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)

Devotional

The Living Christ

April 24, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Recently I read “On Fire”, written by a man who as a nine-year-old boy, with third degree burns on 85% of his body, was not expected to live. He learned to fight for life when he would rather die, because his mother offered him the responsibility of choosing to fight for life, as he faced possible death. If you and I had to choose between life and death, what might we choose in the midst of pain?

Several thoughts come to mind when we consider the choices we must make day to day. God called the nation of Israel to choose between life and death. He laid out the rationale clearly….”so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God!” (Deuteronomy 30:20). In the book I read the author challenges his readers with seven choices to ignite a radically inspired life. Throughout he relied on God as the source of his strength to fight against all odds, and the power of prayer.

Thinking about the problems we face today – relational problems, disappointment, loss, cruelty and pain as well as the rigors of old age and more, can we say, will we say that we understand why we must endure? What is it that ignites your passion? Victor Frankl said “If you know your ‘why’ you can endure any ‘how’ “. How we live life in the mundane of everyday defines who we truly are. The danger is that we might forget why we are doing what we are doing. We come home exhausted from work, too tired to do anything but grumble, so then our families suffer because we’ve lost the vision of living for others.

The Lord Jesus came to earth fully aware of the suffering He would endure. Day by day His family and community rejected Him. “His own received Him not” John explains (1:11). What was it that motivated His choices in the midst of ridicule and rejection?

Could it be that Jesus lived out the injunction from Deuteronomy? God went on to say to the nation of Israel that life was all about loving God, listening to His voice and holding fast to Him, because “the Lord is your life” (Deuteronomy 30:20). This is a reason why we can give everything we’ve got to making our world a better place.

Whatever you do “do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Might this be your rational for living life to the full? In spite of your limitations, without regard for what people might think, when we know God is calling us to live for Him, what greater joy can there be than to see our purpose is breathing life into others?

Reflection:

Why things do not go well might be because we have lost our passion. You see – indifference kills hope and joy and peace. Passion, on the other hand, overcomes obstacles. Are you letting the love of God fuel your passion? Why or why not? Is this the testimony of the Living Christ and those who follow Him??

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Come and See

April 3, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

John 1:35-39

Jesus continually astonished people by knowing their thoughts. Simon who didn’t give Him water to wash His feet when Jesus was a dinner guest in His house, was critical about the woman Jesus allowed to wash His feet with her tears. “Didn’t He know she was “a sinner?”….?” Jesus answered his unspoken question by publicly declaring what the woman had done was an act of worship (Luke 7:39-47).

In another instance Nathanael belittled the idea that the Messiah could come out of Nazareth, the town which Jesus called home. Jesus recognized Nathanael, when Philip introduced them, as “a true Israelite in whom there is nothing false” and went on to prove how He knew that by telling Nathanael He had seen Him worshiping under a fig tree. Awestruck Nathanael then declared Jesus to be “the Son of God, you are the King of Israel” (John 1:49).

In our reading today two of John’s disciples heard John declare “Look! The Lamb of God” (1:36). If nothing else this would have aroused their curiosity. When Jesus noticed them standing there with their mouths open, He asked what they wanted. Unsure of what to say, they blurted out “where do You stay?” Jesus invitation resounds down through the ages “Come and see”.

John’s gospel is very intimate. He shows us how much Jesus wanted to be known personally. In an act of +Jewish hospitality, He invited these two unnamed men home for coffee. How thrilling it must have been to be noticed by this great man and then to be invited to spend more time with Him!

Have you been noticed by the King of kings? Did you respond when He invited you to “Taste and see that the Lord is good”? David, in the Old Testament, knew God personally. He knew, from experience, that the man or woman who took refuge in the Lord would find blessing (Psalm 34:8).

I just love watching Poirot on TV. What does that have to do with our study? David Suchet, who plays Poirot, is a converted Jew. I watched him interviewed by the Rev David Hoyle in Westminster Abbey in the Jerusalem room – lots of history there. They were reviewing the impact of the Gospel of John on their lives – fascinating how our God works!

David Hoyle pointed out the importance of seeing Jesus and how, near the beginning of John’s Gospel, Jesus invited the men following Him to “Come and see”. Then the book ends with Thomas crying out “Unless I see….I will not believe”. For sure seeing grows us in our faith, but for most of us “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).

