December 23 | Isaiah 19:16-25

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DAILY READING

Isaiah 19:16-25

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REFLECTION

In That Day

By Pam Mann

“In that day.” Isaiah hits us with this phrase six times in this passage. Each time he tells us what Egypt can expect and, in verses 23-25, what Assyria can expect. So, we ask: what day is “that day”? Then we ask what’s up with Egypt and Assyria at the time when Isaiah prophesies?

The phrase, “in that day,” occurs hundreds of times in the Old Testament. In the prophetic books, like Isaiah, “that day” is the Day of the Lord, meaning the day when the Messiah comes to rule or Judgment Day at the close of the age. Isaiah could be referring to one of the others or both. In any case, “that day” means God is on the move and doing things folks have never seen before. His kingdom is coming in a huge way.

How huge?

So huge that nations like Egypt and Assyria, who are hated enemies of God’s people and big-time idolators, are going to experience massive transformation. Ancient Egypt lays geographically where modern Egypt is today. Ancient Assyria lays in what is now parts of Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran. Today we know these areas as predominantly Muslim, which is a worldview opposed to our biblical worldview. Ponder what Isaiah proclaims as God’s plan for these folks.

The strong nations will shudder with fear and become weaklings. They will speak the language of Canaan and worship the Lord God. They will build an altar to the Lord. They will cry out to the Lord and He will send them a rescuer. They will worship God. And when He sends a plague upon them, He will respond to their cries and heal them.

Some people see the Coptic Church in Egypt as a partial fulfillment. For over two thousand years, there has been a Christian presence in this now predominantly Islamic country. Coptic believers have a tradition of marking their children with a tiny cross tattoo, typically on their right wrist. Even if kidnapped, this child (and all those around) would see a life redeemed by the cross of Christ. For more information, click here.

The prophecy further describes Egypt and Assyria worshipping the Lord together, and then Israel joins these long-time enemies to worship God. What a picture of salvation Isaiah paints for us! God blesses this unlikely union with an astounding pronouncement. He calls Egypt His people (a name formerly reserved for Israel alone). He calls Assyria His handiwork (also a concept previously meant only for Israel). And Israel He calls His inheritance.

God intends for the nations to come to Him. He intends for the nations to know Him and to worship Him. Could it be that God intends for us to be part of this new day? Could it be that God is making a highway from Egypt to Assyria (verse 23) in our day? Could it be that

God is moving in people from Egypt, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey and we get to join God in blessing them and being blessed with them?

Do you want to find possible answers to these Isaiah-inspired questions?

Get to know a Muslim neighbor, for the sake of Isaiah’s vision.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, we are in awe of the magnitude of Your mercy. You have made us your own through Your precious blood. Thank you that You are on the move among us and among all nations. Sink Isaiah’s vision into our hearts and minds that we might join You in Your rescue plan.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

PAM MANN

I first joined UALC when my husband (then my fiancé) and I were college students involved in youth ministry. God has used UALC to nurture our family’s faith, even in our years outside the U.S. I’ve participated in UALC ministries with kids, art, prayer, exercise, ESL, and Bible teaching. I do all the fun church things.