Privilege, Responsibility, Opportunity?

July 25, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

1 Thessalonians 5:17

“It’s a mess!” How often do we hear those words? Mom’s in the kitchen where the cake fell flat. War has decimated a population! Babies are dying of starvation. The environment is deteriorating. A marriage is on the rocks. Large or small, problems are a very real part of life. Who do you lean on when you are frustrated, anxious, depressed? That is a question often asked. What is the answer?

As believers, there is one great answer….we have the privilege of talking with the Almighty God, about anything. He invites us to bring our problems, great or small to Him. Why should He care so much about you and me? Perhaps it is because we fit into the bigger picture, each person, each piece an important part of the puzzle. No puzzle can be complete with one piece missing; missing just one small piece, the picture will be a mess.

There is a short verse in the Bible that brings privilege and responsibility together. “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). That means more than just keeping in touch. As we walk through each day we converse with Almighty God about the things we see and hear. Of course we worship Him for the beauty of His creation, but what about the messy side of life? How do we pray about wars and famine and flood? Certainly watching these tragedies around our world gives us opportunity to talk with our heavenly Father.

If we see a precious family member making a mess of their lives, we pour out our hearts, don’t we? But how about the human “family” – the people for whom Christ died, who don’t know about Him? Do we care enough to pray? Do we believe that God will hear and answer our prayers? Can our prayers change the world? We have Biblical examples which assure us of the power of prayer. Esther, for one, fasted and prayed for her people, who by law had been condemned to death. God answered her prayer. Read the book of Esther.

I wonder if we pray in too general terms? What if we were more specific, enough to pray for individuals. For example, I know about a man named Samson who lives far away, someone I will never meet, but living in a Muslim country, he probably needs Jesus in his life. Why does the Holy spirit prompt me to pray for Samson, among all the other Muslims in his town? I can’t answer that question, but when we are prompted to pray, we must – it is a compelling force, a privilege, and responsibility, in answer to the opportunity.

How often we are so caught up in our pain and need, that we forget the bigger picture and the privilege God has given to us to specifically bring people in our world to Him, in prayer. If our prayers are conversational, as continual prayer must be, it may make a change in both the way we pray and the things we see happening around us. What delight there is in talking with ones we love! We ask their opinion because we want to understand them. How often do we rush into the presence of God, breathlessly pouring out a request focused on our perceived need, without wondering what God’s thoughts and purposes are. Is our prayer a conversation or a demand?

Reflection:

Prayer gives us the opportunity to hear from our loving heavenly Father. Are we taking advantage of our privilege? Do we drown His voice with the tears we shed over our own desires? Do we miss the delight of hearing His voice and the joy, when He choses to overwhelm someone we have prayed for, with His love? I have learned so much by asking God to help me understand His will. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways”, declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thought than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). Let us pray without ceasing, so that we may know the heart of our God!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

God’s Glory

July 17, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 104:1-4

As I write, we are still watching the glory of man in the coronation festivities of Britain’s King Charles III. What a spectacular celebration, golden coach and all! Yet there he was, dedicating himself to God as a servant of all. That was his mother’s prerogative too. Suddenly I was gripped with the urge to see what scripture tells us about the glory of God! From beginning to end we find references to God’s glory, by which comparison, man’s is very pale. Therefore, this devotional is going to be a real Bible Study.

In the beginning…Genesis tells us that in the creation process there was light long before our sun was created. The first thing God commanded was Light. Where did it come from? It was the light of God’s glory, also revealed in heaven where there is no need of sun or moon (Revelation 21:23).

We may have some misconceptions about God’s glory when we think in terms of light and darkness. In Genesis He separated the light from darkness, yet it was all part of His glory. We see an example of this when Moses went up the mountain to meet with God. We read “The cloud covered it [the mountain], and the glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai” (Exodus 24:16). TO the Israelites waiting for seven days below, “the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire” (Exodus 24:17).

God’s glory was seen in a cloud more than once; one time was when “the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting [where the Israelites worshiped], and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle!” In fact Moses couldn’t enter the Tent because ”the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle” (40:34-35).

However, God’s glory is not confined. “As surely as I live, and as surely as the glory of the Lord fills the whole earth, not one of the men who saw My glory and the miraculous signs I performed in Egypt, and in the desert….” …and God went on to declare they would never see the promised land because of their sin of disbelief. There may be a lesson here – if we do not believe in Jesus, who performed so many miracles, even raising the dead, we will not see the “promised land”, which is heaven.