Reflection:

What is it that stirs your heart in those intimate moments with Jesus, which excite your devotion? Thinking back on your spiritual journey, did it start when you actually saw the Lord high and lifted up – King of kings crucified so that you would not pay the penalty for your sins? Would you wash His feet with your tears? Do you cry out “My Lord and my God!”?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Glory of God

March 28, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

John 1:14

Have you ever seen the glory of God? Often when breath-taking scenery makes us gasp, we may think of things that are glorious. Then when we hear about heroic acts, such as a bus driver rescuing seniors stuck in their car on tracks where a train is thundering down on them, we are awed by his bravery.

However, the glory of God is beyond description. You may remember that after speaking with God, Moses’ face was so radiant he had to cover it with a veil. How many of us can describe the glories of heaven. Reading the book of Revelation stretches our human imaginations, doesn’t it? What does the word “glory” mean to you?

The glory of God: John, in his gospel declares “We have seen His glory”. What does John mean? This was not a singular experience, because John speaks for all the disciples. “We” have seen… Written two thousand years ago, his words still stir our spirits with anticipation as we hope to also see “His glory, the glory of the One and Only , who came from the Father” (John 1:14), some day. Imagine what it will be like to see our Lord Jesus Christ, face to face! This is something worth meditating on.

John goes on to describe Jesus, God in a human body, as full of grace and truth. In our world today we could value those qualities! What is truth? Without absolutes, truths are hard to determine. Unless we appreciate God’s own Holy Word, we are lost. He is the “Only” truth worth trusting. Jesus’ voice thunders down through the ages – “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life! How glorious would it be to live in a world governed by Truth!

Reflection:

As I ponder this scripture a prayer arose in my heart. Let this start with me. Perhaps my life could show forth the glory of God if I yield to the Spirit of Truth. As a Christ-follower, do I present truth in the place God has put me? The truth is – I had nothing to do with the parents God gave to me, nor the siblings, nor the race to which I belong. I am who I am by God’s grace, as each one of us is – created for a Divine purpose. Is that purpose to bear “Truth” to the glory of God?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Jesus Loves Me

March 6, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

John 3:16

An email went around some time ago that bears repeating.

“A church in Atlanta was honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years. I wondered why the Church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at the age of 92. After a warm welcome, as the applause quieted down, he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gate to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself. Quietly and slowly he began to speak. “When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50 odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials.

The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heart break, and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me… the only thing that would comfort was this verse…

‘Jesus loves me this I know.

For the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to Him belong,

We are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me…

The Bible tells me so’.”

When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear his footsteps as he shuffled back to his chair. Here is a new version just for us who have white hair or no hair at all.

JESUS LOVES ME (for Seniors)

Jesus loves me, this I know,

Though my hair is white as snow

Though my sight is growing dim,

Still He bids me trust in Him.

Chorus: Though my steps are oh, so slow,

With my hand in His I’ll go

On through life, let come what may,

He’ll be there to lead the way.

When the nights are dark and long,

In my heart He puts a song.

Telling me in words so clear,

“Have no fear, for I am near.”

When my work on earth is done,

And life’s victories have been won.

He will take me to my home above,

Then I’ll understand His love.

I love Jesus, does He know?

Have I ever told Him so?

Jesus loves to hear me say,

That I love Him every day.

Reflection:

As the days and years go by can you say your relationship with Jesus is sweeter than the day before? Focusing on Jesus removes feelings of desperation as we face bumps in the path. Telling Him every day how much He means to us reverses those negative thoughts which spoil our joy. Wherever you are on your journey through life will you let the love of God sustain you? The exquisite peace of being led by the One who loves us sooo much cannot be matched by anything on earth. Thank you Jesus!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Forever Kingdom

January 9, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

2 Samuel 7:12-16

We are just finishing the Christmas celebrations of the birth of our Saviour, Jesus. This was just the beginning of God’s perfect plan for a kingdom promised long ago in the Old Testament (Psalm 45:6, Daniel 4:2-3). We have seen some of that unfolding over the past two millennium, but for the fulfilment, we still wait. I heard a message recently about waiting. The speaker used David the shepherd-boy-anointed-king as an example. For 14 years he waited for the earthly kingdom he had been promised. Throughout that time he endured intense jealousy and out-right threats to his life from Saul, the existing king.

