Full Confidence in Jehovah

Isaiah now says:  In that day earthling man will look up to his Maker, and his own eyes will gaze at the Holy One  of Israel himself.  And he will not look to the altars, the work of his hands; and at what his fingers have made he will not gaze, either at the sacred poles or at the incense stands."  (Isaiah 17:7, 8)   Yes, some in Israel heed Jehovah's warning pronouncement.  For example, when Hezekiah sends an invitation to the inhabitants of Israel to join Judah in a celebration of the Passover, some Israelites  respond and travel south to their brothers in pure worship.  (2 Chronicles 30:1-12)  Still, most of Israel's inhabitants  mock the messengers bearing the invitation.  The country is incurably apostate.  Hence, Jehovah's counsel against her is fulfilled.  Assyria destroys Israel's cities, the land becomes waste, the pastures unproductive. - Read Isaiah 17:9-11.

What of today?  Israel was an apostate nation.  Hence, the way Hezekiah tried to help individuals in that nation to return to true worship reminds us of how true Christians today try to help individuals in the apostate organization of Christendom.  Since 1919, couriers from "the Israel of God" have gone through Christendom, inviting people to share in pure worship.  (Galatians 6:16)  Most have refused.  Many have mocked the messengers.  Some, though, have responded.  They now number into the millions, and they delight in 'gazing at the Holy One of Israel,' being educated by him.  (Isaiah 54:13)  They abandon worship at the unholy altars-devotion to and trust in man-made gods-and eagerly turn to Jehovah.  (Psalm 146:3, 4)  Like Isaiah's contemporary Micah, each one of them says:  "As for me, it is for Jehovah that I shall keep on the lookout.  I will show a waiting  attitude for the God of my salvation.  My God will hear me."-Micah 7:7.

What a contrast to those who put their trust in mortal man! Turbulent waves of violence and upheaval buffet humanity in these last days.  "The sea" of restless, rebellious humanity churns up discontent and revolution.  (Isaiah 57:20; Revelations 8:8, 9; 13:9)  Jehovah will "rebuke" this noisy crowd.  His heavenly Kingdom will destroy every trouble-making organization and individual, and these will "flee far away . . .like a thistle whirl before a storm wind." -Isaiah 17:12, 13;  Revelation 16:14, 16.

The result?  Isaiah says:  "At evening time, why, look!  there is sudden terror.  Before morning-it is no more.  This is the share of those pillaging us, and the lot belonging to those plundering us." (Isaiah 17:14)   Many are plundering Jehovah's people, treating them harshly and disrespectfully.  Because they are not-and do not wish to be -a part of the world's mainstream religions, true Christian are viewed as easy prey by biased critics and fanatic opponents.  But God's people are confident that the "morning" when their tribulations will end is fast approaching. -2 Thessalonians 1:6-9; 1 Peter 5:6-11.

Next time: Ethiopia Brings a Gift to Jehovah

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, 2000