The glory of the Lord is revealed in His miracles. It is a visible reality. The disciples saw “the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). However, we must not take the glory of God for granted. It is, unfortunately, the lot of humankind to “fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). This leaves us in a desperate place if we are not revived by the Holy Spirit. We are all dead in sin, because of the sin nature we inherited from Adam, unless “God who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ” . Paul continued, in his letter to the Ephesians, to describe the glory of being seated with Him in heavenly places in order to show the riches of His grace [glory] (Ephesians 2:4-6).

Also God has given us a wonderful hope. He has revealed the great mystery which was hidden for generations, but now “disclosed to the saints” through Jesus Christ our Lord. This mystery Paul tells the Colossian church is made known among the Gentiles –“the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory!” (26-27).

Reflection:

Just imagine the fulfillment of our hope – that day when we will see the King of kings, seated upon His throne, in all of His glory!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

A Fool’s Folly

July 10, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 14:1

Isaiah had a reality check. He was given a unique message for the people. “No longer will the fool be called noble” (Isaiah 32:5). One wonders if a fool, as we think of one, would ever be called noble. Heaven forbid – might we ourselves fall into one of the following categories?

Some clever commentator has distinguished five types of fool in the Bible. The first is simple – open-minded, immature, gullible and curious. Lacking discernment this person is willing to give consideration to any new thought (Proverbs 22:3). The second (10:14, 20:3) is silly, despising advice (7:1) and getting angry when things do not go his way (27:3). Third – sensual “It is as sport to a fool to do mischief” (Proverbs 10:23). Fourth – scorning. This person makes dangerous company, since they will not listen to rebuke (Proverbs 13:1). In a sense their own wisdom is beyond correction. Fifth – steadfast! Most dangerous of all, this person rejects God (Psalm 14:1).

Isaiah goes on to describe a trait of fools in general: “the fool speaks folly, his mind is busy with evil” (Isaiah 32:6). Not only is their thinking corrupted, but also their behaviour, because they practice ungodliness and spread error concerning the Lord (:6). They scheme and lie, ignoring the plight of the needy, even when “The plea of the needy is just” (:7).

Peter gives a graphic description of what a fool looks like, so we make no mistake. Bold and arrogant, they do not restrain their judgment, even of celestial beings and God, since Peter goes on to say they blaspheme in matters they do not understand? (2 Peter 2:12). He likens a fool to a beast guided only by instinct. Fools apparently indulge in adultery and seduction in broad daylight, preying on vulnerable people. By appealing to the lustful desires of human nature and guided by greed, the fool makes a mockery of clean living. His soul is full of darkness, Peter tells us.

Paul warns Timothy, his son in the faith, to beware of those teachers who only say what people want to hear. Even centuries ago there were problems arising from a society focused on suiting their own desires, coddling themselves in self-indulgence while turning their ears away from the truth of God’s word. Preference was given to myths because men would not put up with sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3). Paul could have been describing the twenty-first century! Instead, Timothy is urged to ”correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2).

In contrast to the fool, the noble man makes noble plans. The dictionary defines noble as “one possessing outstanding qualities”! Paul reminds us to think noble thoughts (Philippians 4:8). Noble deeds follow on the heels of noble thinking. Who wouldn’t choose to earn the reputation of a noble person? That choice is up to us! We can follow the path of fools or we can take the noble way, modelled by our Saviour and Lord.

Reflection:

Contrast a fool with a noble person. Who comes out the winner?

Name 2 significant dangers of associating with fools.

What does God think of fools? How would He advise you to deal with the folly so often seen in our world today?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Our Father

July 4, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 6:9-13

Jesus was teaching His disciples how to pray. Addressing God as ‘Our father’ was a privilege not known to people of faith in the Old Testament. They fell on their faces to worship an awesome, holy Judge, knowing that they must keep the covenant law in order to be accepted by their God. Yes – they knew He was a God of love, but even His love had to be earned by keeping the law. There was no fooling around with God, no taking His forgiveness for granted; He was strict in the eyes of His chosen people.

How have things changed over hundreds of years? God has not changed. The Bible assures us of His unwavering stability. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). The point James is making is that all good things come from above; “God is the source of light – physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual light – and He does not change” (Ryrie Page 1686). This is the God Jesus tells us to worship as “our Father”.