The first hint of an eternal kingdom was given in the Garden of Eden when, veiled in language Adam and Eve could not possibly have understood, though perhaps the serpent did, God promised enmity between man and the serpent’s offspring. He promised that man would crush the serpent’s head giving the clue as to who would win the battle (Genesis 3:14-15).

Hundreds of years later the nation of Israel became an official kingdom. Rejecting God as their leader they had cried for a king, just as the nations around them had kings. Samuel records the sequence of events which put Saul, then David on the throne (2 Samuel 7:1). God knew this was a temporary arrangement; it would seem that in giving them the desires of their hearts the nation also gained leanness of spirit, as they had in the desert (Psalm 106:13-15).

Since the beginning God revealed Himself as a covenant God. What did that mean? God made promises to man throughout human history, many of which carried with them binding conditions. For example God promised Abraham his descendants would be as numerous as the dust of the earth (Genesis 13:16). The condition was belief that Sarah would bear this child (even in her old age). Did God mean what He said? Now at this moment in time God declared to David, through the prophet Nathan, the continuation of that promise “I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body and I will establish His kingdom forever!” (2 Samuel 7:12-13).

As history has shown, the physical kingdom of Israel fell to foreign powers. Was God mistaken? Wrong? Or did we misunderstand the scope of this covenant – something much larger than life, a spiritual covenant? In Samuel’s records the covenant is two-fold, both immediate and future. For example, immediately following David’s death, David’s son Solomon did indeed build the temple (:13). Later Jesus was acclaimed as “Son of David” (Matthew 21:9).

Looking towards the future, let us remember that twice, as was God’s custom, He reiterates the promise “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before Me; your throne will be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16). Since the advent of Jesus and all that His life revealed to us about the purposes of God, we now understand this to be a Messianic promise, reflecting the faithful love of the Father through Jesus Christ, whose reign is celebrated in Revelation: “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13).

Reflection:

Just to summarize – Jesus who is of the tribe of Judah, the Kingly tribe of Israel, still reigns over that promised Kingdom and one day is coming again to earth to establish a millennial reign, according to promise (Revelation 20:6). This earthly reign will preceded the heavenly reign which will last forever and ever: ”The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ and He will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15). Will you be part of that “Forever Kingdom”?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Christmas Story Unfolds

January 3, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 1:1, Genesis 3:14-15

Perhaps it will surprise you to know that the Christmas story begins in Genesis. We need to look at some background. The earth was not God’s first creation. Created beings lived with Him in heaven long before earth took shape. How long Lucifer, one of many angels, existed before the creation of man, we are not told.

God created Lucifer [meaning “Shining One”]. Ezekiel describes him as chief among the angels, powerful, intelligent and very beautiful (Ezekiel 28:13-17). What we learn from Ezekiel and Isaiah is that rivalry developed; Satan wanted not just to be like God, but to be in control (Isaiah 14:12-14). That is when things began to fall apart. It is important for us to understand that God did not create evil in the person of Satan [meaning “accuser”]. Privileges were taken for granted, as power was coveted, and Satan’s attempt to seduce Eve and Adam demonstrated his continuing efforts to control God’s creation.

How does this relate to Christmas? As God cursed the serpent, the creature used by Satan to tempt Eve, He predicted that Satan would bruise the heel of One who would actually extinguish any power the Devil gained in the intervening years, by crushing Satan’s head (Genesis 3:14-15). From the beginning, God had the plan.

We know of course, that this is what happened during the Easter event when Jesus was crucified (bruised seems a light term for His great suffering). But wait! Jesus rose from the dead – the Divine Conqueror of death! His resurrection crushed the determined efforts of the “accuser of the brethren” (Revelation 12:10). This chapter describes that final battle in heaven. As the Devil is hurled to the earth, salvation is complete; the power of the Kingdom of God, authorized by the blood of Christ, overcomes Satan at last!

How is all of this possible? God sent a tiny baby, born of a virgin to bless all nations of the earth (Isaiah 7:14). God’s Kingdom would be ruled by this baby, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas time! He was also fulfillment of a prophecy given thousands of years before to a man named Abram. The author of Genesis writes the promise of God to this man He renamed Abraham [meaning “father of a great number”]. “I will make you a great nation….and all people on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:2-3). That promise was repeated to God’s covenant people, the nation He promised Abraham’s progeny would become.

