Read Isaiah 37
Um...how amazing is our reading in Isaiah?!?! The enemy blasphemes God, mocks his people, and marches out to war. But overnight, without either side firing a single arrow, God wins the war. His people who cried out to him for mercy received the victory. And the enemy perished in his wickedness. And 185,000 Assyrians failed to wake up in the morning. It must have been a horrible sight! But for the city of Jerusalem, that was potentially facing a long, painful, horrid siege, it was a sight that brought great rejoicing.
My comment is brief. Today I simply encourage you to meditate on that incredible victory. Now think of the victory of Jesus Christ that is yours. What has he done to the enemy? What power! What might and strength! What will happen on the Last Day? What glory! The spoils, the treasure!
May you rejoice today in the one who was crucified and raised to defeat your enemies: your sin, your death, and the Devil who haunts you. Christ has won the war.
And you didn't even fire a single arrow! Thanks be to God!
Pray:
The Son of God goes forth to war,
A kingly crown to gain;
His blood red banner streams afar:
Who follows in His train?
Who best can drink his cup of woe,
Triumphant over pain,
Who patient bears his cross below,
He follows in His train.
That martyr first, whose eagle eye
Could pierce beyond the grave;
Who saw his Master in the sky,
And called on Him to save.
Like Him, with pardon on His tongue,
In midst of mortal pain,
He prayed for them that did the wrong:
Who follows in His train?
A glorious band, the chosen few
On whom the Spirit came;
Twelve valiant saints, their hope they knew,
And mocked the cross and flame.
They met the tyrant’s brandished steel,
The lion’s gory mane;
They bowed their heads the death to feel:
Who follows in their train?
A noble army, men and boys,
The matron and the maid,
Around the Savior’s throne rejoice,
In robes of light arrayed.
They climbed the steep ascent of Heav’n,
Through peril, toil and pain;
O God, to us may grace be given,
To follow in their train.
(LSB 661, Public Domain)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
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