What lessons can we learn from God's "strange work" in Isaiah 28:21? Setting the Scene Isaiah 28 speaks to leaders in Ephraim and Jerusalem who scoff at God’s word. The Lord, patient yet holy, announces that a consuming judgment is coming. Into that context we read: The Verse in Focus “For the LORD will rise up as at Mount Perazim; He will rouse Himself as in the Valley of Gibeon—to do His work, His strange work, and to perform His task, His disturbing task.” (Isaiah 28:21) What Makes the Work “Strange” • This is not “strange” because it is out of character, but because it is unusual for God to bring crushing judgment on His own covenant people. • At Mount Perazim (2 Samuel 5:20) and the Valley of Gibeon (Joshua 10:10-14) He rose up to rescue Israel; now He rises to discipline them. • Judgment is an “alien” task compared to His delight in mercy (Lamentations 3:33). Lessons We Can Learn • Holiness Requires Action – “The LORD is slow to anger but great in power; the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.” (Nahum 1:3) – Grace does not cancel holiness; it postpones judgment to give space to repent (2 Peter 3:9). • Long-Suffering Has Limits – When warning after warning is ignored, God will act swiftly and decisively (Hebrews 10:31). – Presumption on divine patience invites disaster (Galatians 6:7). • Past Victories Guarantee Present Power – The same God who shattered Philistines for David and halted the sun for Joshua now stands against rebel Israel. – His power is never in doubt; how He applies it depends on our response. • Judgment Is Designed to Correct, Not to Destroy – “Whom the Lord loves He disciplines.” (Hebrews 12:6) – Even severe measures aim at restoring hearts to covenant faithfulness. • The Cross Shows the Ultimate “Strange Work” – At Calvary God judged sin—yet rescued sinners—by laying iniquity on His own Son (Isaiah 53:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21). – If He did not spare His Son, we dare not shrug at sin. • Warnings Are Mercy in Disguise – God speaks before He strikes so that people can turn and live (Amos 4:6-12). – Every rebuke is an open door to repentance (1 John 1:9). Responding Today • Humble ourselves at the first whisper of conviction. • Treasure Scripture’s warnings as much as its promises. • Confess known sin quickly, trusting Christ’s finished work. • Pray for leaders and communities to heed God’s voice before “strange work” becomes necessary. • Live in holy awe, grateful that judgment fell on Jesus for all who believe. In a Nutshell God’s “strange work” in Isaiah 28:21 teaches that while judgment is unusual to His heart, it is never contrary to His nature. When mercy is despised, holiness rises. The wise take warning, repent, and find in Christ the refuge that forever turns “strange work” into saving grace. |
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