Matthew begins his gospel “A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac…..” (Matthew 1:1). Writing specifically to the Jews, it was crucial for Matthew to begin with the one they called ‘Father Abraham’. Ryrie explains: “The common teaching of that day said the Jews participated in the merits of Abraham, which made their prayers acceptable, helped in war, expiated sins, appeased the wrath of God and ensured a share in God’s eternal kingdom” (Page 1463 Ryrie Study Bible) No wonder they were so shocked when John and Jesus preached the need for personal repentance! All along they had depended on Abraham to ensure their eternal destiny.

The Apostle John records the dissension caused by Jesus, claiming God as His Father (John 8:33-58). His statement that He existed before Abraham was the final straw. This was blasphemy in the ears of orthodox Jews. Yet here we are celebrating Jesus! Not only do we rejoice in His birth, but His life has given each believer eternal life! So at Christmas it really is impossible to remember His birth, miraculous as it was, without thinking of His death on a cross. Hallelujah! That was not the end; He rose again to bring spiritual healing and glorious hope to all who would believe and receive Him! (John 1:12-13).

Reflection:

Isn’t it exciting to see how the Bible draws together events that have been planned in the mind of God from the very beginning of time! This gives me great hope for the future, even when times are tough. Our God is an awesome God!

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

What Christmas Means to Me

December 26, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

In our society today one might ask ”What does Christmas mean?” Folks coming from the middle east or other parts of the world who are not familiar with the Bible, might be astonished to see the decorations and to hear songs like “Jingle Bells” which have no connection with the original meaning of Christmas. The sad truth is that very often Christ has been taken out of Christmas.

The season has become frantically busy, leaving little time to enjoy things that are most precious, like relationships, music, or wintry beauty. After Christmas people often find themselves exhausted and depressed. Perhaps if they knew Jesus, who remains with His own forever, the thrill of His advent would last all year long! Consider what Christmas means to you. The Bible says it is about:

Miracles from our mysterious God! Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:28-35

A woman recognizing her Saviour. Luke 1:46-47

Angels pronouncing God’s ‘Joy’ to the world! Luke 2:10

Prophecy fulfilled in time and space. Genesis 12:3, Isaiah 9:6-7, Micah 5:2

Immanuel: God taking on a physical body. Matthew 1:23

The Babe – manna in a manger, Bread of Life! Luke 2:7, John 6:35, 10:10

Star attraction around the globe. Matthew 2:1-2

Wisdom leading wise men to worship. Matthew 2:2

Peace and goodwill to every tribe and nation. Luke 2:13-14, John 3:16, Revelation 5:9

The Son of God seeking to save… Luke 1:35, 19:10

Shepherd of God’s sheep, the Lamb who was slain. John 10:11

King of kings, Lord of lords. Luke 1:32-33, Revelation 17:14

“Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God!”

Reflection:

Dear Lord

Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, to walk among men and women, that we might know You intimately. Please remove our unbelief, our arrogant independence, our self-justification so that we might humble ourselves in worship of this Holy Babe. May our response to Your precious gift of Eternal Life bring glory to You this Christmas. May our worship come from hearts purified by the blood of Christ, for it is in His name we pray for forgiveness of sin, and for guidance, that our lives may be pleasing in Your sight, Oh Lord our God. Amen

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Down From His Glory

December 22, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger on Pexels.com

John 17:20-23

Struggling for the right words in my devotional prayer, suddenly a wonderful old song came to mind! It is the gospel in a nutshell. It is also very appropriate for Christmas time, although not generally known as a Christmas Carol. Down from His glory.

Ever living story,

My God and Saviour came,

And Jesus was His name!

Born in a manger,

To His own a stranger,

A man of sorrows, tears and agony.

There is so much theology (the study of God) in these words. Jesus is God. He gave up His glory in heaven to become a man; not just any man, but the One who fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy in His sufferings (Isaiah 53:3). His sufferings were not just physical, but were also emotional and spiritual. He was ridiculed and rejected by the people God called His chosen children, to whom He was sent. His death on the cross caused a morbid separation between Him and the Father; it was something like dividing soul and spirit of the man who was uniquely God-man! This separation was necessary in order to bring together God and mankind, whom He created for a unique fellowship.