We know that the Holy Spirit gives us graces which are imbedded in the character of God. The Apostle Paul lists those qualities which make us fit representatives of our Father – gentleness, patience, kindness and self-control – those tender mercies which make us likeable, approachable, and trustworthy. Folks who have struggled with less than perfect father-child relationships here on earth, will see Divine love played out in the lives of God’s children as we respect, and honour, and cherish one another.

You see – our Father accepts us just as we are. Of course, He expects us to resemble Him, to take on His personality. This requires change in you and me, but our Father remains the same – all that is good and perfect. Our role model is Jesus Christ, who became human to show us how to live Godly lives. When I am wiling to make God Lord of my life, He actually becomes my Father. Sometimes this is an event, when the Holy Spirit suddenly revives us, but for others it is more of a shaping – like the potter and the clay.

Isaiah reminds us : “The Lord says…. You turn things upside down as if the potter were thought to be the clay. Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it ‘He did not make me’? Can the pot say of the Potter ‘He knows nothing’?” (Isaiah 29:16). Sadly today we find many folks who are saying this, denying the power of Almighty God to sustain His created beings, denying Him as Creator of all. God thunders down through the ages: “Woe to the obstinate children….those who carry out plans that are not Mine, forming an alliance, but not by My Spirit” (Isaiah 30:1).

As with any good Father, our heavenly Father has some absolutes which form His standard for living. There will also be discipline in His family. In order to trust God we must know what He expects – and it is all written down. Jesus reviews the fact that our Father in heaven is holy and to be worshiped as such. In order for His Kingdom to be seen on earth, His will must be done as it is in heaven. We must keep the slate clean by seeking our Father’s forgiveness – perhaps for our unthankful hearts. How many of our blessings do we take for granted?

In the matter of forgiveness – how can we expect God to forgive us if we are unwilling to forgive those who disappoint or even hurt us? Satan will work hard to make us bitter and unforgiving. Our Father stands ready to protect us from such evil.

Reflection:

When we are asked to pray the Lord’s Prayer, is it with the sense that we are talking with a friend? Is it my personal prayer to my Father in heaven? Does that relationship fill my heart with joy and compel my spirit to worship? Happy, content, merciful and kind, is the person who knows our Father as “My Father”.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

What is Holy?

June 27, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

1 Peter 1

Peter was writing to “God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout” and he names several countries (1 Peter 1:1). These believers are “strangers” because they do not fit into the general scheme of worldly culture. Rather, their citizenship is in heaven!

He begins with a doxology: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1:3)! His faith is grounded in the mercy of God who “has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1:3) and he writes to ensure his readers understand the supreme sacrifice that gives us the joy of our salvation!

Peter refers back to prophecies which were fulfilled by the Lord Jesus, and for those of us reading his letter thousands of years after it was written, there is supporting evidence for the work of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to understand the gospel (1:10-12).

So what does this have to do with holiness? First of all we need to have reverence for the term which refers directly to the third person of the Trinity, since it is through Him we become believers, today! Jesus told His disciples He would send the Comforter/ Counsellor who would lead them into all truth. This “Holy Spirit” would then remind us of everything Jesus had said (John 14:26).

Look at John’s personal experience “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). The glory revealed is because the Son of God is holy. Even in His humanity He did not sin (1 Corinthians 5:21) . So – He set us an example which is actually impossible to achieve. Our sin nature wars against the new nature we have in Christ (Romans 8:5-8) but there is hope –

Holiness is a characteristic of God alone. However, we can now come to Him clothed in the righteousness of Christ because we believe, and have received Christ; not only that but if we are fully committed to making Him Lord of our lives, we are compelled to obey! God alone is perfect, but He gives us the grace – all that is needed to make us good. This is a fruit of the Holy Spirit living in us, perfecting us (Galatians 5:22).

Peter is warning here that our minds need to be prepared for action. We need to be self-controlled (1 Peter 1:12), setting our hope “fully on the grace to be given when Jesus Christ is revealed “ (1:13). Our faith journey is intentional. There will be attacks, but whatever people say or do to discourage us, our determination must be to aim for holiness. The sanctified life is fully committed, though not fully perfected. For that we await our lives in heaven.

