Two things that I know we need to be cautious about doing are pulling verses out of context and being overconfident in our ability to interpret prophetic statements.

I’ve always been a little suspicious of those who, with great confidence, provide a detailed description of how prophecy will be worked on on the world stage. So, I’m not one to connect any particular prophecy with any particular event.

As we learn in the gospels, inspired writers have applied Old Testament Scripture in ways that were surprising. So, we need care before expressing any certainty about interpretation unless corroborated by New Testament Scripture.

But there are statements in the prophets that seem to have universal application from which we can derive great encouragement.

One such passage I read this morning:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways.” This is the Lord’s declaration. “For as heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return there without saturating the earth and making it germinate and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, so my word that comes from my mouth will not return to me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do.”

Isaiah 55:8–11 (CSB)

In my previous post, I lamented the behavior of those who abuse the sheep rather than care for them. But with this passage, I am reminded that none of this has escaped the notice of Almighty God. And since he is almighty, the behavior of mutton-eating shepherds cannot derail His plan.

God’s word will accomplish what He pleases, despite any effort to keep it from happening. I can’t accidentally derail God’s plan and no one can intentionally derail it either.

This is good news that can encourage us today when so much seems to be going wrong in the world.