When they cry out to the Lord because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them. (Isaiah 19:20)These are not unfamiliar words in the Old Testament. Anyone who's been reading along recognizes the well worn theme of Israel's rebellion and restoration. In Deuteronomy 30 we read: When all these blessings and curses . . . come upon you and . . . you return to the Lord your God . . . then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you (vv. 1-3).
In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God's word to Solomon is recorded: If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
So these words of mercy for a people gone astray should not be surprising to us. What might catch us off guard, though, is that these words were not spoken over Israel; they were not spoken over Judah; they are God's promises to Egypt, and a reminder to us that even though God is our God, we do not have exclusive rights to him. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you (Genesis 12:3).
How do you feel when God sheds his grace on those outside your circle?
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