Isaiah 19:19-20

Isaiah 19:19-20 (ESV): “19 In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord at its border. 20 It will be a sign and a witness to the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry to the Lord because of oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and deliver them.”

God will be worshiped throughout the earth one day. In the Millennium, altars will be erected and sacrifices will be offered—not for atonement, but as memorials of the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross. The rise and fall of nations are all part of God’s sovereign plan to position the world for that glorious day.

In chapters 16–21, Isaiah prophesies concerning the rise and fall of Moab, Damascus, Cush, Egypt, and even the mighty Babylonians. God is orchestrating the movement of peoples and powers to declare that there is only one true King—and His name is Jesus. At His first coming, He conquered sin and death. At His Second Coming, He will take His rightful throne on the earth. In the Millennial Kingdom, altars and sacrifices will serve as reminders to the nations of His redemptive work.

Who is sitting on the throne of your heart? You can tell by examining your altar and the sacrifices made upon it. If anyone other than Jesus occupies that place, expect a dethroning. He is not only our Creator but also our King. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Save yourself the trouble—willingly put Jesus on the throne of your heart. It’s His rightful place.

Father, we thank You that You have made Your plans known to us—that we do not need to fear wars and rumors of wars. They are but precursors to the coming King. Help us to keep King Jesus ruling and reigning in our hearts, that You might receive the glory You so rightly deserve. We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.