February 4, 2011

2-4-11 Friday, 5:59 am Springfield, 17 degrees

There is snow in the forecast for this afternoon, as I plan to drive the short distance to Branson for the funeral of one of our staff member’s father. Yesterday was a fairly normal day at the church, with most of our folks making it in, and our preparation for the weekend looking pretty good. The Springfield public schools will be closed again today, for the fourth day in a row. Wow. (I just checked the School’s Facebook page for closings, and while on Facebook made several comments to friends around the country, including Snooks, Moehrings, Smiths, and Garskas.)

Isaiah 20

Continuing the oracle to Egypt, the prophet describes defeat at the hands of Assyria. The previous chapter closed with a section describing a future day when Egypt would return to worship the God of Israel, as would Assyria. This is a prophecy of the end times, or a time in the future when God takes definitive action in world events (19:16-25).

Chapter 20 reinforces the folly of trusting in Egypt for security. This chapter probably refers to actions around 713 and the defeat of Ashdod, the leading city of a revolt against Assyria. With Assyria crushing this revolt, the Egyptians, “faced with an Assyrian army on their borders, lost all of their bluster about defying Assyria …” (Oswalt, 383).

Today Egypt is in chaos. It is about the 8th day of mass protests in Cairo, demanding the immediate resignation of their president Mubarak. Counter protestors, pro-Mubarak, have violently attacked the peaceful protestors. The country has come to a screeching halt. The Muslim Brotherhood seems poised to fill any vacuum in the power structure. The United States is working behind the scenes for a peaceful transition. The news makes no mention of where God is in all this revolt. The book of Isaiah is clear that God is in charge at all times. I must constantly remember that even though God is not reported on in the media, He reigns over nations, peoples, nature, and is the Lord of my life.

Guide me today as a pastor in Missouri, caring for Your sheep, preaching your Word, seeking Your will, most holy, living Lord.