SEPTEMBER 15, Isaiah 17:1, 5-6

Damascus is the capital of Syria. Syria had joined forces with the northern kingdom of Israel against Judah, the southern kingdom. This is a sad case of brother against brother. Isaiah predicted a message of doom for Syria and the northern kingdom – Israel - for all their schemings.

Both Syria and Israel would suffer the same fate and be conquered by the Assyrians. Like the harvestman or farmer reaping ears of corn and leaving only that which he cannot reach, so also will the inhabitants and wealth of Syria and Israel be swept away. Yet, God is merciful and there will be a remnant. This is described in the gathering of grapes and of olives. After the “shaking” and the “beating” of the trees, two or three berries would be left in the top branches. This tells us that God will preserve a remnant for His own glory.

As you look around you today, are you discouraged because there is so much sin and wrong in the world? Are you discouraged because true Christians are so few in number? Do not be dismayed, God always takes care of His own beloved children.

Look at the picture of the farmers shaking the olive trees.

Draw the olives falling, some on the ground, and some into baskets and some remaining on the trees.

Thought: Though no one go with me, still I will follow the Lord.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, let me always follow Thee and Thy people. Help me not to be afraid of being in the minority if that means it is to be right. Help me to dare to be different, for Your sake. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.