The Furnace of Affliction

One story keeps playing itself over and over throughout the history of God’s relationship with His people: God’s people forget their calling, forsake His ways, and go after other gods. Isaiah 48 is a vivid reminder that our rebellion might lead the Father to put us through the “furnace of affliction,” to refine us for His name’s sake. But the prophet also reminds us that we can never “out sin” the steadfast love of the Lord. The merciful God is determined to redeem His people. (Isaiah 48.9-11) January 30, 2022