LifeLink Devotions for Friday, May 2, 2025

Unless the LORD Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah. (Isaiah 1:9)

Today we begin a new devotional study that takes us to one of my favorite books in the Bible – Isaiah. Reading it is like springtime to me. After long prophecies about the impending judgment of God on a sinful society, the book closes with a glorious vision of the Kingdom of God on earth when Jesus reigns on the throne of Jerusalem. The splendor of that vision brings hope and joy to those who study it and believe it.

We will not take a lot of time going verse by verse through the book, but we will point out the highlights and significance of Isaiah’s prophecies and relate the relevance they have to our modern culture. I pray it will be meaningful for you.

Isaiah’s ministry as a prophet of Almighty God began in 740 B.C. and spanned the last five kings of Israel. The tragic fall of Samaria to the Assyrians in 722 B.C. occurred during his ministry.

Isaiah was the son of Amoz, born in Judah, probably in Jerusalem, about 760 B.C. He enjoyed a significant position in his society and had a close relationship with the reigning monarchs. His education is clearly evident in his superb writing that has gained him eminence in Hebrew literature hardly surpassed by any other. He had a thorough grasp of political history and dared to voice unpopular minority views regarding the state and the economy. His knowledge of the religious heritage of Israel and his unique theological contributions inspire awe. He was fully aware of what was transpiring in the court, in the marketplace, in the shallowness of high society, and the political frustrations of the nation.

When Isaiah was about twenty years old he had a vision of God’s glory and holiness and was called by God to be a prophet (Isaiah 6). The things he saw became the basis for how he viewed God and shared God with others. God warned him that his ministry would bring disappointment and meager results, but God also assured him that forgiveness was always available to those who repent. God also told Isaiah that the promises of God would be fulfilled.

So much for the historical background. Now, for today’s spiritual principle. Isaiah begins his book with an honest evaluation of what society was like in his day. It’s also very relevant to our day. But in the middle of this picture of a sin-sick society is an incredible statement of the grace and patience of God.  Isaiah 1:9 says. “Unless the LORD Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah.”

This is so simple, yet so profound and challenging. God’s incredible grace has provided a way for our culture to escape the judgment of its sin. That’s the simple part. The profound and challenging part is this – you and I are responsible for impacting our culture with the grace of God. In the midst of continued corruption and overt oppression stand God’s people as the lights of hope for a sin-sick society. You and I are here because God has chosen to place us here as His witnesses and to provide an escape for people from the coming judgment of sin.

Now the all-important application point – What kind of an impact for Christ are you having on your society?

Pastor John