Bible Reading: Numbers 28; Psalm 72; Isaiah 19 & 20; 2 Peter 1
In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD. And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them. And the LORD shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the LORD in that day, and shall do sacrifice and oblation; yea, they shall vow a vow unto the LORD, and perform it. (Isaiah 19:19-21)
According to the 2001 Operation World report, there are less than two percent of Egyptians that are believers in Jesus Christ. Less than thirteen percent would call themselves 'Christians' but the denominational affiliation they have does not believe the Bible. Egypt is estimated to be eighty-seven percent Muslim. Yet, Isaiah prophesied that the day was coming when the Egyptians would cry out to the LORD for a savior! Isaiah tells us that the LORD will be known in Egypt and the people will worship him. The prophecy continues:
In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians. (Isaiah 19:23)
Assyria of Isaiah's time is modern day Iraq. Iraq is estimated to be ninety-seven percent Muslim with less than one percent believing in Jesus Christ. If you look at a map a highway from Egypt to Assyria would have to go through Israel, Jordan and Syria. Can you see what God said about twenty-seven hundred years ago? All these Muslim nations will worship the LORD. They are going to know Jesus!
This should greatly encourage our missionary zeal. We have a promise from God that tells us the Egyptians shall know the LORD. It is hard for us to see how Egypt and Iraq could be so radically converted, but we must realize that the new birth is a miracle! Nothing is impossible with God. However, how does a person come to call upon the name of the LORD?
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:13-17)
Keep on preaching the Word, people will believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved!
In Christ,
Rody
