S) "13 This is the word which the Lord spoke earlier concerning Moab. 14 But now the Lord speaks, saying, 'Within three years, as a hired man would count them, the glory of Moab will be degraded along with all his great population, and his remnant will be very small and impotent.'"
Isaiah 16:13-14 (NASB)
O) Isaiah was prophesying about the destruction of Moab, and this last paragraph seems to have been written later, as a post script, of sorts. Like many prophetic writings, especially the apocalyptic sort, This did not seem to have any clear indication about when it was to happen (i.e., vv.1-12). But, then Isaiah was told that it would happen within three years. Just to clarify things further, Isaiah is told that these years are the same as "a hired man would count them," or in other words, the normal and regular year that any common person would expect a year to be. This was going to happen, literally within three years.
A) There are a few reasons I think this is important. First, I must remember that Old Testament prophecies have all (or at least almost all) already taken place. Second, when reading apocalyptic prophecy, including that of the New Testament, I must be careful about setting any expectation of a timeline. While there are places where it appears a time frame is given, it's still not as clear as Isaiah was - so there is some room to interpret when things will be happening, still. The last thing this brings to mind, is the reason Isaiah was told about this prophecy in the first place. The reason a prophet gives a prophecy is, primarily, so that God will be glorified when the things predicted, come to pass. Whether or not people know when those things will happen, is of secondary importance, at best. So, whether or not any of Revelation is already done, or how much of it, or when the rest of it may come to pass - none of that should be of primary concern to me. When Jesus comes back, there will be no denying His glory. When He comes back, the Bible will be shown as true. When he comes back, I will be ready. My readiness has nothing to do with how much time will pass between now and His return. I am ready for my Savior now, and I will remain at the ready.
P) Father, thank You for warnings. You are great in Your patience and compassion and lovingkindness. You give many warnings. However, I don't want to be preoccupied with warnings about future events, which may or may not even affect me directly. I am much more thankful for the warnings of the Holy Spirit within me, warning me of temptation and sin. Please continue to work righteousness in me. Please continue to discipline me to obedience, good works, faith, and love. Let Your will be done, and be glorified in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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