Monday, March 31, 2008

Creator of the Destroyer

"See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to work havoc. No weapon forged against you will prevail..."
-Isaiah 54:16-17a

I have heard the second part of this section quoted in sermons and religious songs for years, but only tonight, by mere chance, did the first verse strike me. When read together, as above, it is hard to imagine how this should have happened, as the first part seems so integral to the second. The Lamb who was pierced is also the very Creator of the blacksmith who forged the spearhead which was plunged into His side! He states in no uncertain terms that He has "created the destroyer."

The double meaning here is both so subtle and yet it falls like a hammer-blow. The heavenly blacksmith forms His own weapons. Nothing so mean as steel is beaten on His anvil, but he forges flesh and blood, mind and spirit to form "a weapon fit for its work." What a fearful picture is a master blacksmith, fiery-eyed, sinewy shoulders bulging, his hammer ringing as sparks fly, forging the weapons of destruction! How much more fearful is the God who created the stars in this role! Who could stand before His weapons?

And yet we are given hope. Although no human could stand before these destroyers, especially designed to work havoc, the One who made them is also the One who promises "No weapon forged against you will prevail..."

Take comfort when the wars of this world seem overwhelming. When the mind-blowing power of the weapons of earth shakes you, remember that the One who has called you "friend" is the Creator of all.