What lessons can we learn from God's communication methods in Isaiah 28:11? Setting the Scene Isaiah 28:11: “For with mocking lips and foreign tongues He will speak to this people.” Why God Chose This Unusual Method • Judah’s leaders had ridiculed the clear, simple warnings God had already given (Isaiah 28:9–10). • Their hardness of heart triggered a different form of speech—foreign languages brought by invading armies (Isaiah 28:13; Jeremiah 5:15). • God’s shift underscores His right to communicate however He wills, and His determination that His word be heard even when people refuse the plain language they have already received. Lessons About God’s Communication • He speaks plainly first, then intensifies when ignored – Compare Amos 4:6–11, where escalating judgments are each introduced with “yet you did not return to Me.” • He can use unexpected voices – Foreign invaders (Isaiah 28:11) – A pagan king (Daniel 4:1–3) – A donkey (Numbers 22:28–30) • He will break pride by stripping away familiar comforts – 2 Kings 17:18–20 shows exile as a megaphone to a deaf nation. • He confirms prophecy across Testaments – Paul cites this verse in 1 Corinthians 14:21 to explain the sign-function of tongues at Pentecost (Acts 2:4–11). • He values comprehension, not mere sound – 1 Corinthians 14:9, 19 stresses intelligible words so the church may be edified. • He always keeps the initiative – Isaiah 55:11: “So My word that goes out from My mouth… will accomplish what I please.” Practical Takeaways • Treasure the clear word of God today; ignoring it invites harder lessons tomorrow (Hebrews 2:1–3). • Stay humble and teachable; God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). • Expect Scripture to interpret current events; God still speaks through what He allows (Romans 15:4). • Recognize the gift of tongues and other sign-gifts as gracious reminders that God wants every nation to hear (Acts 1:8). • Test every “new” voice against the written Word; God never contradicts Himself (Galatians 1:8). |
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