Isaiah 1:20-2

In 1800’s this location w/ couple springs an oasis Old Spanish Trail (Santa Fe-LA) allowed cut across desert. 1829 word began leak and people began trickle…Now 2 springs and 3 tufts grass destination 37 mill visitors yearly who spend $33.7 billion making >populous American city founded 20th century and brightest city on planet from space. From cities own website, 1st easy residency, then easy divorce, finally legalize gambling and prostitution, now? Most attractive man-made thing country. Country folk despise cities, but God loves cities > any other location. Why? Because May 23, 2007, 1^st time human history >urban than rural (Happened earlier in U.S. [early 1910’s]) Today U.S. 79% city dwellers. And guess what happens when gather people in one location? Ecc 1:9, read Gen 11.

Vs. 26 Refinement brings strength…Sin like alloy (pot aluminum in my steering column). When begin mix small amounts sin in lives, actually cheapen life. God won’t idly stand by why we destroy ourselves. He’ll refine us so that return to the purpose created (Rom 8:29). Hosea’s ministry same time…commanded marry prostitute. “Now! My wife!” After married returned work. Told Hosea, “Exactly what My bride doing.” After utterly destroyed life and sold as slave, repurchases and restores! Hosea 3 says Israel after many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar…Restoration Jerus partly fulfilled at Ezra/Neh. Real completion when becomes city of righteousness at return.

2:2 According Zec 14:16-18 Israel be place of rule on earth. Not only foremost country but capital world and righteousness shall reign, but not due policy or politics but a Person.

2:4 Carefully observe strict sequence events. Elimination war will not/cannot come before nations learn submission LORD. We long for day when need no military. But until that day living in Joel’s prophecy (the “Day of man” if you will). Joel 3:9-10 A World arms race >ever before. ~$1.5 trillion last year (up 45% last decade), entire world pop only increased 15%. China, and Russia almost tripled military spending last decade. China #2 world spending 2008….Soon coming war be more devastating any previous…one where Zech 14:12-13, 15 Men yearn for peace…President Woodrow Wilson wept when declared war 1917, worked feverishly develop League of Nations (forerunner U.N.) hoping never repeat. As much UN and men want world peace, it will evade them until JC return. And only occurs then because He will “Rule” the earth. Rv 2:27, Ps 2:9 >1k years apart, both foretelling “latter days”. He shall judge all nations and there never be another draft where young men and women march to death.

2:5 According God, one purpose prophecy to motivate. Revealed how bad are, shown coming future, so why wait? 2 Pt 3:10-14 One factor in determining value of object is its longevity. Homes >expense than cars? Why spend so much time on our “disposable” life and so little on our permanent one? O…walk in the light! The ultimate reign JC is soon coming, but don’t have to wait for “enforced” righteousness. Lk 17:21 For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you. Oh, don’t wait. Walk in the light now!

2:6a Probably refer influences Assyria/Babylon. During lifetime, Ahaz visited and sent sketch back for "new and improved" Eastern altar (2Kg 16). NIV – "full of superstitions from E" Directly applies us. Everywhere “In God we trust”, yet running headlong after TM, Hinduism, Buddhism. Religions where drink urine and think a fly might be uncle. Buddhism now has 1.5 million Americans (4^th largest religion), up 170% in 10 years. And leading U.S. Buddhist leader says "We are all Buddhas. One doesn't have to subscribe to a catechism or creed, or be a vegetarian. Nor do people have to give up their religion. That's why some Americans speak of being Jewish Buddhists, for instance.” In fact, Dalai Lama encourages people stay with faith of their culture. Then have American Hindu chaplain leads prayers and sprinkles holy water from India in U.S. Senate, California Senate and Nevada legislature? Now 800+ Hindu temples in U.S. Can’t we look at history and ask if Ps 33:12 is true? Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.

Vs. 7 God not against wealth, but notice that even true heartfelt believers, look a lot better spiritually during times of adversity rather than prosperity. Adversity causes to lean on Lord, to think about spiritual things, to turn to word of God, prayer. Prosperity? Forgetfulness. Somehow begin feel independent. God thoroughly warns about this in Dt 8:11-14. Jesus warns in Mt 13:22 & 19:23. When nation as prosperous as we, danger. When city as prosperous as Las Vegas…when church as prosperous as Lakewood Church, TX…When preacher as prosperous as Kenneth Copeland (richest U.S.)…Danger! Rotary magazine story: Bounty $5K each wolf captured alive. Turning Sam and Jed into fortune hunters. Day and night scoured Mts and forests looking for valuable prey. Exhausted one night, fell asleep dreaming their potential fortune. Suddenly, Sam awoke to see were surrounded by 50 wolves with flaming eyes and bared teeth. He nudged his friend and shouted, "Jed, wake up! We're rich!"

2:9 About receive 1^st of 30 warnings in Bible about “Day of Lord”. Synonymous " day of LORD's righteous judgment and wrath against wickedness”. Great detail in Rev as well as Isa.

2:19 According Rv 6:14-17 and Hb 12:26 and Hag 2:6 immeasurable earthquake. This can strike fear, but remember, Pr 18:5 and 2 Pt 2:9. In Rev 3:10 a promise to faithful church of Philadelphia. Rv 3:10

2:22 “The safest way to avoid harm to oneself is to REACH, THROW, and only GO with training and equipment otherwise they may harm you as well. The most important thing to remember is not to become a victim yourself.” Refer drowning. In same way, “Sever” may seem harsh. But God very clear, 1 Jn 2:15 Paul also clear as a bell, 2 Cor 6:11-18 The proud man may think he is strong, invincible, but you know differently. As continue reading prophetic book, read it in light of front page. As things get worse, we can see stage being set for final act on earth. We know the coming events, the major players, the background and setting. Don’t become discouraged just because see props arriving, “Look up” Lk 21:28 Sever from world and prepare self for Lord. He is coming and will alone be exalted.