READ Isaiah 57–60
A neighbor tells me how much world events trouble her. Me too. Today’s reading in Isaiah puts praise in my heart — God reveals His plans for the future, reassuring me about the atrocities in our daily news.
Currently, the persecution of Christians is rampant, but God reminds me: “The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from calamity; he enters into peace; they rest in their beds who walk in their uprightness.” (Isaiah 57:1–2) He knows, and I must remember, that eternal life is far better than this life!
Then Isaiah speaks to those who mock God’s people. He calls them “children of transgression, the offspring of deceit” and tells them what God says:
Whom did you dread and fear, so that you lied, and did not remember me, did not lay it to heart? Have I not held my peace, even for a long time, and you do not fear me? I will declare your righteousness and your deeds, but they will not profit you. When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you! The wind will carry them all off, a breath will take them away. But he who takes refuge in me shall possess the land and shall inherit my holy mountain. (Isaiah 57:11–13)
Lest that judgment put any self-righteous pride in my heart, the Lord also says: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.” (Isaiah 57:15) While He offers “Peace, peace, to the far and to the near” and promises healing for His people, He also says, “The wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. There is no peace for the wicked.” (Isaiah 57:19–21) That should humble me — apart from God’s grace, I would have no peace either.
The prophet also has words for those who profess faith yet are hypocrites. They fast but God sees they do it to “seek their own pleasure, oppress their workers, and do their own thing on the Sabbath” instead of taking delight in the Lord. As the NT explains, the Sabbath is not just a literal day of rest, but an illustration of ceasing from my own efforts to please God and relying on the complete and finished work of Christ. Because of Jesus . . .
Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. (Isaiah 59:1–2)
This solemn warning is not just for the unsaved. Christians who mock God with outward ‘obedience’ and an inner “I will do it my way” attitude will pray in vain. God does not listen to anyone who pretends to trust Him when they actually are trusting themselves. I cannot point fingers because this sin is easy to fall into. For that and for many other reasons, I’m so thankful to read His promises:
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and exult, because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. (Isaiah 60:1–5)
And get this: “For the coastlands shall hope for me, the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your children from afar, their silver and gold with them, for the name of the Lord your God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because he has made you beautiful . . . . Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, with no one passing through, I will make you majestic forever, a joy from age to age . . . . The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory . . . . your days of mourning shall be ended. Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever . . . the work of my hands, that I might be glorified. The least one shall become a clan, and the smallest one a mighty nation; I am the Lord; in its time I will hasten it.” (Isaiah 60:9; 15; 19–22)
The future is glorious and these promises help me remain faithful during the difficulties of right now!
No comments:
Post a Comment