Reflection:

There is so much joy in knowing our lives are pleasing to the Father! Once we know He approves of our thoughts, words and deeds, like our children here on earth, it becomes easier to aim for that relationship that becoming ever more precious! There is also tremendous satisfaction in achieving a reputation that grows from strength to strength. To be holy is such a worthwhile goal!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

A New Name!

June 19, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom on Pexels.com

Revelation 2:17

“There’s a new name written down in glory

And its mine! Oh yes its mine!

And a white-robbed angel tells the story.

A sinner has come home.”

What tremendous joy is expressed in these few words of exultation! What glorious spiritual truth!

First of all, the original state of every human being is acknowledged – we are sinners. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sin describes the state of mankind when we have missed the mark created by God’s standard. As a result, something crucial is missing in our lives.

But there is hope! God created every human being with a purpose. His purpose is grounded in His very nature – as we have noted previously, the Bible tells us that He is love (1 John 4:19). The only reason we love God is because He first loved us. There is no room for hate or condemnation in His love. ”God so loved the world [everyone!] that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16) .

Part of that glorious hope is the promise Jesus gave to His disciples just before the cross: “Do not let your hearts be troubled…in My Father’s house are many rooms…I am going there to prepare a place for you!” (John 14:1-2). For the sinner who has a new name, this will be home – their eternal home… a place of glorious peace and joy. “Nothing impure will ever enter it….. only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27).

When we are born we receive a name, our family name. When we are born again into the family of God we also receive a name. We know that it is a personal name written down in glory, recorded in a unique book to be revealed in heaven, but there is a mystery regarding what it will be.

Jesus gives us a couple of clues. Those who overcome will be given “a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it” (Revelation 2:17). He goes on to promise that “the name of My God and the name of the city of My God” (Revelation 3:12) will be revealed at the same time as my new name! Isn’t it thrilling to know that God loves surprises and is keeping one for us when we arrive home in glory?

I was humbly kneeling at the cross, Fearing naught but God’s angry frown;
When the heavens opened and I saw that my name was written down!

In the Book ’tis written, “Saved by Grace,” O the joy that came to my soul!
Now I am forgiven, and I know by the blood I am made whole!

Chorus
There’s a new name written down in glory, and it’s mine, O yes, it’s mine!
And the white robed angels sing the story, “A sinner has come home.”
For there’s a new name written down in glory, and it’s mine, O yes, it’s mine!
With my sins forgiven I am bound for Heaven, never more to roam.

Reflection:

Is there anything that brings you greater joy than the anticipation of claiming your new name in glory?

That is only one of many blessings, including seeing our precious Saviour face to face. What will that be like?

Think of those you need to share this experience with; may the joy of the Lord give you strength and courage to do so!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

A World Established

June 13, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 93

One verse in this Psalm stood out: “Your throne was established long ago, You are from all eternity” (:2). Think of it – God has always been. The Bible tells us He is Yahweh, the self-existent One. It is very hard for our human minds to wrap themselves around that truth, limited as we are by time and space. However, this short Psalm of only 5 verses reveals some wonderful thoughts about our God.

“Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea – the Lord on high is mighty!” (:4). The writer has just described a terror similar to what we sometimes see on TV – storms that displaced boats and cars, trees and rocks, destroying buildings and flooding folks out of their homes. These seas, described in verse three, actually typify rebellious uprisings against God Himself. And we see this happening in our world today. Yet, our God reigns!

Our hope is in the Lord. Along with this man who wrote with such assurance about God at least four thousand years ago, we can sing with certainty “The Lord reigns. He is clothed in majesty” (:1) His kingship is seen in all the glorious beauty of holiness, something which doesn’t often colour earthly reigns. We are advised to “Worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness” (Psalm 96:9 KJV). Why?

Ryrie notes that as the Psalmist exults in the Sovereignty of God, the One who is enthroned above the floods and who dwells in the temple of holiness, he is also anticipating the millennial reign of the Messiah. The fact that the Lord’s throne was established in eternity past gives assurance that it will continue forever….and the holiness that “adorns Your house” will do so forever – “for endless days, O Lord” (:5).

This pure and perfect God reigns with a holy plan for the world He has created. The theme resonates throughout these Psalms “the world is established” (96:10). Furthermore we are given a glimpse into why. God’s throne is established….solid, secure. To establish means to set up on a firm or permanent basis. Also “The world is firmly established”! …just in case there is any doubt. In fact, “it cannot be moved” (:1).

