Getting What You Asked For

In Isaiah 21, God gives Isaiah a prophecy of Babylon's fall.

Babylon was Israel's enemy, and this would seem to come as good news. Babylon will be dealt with by the Medes. Specifically Darius. (Check out Daniel 5)

But it's interesting, in the middle of the prophecy, we see verse 4.

"My heart staggers; horror has appalled me; the twilight I longed for has been turned into trembling."

In the middle of Isaiah's prophecy, Isaiah realizes what this will mean for Babylon. They're going to be wiped out. A lot of people will die not knowing God.

Isaiah had looked forward to God's judgement against wicked Babylon, but when he saw what that actually meant for them, it turned into horror. He realized that God's judgement would be horrible, and he didn't want anyone to face this.

He was finally getting what he wanted, and he realized that it wasn't what he wanted at all.

So what do we get out of this? As Christians, we are called to love our enemies. We are called by God to bring His message of grace and truth to everyone. Even if we think that they don't deserve it. Because, Guess what?

You don't deserve God's grace either. That's the point! 

An easy way to think of grace is

God's
Riches
At
Christ's
Expense

Grace is getting what Jesus deserved, because He took what we deserved. That's amazing! So we should share this message with everyone, because just like them, we didn't deserve it. But someone loved you enough to share God's truth with you, and it changed your life. Most of us probably remember who that person was. For me, it was my mom when I was 4 years old. She's awesome!

As Christians, it's our God given duty to love others. How can we not do everything in our power to keep them from going to Hell? We should make it as difficult as possible for them to stay away from God. We should be praying for them every day. Giving every opportunity to show His love, and to share His truth. Because, you might be that person for someone else.

"You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in Heaven..."
-Matthew 5:43-45a

Jesus told us that loving our enemies is following God's example, because He loved us when we were His enemies. So now it's your turn.