IT IS NOT ABOUT YOUR CAPACITY TO LOVE GOD

(A series in the book of Isaiah: Chapter 28)

Chapter 28 of Isaiah is a prophecy spoken before the fall of Samaria 721, this is the northern kingdom of Israel. In this chapter, this kingdom is poetically called Ephraim. Their priests and leaders were ultimately consumed with wine and beer which takes on with their pride, arrogance, and corruption that would lead the entire nation into apostasy against God. The priests and the whole country will turn to be like drunkards who put themselves intentionally into places of evil. As like the drunkards who are thoughtlessly putting themselves in danger and destruction.

Yet amidst this foretold destruction and fall God puts in Himself in the middle of this prophecy and He declared, Isaiah 28:5-6,

5 In that day the Lord Almighty

will be a glorious crown,

a beautiful wreath

for the remnant of his people.

6 He will be a spirit of justice

to the one who sits in judgment,

a source of strength

to those who turn back the battle at the gate.

In their drunkenness, God is not leaving them as they are but will preserve among them those people who continue to believe and make God their only source of strength. Amid their arrogance of the strength of their worldly allies, God tells them that if they ever change their mind these drunkards may join the group of people who are putting their whole trust in God. God is telling them the plain truth that their pride will surely be trampled down but when the salvation of the Lord will never stop working to send them back to Himself.

Despite this invitation, the people still did not listen and they continued in their drunkenness. They are just like children who do not know what is being taught to them. What a terrible condition God’s people would be in like. Isaiah 28:10,

10 For it is:

Do this, do that,

a rule for this, a rule for that;

a little here, a little there.”

This verse gives us the people’s condition of not ever getting the point and Isaiah was like dealing with children. Trying to let the children understand what danger will happen to them if they follow their own doings. The people continued to lie and made it their foundation and hiding place instead of the Lord.

However, no matter how horrible their situation could be the promise and the love of God’s people will continue to embrace the sinful human race. His promises of deliverance will continue to stand not because of the people’s faithfulness and loyalty but because that HE IS LOVE and this is who HE IS.

In this chapter again God made clear through the prophet Isaiah that the people’s sinfulness will never be shaken and quenched the mercies of God. Verses 16-17,

16 So this is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone,

a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation;

the one who relies on it

will never be stricken with panic.

17 I will make justice the measuring line

and righteousness the plumb line;

hail will sweep away your refuge, the lie,

and water will overflow your hiding place.

This verse made so clear statement of the stone that is tested and will be the sure foundation of those who depend on it. Who is this stone? It is without a doubt CHRIST—the only sure foundation of God’s people. Christ will need to suffer all the tests that a human being could endure to pay all the penalties of His people.

God is telling His people that before you may ask forgiveness the forgiveness has already come and will surely come. God is parading that anyone who will continue to trust in Him will never be dismayed because of Christ. Christ is their strongest foundation. For them, it will ring that win every battle they are fighting, endure every pain they will suffer, and overcome all trials and temptations that beset their souls.

God adds to this that as like the farmer plants and knows how and when to plant so is God’s tender mercies who will guide perfectly those who will put their trust in the One who will be the sure foundation of His people.

Amidst the stubbornness of God’s people, God declares the greatest hope for them all—Christ. He declares the only single way that salvation will come to men. He declares the only true way that deliverance will come—Christ.

In Christ, the judgment of the wicked is based upon HIS love and righteousness. Their judgment is not based on anger. Every act of God for those who stayed with Him and those who rebelled are all based on LOVE.

Friends, God is telling us that amidst confusion and darkness there is this sure foundation—Christ. He will never be moved or shaken by your sins. He will only be moved to more pity and love by your rebellion. In Christ, we have a sure foundation. He will be faithful even we are not.

God loves you not because you are good.God loves you because He chose you and He promised to love you. It is not about your capacity to love Him but about His capacity to LOVE you.