Reflection:

How did the Psalmist know that? It is a fact given to him by faith, that the One who created all things remains in control of His creation! That almost makes one giddy with excitement! We surely have nothing to fear. In spite of pestilence and war, we can trust our great God. Without having the New Testament to refer to (Hebrews 1:3), the Psalmist knew God sustains everything according to plan. Hundreds of years after the Psalm was written, this truth remains fixed in the heart of those who believe in God (Hebrews 1:3). Praise God, Jesus will return to a world that is secure.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Syrophonician Woman

June 5, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Mark 7:24-30

Many people came to Jesus with a variety of problems; note how often they came looking for something. How many of our prayers are spent in looking for so many things, either for ourselves or on behalf of others? We are invited to come to God for anything. In fact there is a rebuke in James’ words: “You have not because you will not ask” (4:2).

Case study: A mother is anxious about her child. Something is not quite right…it’s hard to put your finger on it, but the little girl has an aura about her. It is exhibited in strange behaviours – even the look in her eyes. She seems disconnected from reality, at times going into a bit of a trance. What is the cause? She’s little now, but she will fall behind other children if she is not healed. What on earth will her future hold? Why is she not normal? Why is this happening to our family? Common questions referencing anxiety!

Who was this woman? She was living in the vicinity of Tyre, located in what is now Lebanon. An island city, Tyre had access to a particular mollusk used for making purple dyes – a very expensive product. The Greek name for purple was phoenicia, so that region became known as Phoenicia.

It is amazing how in an era without TV or telecommunications, Jesus’ reputation preceded Him that far north. What was Jesus’ reason for going to Tyre? We are told so little about His experience in this vicinity; it seems to have been very brief. He tried to keep His presence quiet, but word got out and so a woman came to see Him – with her specific problem! Was this a Divine appointment? Had He gone specifically to meet this woman?

Returning to this nameless woman – we are told that as soon as she heard Jesus was in this house she came. You can just imagine her urgency! Gasping for breath she fell at His feet! She begged Jesus to deliver her daughter of a demon…to “drive the demon out”. The child was quite young, by all that we know, described by Mark as a little daughter. We don’t know the particular manifestations she exhibited, but the mother recognized it as demonic.

Jesus seemed rather hard-hearted in His initial response. He challenged her ethnicity! He answered her in a parable. “First let the children eat all they want” (Mark 7:27). She got it! She was on the same wave-length! She knew what He meant when He talked about the danger of these children’s bread being tossed to the dogs….He was referring to the Jews and indirectly reminding her she wasn’t entitled to what they had, as God’s chosen people.

To anyone listening it might have seemed a very peculiar conversation because of the way she answered Him. Addressing Jesus as Lord (where did she get that term?) this remarkable woman demonstrated her faith. She didn’t argue about His label – greater things were at stake than the fact He had called them “dogs”. She persisted, describing how the dogs under the table ate the crumbs that fell from the children’s hands! At the very least she proved to be tenacious as a dog.

We have no idea of how many people were listening. Were the disciples impressed by the outcome? Apparently it was significant enough for Mark to record it in his gospel. What lessons can we learn from this account of a Gentile woman’s meeting with Jesus? I wonder if Jesus’ tone changed when He reassured her that the demon had left her daughter. He commended her answer and let her go with hope. Think of her relief, her joy, her thankful heart when she arrived home to find the little one lying safely in her bed, with the demon gone.

Reflection:

This woman demonstrates a remarkable faith – persistent, tenacious, listening carefully, accepting the reality of who she was; if the Bible calls you and me sinners, why would we take offence? It is true. We must accept God’s judgment as a matter of faith in His Divine perspective. Her faith challenges my faith. Anything I ask of God must be born of faith in who He is. She called Jesus LORD! I need to repeatedly check to see if He is indeed Lord of my life. He says the panacea for anxiety is in seeking the kingdom of God first – which actually means checking to make sure He is in control, Sovereign. Are we prioritizing our relationship to Him? Do we live according to the principles of His Word? What prompts us to fall on our faces before Him?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Righteous Will Flourish

May 29, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Psalm 92

What comes to mind when you think of something that is flourishing? For me it would be plant life, perhaps some exotic flower. Is it possible for people to flourish? The Bible tells us that the righteous will flourish.

