A Lilly in a Swamp Pond - Isaiah 18-22

Contrast is noticeable. Artist and muscians and writers all know the power and beauty of a sharp contrast. White on Black or vice versa draws attention to both and to niether at the same time. Sunset at night draws attention to the darkness to come and the light that is leaving ... but you don't notice one over the other, they are both the same. In this passage of reading today we see the wonder of contrast in Isaiah's writing. God takes the prophets pen and begins to display the horror and the wrath about to be poured out on the surrounding nations. In chapter 19 we begin to read the disciple God will distribute to Egypt ... a land Israel was saved from but often wanted to return to. Yet, in the midst of these words of destruction God delivers the contrasting message of salvation. In 19:23-25 we read that God will provide salvation to Egypt and Assyria. Along with Israel this unlikely trinity will worship together and be saved by the same Savior; Israel's Messiah - Jesus Christ. Here in the midst of gloom and doom and certain judgment we see Grace. Like a lilly pad in a swamp we see the mercy and grace of God in marvelous contrast to the deserved punishment for mankind. God is the master of contrast. His perfect wrath stands in complete contrast to His all encompassing grace and love. An antinomy of wonder we stand and worship the God who can justly punish the Egyptians and yet, through His grace, provide them with salvation. None of us deserves His grace - but what a joy to see it and to have it poured out upon you!!!