the Spirit is poured, “the wilderness will become a fruitful field.” The Seventh Day Adventist Bible Commentary says: “These words were partially fulfilled in the great reformation sponsored by Hezekiah, but more completely so at the time of Pentecost (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17; see also Hosea 6:3; Joel 2:23; Zech. 10:1; Rev. 18:1).” SDABC, Isaiah 32:15
Perhaps your life has felt like a desolate wilderness, filled with loneliness, disappointment, or frustrations over your inability to overcome challenges. However, with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, your life can be transformed into a fruitful field brimming with blessings and the fruits of righteousness. Oh Lord, we humbly ask that You send Your Holy Spirit into our lives to bring forth this transformation.
Third, Isaiah reveals God as our Judge, Lawgiver, and Savior (Isaiah 33:22). This description underscores the completeness of His role in our lives—He is everything we need. Just as in Isaiah’s time, you may feel surrounded by adversaries—situations or challenges threatening to overwhelm and destroy you. But take heart, for the Almighty God is on your side. He is our mighty Deliverer and promises to grant us victory over every foe. Thank You, Father, for Your constant protection and unfailing care, even amid adversity.
Let us be encouraged! Our Righteous King is coming soon. It won’t be long before we are in His presence for all eternity, rejoicing in His salvation and basking in His glory.
As you reflect on this, may the words of Isaiah 32:17 and 33:22 resonate deeply in your heart: “The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever” (Isaiah 32:17, NKJV).
“For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King; He will save us” (Isaiah 33:22, NKJV).
May this promise fill your heart with hope and confidence as you move through your day.
Have a blessed and beautiful day.