The year 2022
Since the beginning of the year 2020, I have looked to God for insight into what that year might hold. If you have been following me since then, you will know in January of 2020, I said it would be a year of testing, shaking, and separating. From the beginning of 2021, I said it would be worse than 2020. Both of these predictions went against what many were saying.
For the year 2020, certain ‘prophets’ were saying it would be the year of 2020 (increased spiritual) insight. For the year 2021, they were claiming victory. Even during the year 2020, when COVID-19 appeared, ‘prophets’ were declaring victory as early as March, to no avail, and no surprise.
As for the year 2022, there seems to have been a shift, where there is more talk now around judgment. Finally, we agree… in part. While most ‘think’ the judgment is aimed at the nations, it actually starts with the church (1 Pet. 4:17), again, for the purpose of testing, shaking, and separating. Now again, and following the trend set from 2020, when considering the year 2022, I ‘saw’ Isaiah, chapter 26, which confirmed that God must judge in order to save (Isa. 26:10).
Through judgment, God humbles the proud (Isa. 26:6-8), where some repent and trust in Him, instead of trusting in governments, world leaders, (and even Christian celebrities and institutions) (Isa. 26:5, 13-14). Through God’s judgment, some would repent, albeit, most will not (Isa. 26:10). Those that do repent still may suffer, for a little while (1 Pet. 5:10), but they will rise again (Isa. 26:19). Others, who are also trusting in God will be hidden away until the judgment has passed (Isa. 26:20-21). Contextually, those hidden away refer to repentant Israel during the great tribulation (Zeph. 2:3, Rev. 12:6, 14).
Yet still, the application also applies to the here and now. What we have seen and experienced to date are ‘birth pains’ (Matt. 24:8) leading into the tribulation, continuing and intensifying until Jesus returns. The ‘big idea’ therefore of Isaiah 26, and so many other similar passages, is to seek God in the midst of judgment. The purpose of judgment is to save, not slay. The purpose of the threat of judgment is the same, to turn people around that God would relent, albeit, Bible prophecy cannot be averted. What has been spoken must take place (Matt. 24:6).