The lyricist knew Jesus personally as “My God and Saviour”. God’s saving grace had drawn him into the family of God. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, it is possible for Gentiles to be adopted into God’s Holy family, when they believe and receive the Lordship of Christ (John 1:12-13). Down through centuries of time people have responded to this remarkable “condescension, bringing us redemption”. The Creator God “laid aside His splendor, stooping to woo, to win, to save my soul” according to the second verse of this incredible praise song!

The Christmas association comes with the reflection that this babe, “born in a manger, to His own a stranger” ….”took the form of man, revealed the hidden plan”. From the moment of creation, God knew mankind would be unable to cope with the great gift of choice. Having been made in the image of God we have a will. How often does your will and mine conflict with the will of our Heavenly Father? So God’s plan of creation included a plan of redemption, and here we see it: “all God’s fulness dwelleth in Him”. What does that mean?

“Without reluctance, flesh and blood His substance, He took the form of man”. Paul wrote about this to the Philippian Church. “Christ Jesus Who being in very nature God….made Himself nothing, …..humbled Himself and became obedient unto death (Philippians 2:5-8). He died in your place and mine. “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours (wrote the Jewish Apostle), but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). This is the glorious mystery revealed in the man Christ Jesus!

Reflection:

There will always be a response to the life of Christ. The lyricist wrote:

“O how I love Him! How I adore Him!

My breath, my sunshine, my all in all!”

….and now I know Thou art the great “I AM.”

Sadly there are those who reject Jesus for innumerable reasons. Satan is quick to give any excuse for not following Him, this One who was born to die that man might live eternally with Him in heaven. This is “the reason for the season” is it not?

Remember Jesus’ prayer recorded by the Apostle John (17:20-23) “I have given them the glory that You gave me, that they may be one as we are one” (:22).

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

My Covenant

September 27, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

Isaiah 59:21 **

Isaiah begins Chapter 59 with a wonderful statement. “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save.” The question is : To whom does this remarkable hope extend? Is Isaiah talking to the Jewish nation or individuals of faith, or does he refer to all human beings?

Today many Christians live as the Jews did long ago. As God’s chosen people, Israel became exclusive, carrying the principle of separation from other nations out of the realm of faith. What do I mean? They forgot that households were blessed by the faith of the patriarchs. Foreigners within that household were drawn to the One True God by the wisdom of God working in and through the lives of His chosen people. In fact all in Abraham’s household (foreigners included) were circumcised as a sign of their covenant relationship with God. (Genesis 17:27)

Isn’t it thrilling to know that God extends His mercy and grace to all mankind! Looking at externals we often judge that someone is too hard, too far gone, too disinterested to be reached by the gospel. Recently I had the exquisite pleasure of listening to a young man, sharing quite unexpectedly with me how his life had been changed. He came face to face with Jesus! A drug addict around the age of 12, he continued down that path for 7 years until God got hold of his life. His tattooed body will forever hold a message of where he was, but the sparkle in his steady blue eyes tells where he is now. He was amazed to discover that God might use him to help his old friends and even his family, to whom he had always lied. Truly in this case “The Lord’s hand was not shortened”!

Isaiah describes those who were included in God’s covenant promise, categorizing their sins of injustice and evil. Repeatedly God notes the lack of truth, the propensity to lie: “Truth has fallen in the streets.” (:14) “No one calls for justice nor does any plead for truth.” (:4) ”Their feet run to evil and they make haste to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are of iniquity.” (:7) Like the blind they walked in darkness. They growl like bears (:10-11)….and on and on.

However, because He is a covenant God, His mercy reaches down to those unable to help themselves. The Lord saw all of the darkness, evil and injustice, and was deeply displeased (:15). Knowing the utter helplessness of mankind caught in such a trap, His own righteousness came into play. With fury God scourged His adversaries in order to rescue His chosen people (:18).

Prophetically Isaiah writes “His own Arm [God’s]worked salvation for Him. Because there was no human adequate to mediate, God gave us salvation through the redemptive work of Christ, His Son! This Redeemer will come, even today, to those who turn from transgression! Imagine such mercy and grace!

For them, as for us, the covenant remains secure. “As for me, says the Lord, this is My covenant with them: “My Spirit is upon you and My words which I have put in your mouth shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants…..forevermore!” (:21)

Reflection:

Do Isaiah’s words mean anything to you today? Do you have salvation through Jesus Christ the Lord?

Are you resting in the assurance of God’s covenant, because you believe, and received Jesus as Lord?

Read John 1:12-13.

By Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)