Advent Devotionals: Day 22

December 20th, 2020
by Campus Bible Church

Isaiah 28:16-22

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. 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. Your covenant with death will be annulled; your agreement with the realm of the dead will not stand. When the overwhelming scourge sweeps by, you will be beaten down by it. As often as it comes it will carry you away; morning after morning, by day and by night, it will sweep through." The understanding of this message will bring sheer terror. The bed is too short to stretch out on, the blanket too narrow to wrap around you. The Lord will rise up as he did at Mount Perazim, he will rouse himself as in the Valley of Gibeon—to do his work, his strange work, and perform his task, his alien task. Now stop your mocking, or your chains will become heavier; the Lord, the Lord Almighty, has told me of the destruction decreed against the whole land.

The context of these verses is the impending judgment on Jerusalem and the foolish political alliance with Egypt (v. 18). The leaders of Jerusalem are ungodly, trusting in their own wisdom, rather than the wisdom and omnipotence of YHWH. Furthermore, God reminds the southern kingdom that He has laid a stone in Zion (v. 16), which is an unmovable foundation, meant to provide rest, security, and hope for God’s people. Sadly, the Jews rejected this foundation in 700 B.C., most rejected the precious Cornerstone as He was nailed to the cross in 33 A.D. and in 2020 A.D. this Rock continues to be precious to those who believe in the Gospel and a Stone of stumbling to those who do not (1 Pet. 2:4-8).

As you reflect on these verses, these questions should be asked: Are you resting on the right foundation? Are you trusting in alliances of people, organizations, and portfolios, rather than the Chief Cornerstone?

Prayer: King of Heaven, help me to cling to Your wisdom and Your powerful right hand. Remind me of the beauty of Your covenant and the glorious pleasure of walking in Your ways. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Prayer Prompt:
· Pray for the in-person morning services to reach far and wide in our community and the online services to reach across the world. May God be glorified through it all and the lost drawn to Him.

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