The Unstoppable Purpose of God

When we think we are in charge we must remember God is ultimately in charge. Even our best plans are only permissible according to the purpose and plan of God. This is the picture we see of Assyria in the time of Isaiah. 

Assyria had crushed the northern kingdom by the time we get to Isaiah 14. She was overconfident and proud and standing on the doorstep to the southern kingdom of Judah. Here's what Isaiah has to say about it. 

Isaiah 14:24–27 (ESV) The LORD of hosts has sworn: “As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand, 25 that I will break the Assyrian in my land, and on my mountains trample him underfoot; and his yoke shall depart from them, and his burden from their shoulder.” 26 This is the purpose that is purposed concerning the whole earth, and this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations. 27 For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?

Now on the surface, the message is clear. Assyria will not take Judah. And history proves Isaiah 14 right. Assyria is beaten by an angel of the Lord in a night and retreats back home to eventually be destroyed by Babylon. 

Here's what was going on geopolitically at this time. The king of Judah made an alliance with Babylon to defend Judah against Assyria. Isaiah 39 illustrates this. So from the naked eye, it seems political diplomacy from Hezekiah accomplished the security of Israel. But Isaiah's prophecy makes no mention of that here in chapter 14. All we see is God's purpose, God's plan, and God's hand at work to make sure no one stops what He plans to do to Assyria. 

How are we to read this? We are to read this with spiritual eyes. There will be international diplomacy and tension throughout all of human history. Right now Russia is fighting Ukraine and the United States seems completely committed to paying for Ukraine's efforts to the bitter end. The world stands and wonders if it will end. And yet, what no one considers is that God is ultimately accomplishing His long-term purpose through it. What we see with our naked eye must be accompanied and informed by our spiritual eye. There is no nation outside of the control and sovereignty of God. 

Here's what else Isaiah repeatedly informs us. No one can stop what God has purposed to do in these international affairs. Oh yes, it looks like the American infrastructure is making things happen. But God is allowing it. For what end? We don't quite know yet. But we will. We can rest secure in the fact that this is always the case and on that fact alone we do not need to fear. Ever. 



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