THE BELIEVER'S SECURITY

Isaiah was truly a Messianic prophet whose long life spanned the reign of four kings, and possibly five. Tradition has it that he lived until the year of the wicked king Manasseh and that he was martyred. The reference of "sawn asunder" in Heb 11:37 possibly refers to his death.

In chapter 33 of Isaiah's prophecy he declares God's judgment on the "spoiler" Assyria. He celebrates the great deliverance when Sennacherib's army was destroyed and the siege of Jerusalem was lifted.

In verse 14, he makes a statement about the hypocrites in Zion and then asks these penetrating questions: "Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?" At first glance, it might seem that the prophet is thinking of eternal punishment. However, the context reveals the opposite. Consider this statement in Deut. 4:24; "For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire." This is repeated in Heb 12:29. And we are reminded of Psalm 24: 3-4: "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?" Then he answers his own question: "He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart." Compare this with Isa. 33:15 and following.

THE DWELLER IN THE HEIGHTS

In verse 16 and 17, we have an outline of the true believer's safe dwelling place.

I His Position or Dwelling Place

Literally, "He shall inhabit heights, that is, He shall have the perpetual
presence of God."

The Christian takes the high ground.

The air is purer, above fog and smog and doubts.

It is a healthier place.

The vision is clearer.

Isa. 35 gives a good outline: It is a high way; a holy way; a healthful
(positive) way; a happy way; a homeward way.

II His Protection or his Defense

Literally, "strongholds of rock shall be his refuge"

See Ps. 18:2 "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress."
A fortress suggests the safety of a well protedted place.

Spiritually, higher our dwelling place, the closer we are to God.

Holiness is "the high calling of God."

III His Provision or His Diet

Bread and water. While this may not sound like abundance,
it represents the basic necessities.

And they are sure. The Hebrew word means certain, dependable.
It is God's guarantee!

IV His Prospect or His Delight

He shall see the King in his beauty.

This is the Messianic King, the Lord Jesus.

This is not the picture of Messiah that we see in Isa 53,

Not Christ upon the cross, but the King of Kings,
universal and eternal, Savior and Sovereign.

The land afar off or "the land of far distances."

Not merely east, west, north and south, as far as eye can see,
but into the eternal kingdom where Christ is Lord of all!


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