Psalm 92 is one used frequently on the Sabbath, a song of praise and thanks to God for His judgment on the wicked, and His blessings on the righteous. The ten-stringed lyre and the harp were used in corporate worship in the synagogue or temple.

This unnamed Psalmist is thrilled by the works of God’s hands. Was he speaking about natural beauty or miracles among the people of God? We may not know which, but what we do know is that his soul is touched by the thoughts and deeds of his God (92:5). His experience is calling forth songs of praise because he is not among those who do not see, who do not understand the marvels of Almighty God.

In fact, he has been anointed, consecrated and strengthened for God’s service (92:10). Defending his God, he noted that God’s enemies would suffer defeat, among them the senseless and foolish who would be destroyed forever (92:11, 6).

Meanwhile the righteous will have the joy of growing in love for their God as they “flourish in the courts of our God”. Placed in the very centre of worship, they will have the joy of bearing fruit into old age, ever green and fresh (92:13-14). Here they will proclaim praises to their God. He ends as he began, with praise to “the Rock” in whom there is no wickedness (92:15).

Contrast this picture with the one the Apostle John gives to us of religious leaders who, struggling to get into the sheepfold over the wall rather than through the gate, which is Jesus Christ Himself, their intention is to “steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). Thankfully we know that Jesus came to give His sheep life – an abundant life! The righteous cannot help but flourish under the watch-care of the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:14).

Reflection:

The first question which comes to mind is “Will I be counted among the righteous?” Jesus assures us that those who listen to His voice and follow Him will never die…referring to spiritual death (John 10:27-28). Spiritual death is eternal separation from God. We may be secure in His love, once we have moved out of darkness into His marvellous light! (1 Peter 2:9) Just as light causes plants to flourish, so does the light of God’s presence in our lives cause believers to flourish!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Isaiah’s Wreath

May 22, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Isaiah 28

Wreaths of leaves, fruit, wheat or vines were worn as crowns by Etruscan rulers, ancient symbolism of some mythological concept. Roman magistrates wore golden wreaths to symbolize their lineage went back to the Etruscan days. Today we use wreaths to commemorate certain seasons or memorial events.

The term is used in scriptures nine times, often synonymous with the word crown. For example in Revelation 4:10 the twenty-four elders worshipping the One sitting on the throne cast their wreaths/crowns at His feet. Wreaths also were a significant part of the decoration of the temple. Isaiah uses the word wreath under inspiration of the Holy Spirit to describe Samaria, the capital of Ephraim.

To understand what Isaiah is talking about in chapter 28 we need to go back in history. In blessing his sons on his deathbed, Jacob raised Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh to the level of sons, perhaps as a tribute to his favourite wife, Rachel. Their history in the Promised Land was checkered by the notion they had tribal supremacy because of that blessing. They were competitive and uncooperative, earning for themselves a divisive reputation among their brethren.

At one point the tabernacle was located in the city of Shiloh, in Ephraim. However, it was captured by the Philistines when the Israelites brought it into battle. Shiloh itself was destroyed. This brought the morale of the people to an all-time low. When the Ark of the Covenant was recovered, tribal supremacy was centered in Benjamin, where it was relocated. After that the tribe of Ephraim fell into idol worship.

Isaiah twice pronounces a woe upon Samaria “Woe to that wreath, the pride of Ephraim’s drunkards.” (28:1,3). Through Isaiah, the Lord reviews the former advantages of Ephraim – a flower of glorious beauty, set at the head of a fertile valley. Now the Lord will crush it. They will recognize His mighty power, as the Lord tramples them under foot. Judgment will fall! (28:2, 3)

In contrast, the Lord Himself “the Lord Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of His people!” (28:5) The remnant will celebrate the fact that God is their crown, blessing them in a spirit of justice. He will be their source of strength! Imagine a world when the plumbline is righteousness! (28:17)

Recognizing the helpless condition of His people, the Lord comes to their rescue by promising to lay a cornerstone, one that is tested, that is precious, that forms a sure foundation – trustworthy, dependable! (:16) Here will be a new beginning! Isaiah looked forward to that day when Jesus would come – the precious only begotten Son of God, tested in the crucible of suffering for the sins of His people. Paul writes about this very foundation: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). God’s purpose, foretold by Isaiah, has been accomplished!

Reflection:

Are you part of that glorious circle which will celebrate eternity in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ?
Figuratively speaking the wreath, in a never-ending circle, will remind us that He brings to His people eternal life.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)