A Dependent Promise
(Isaiah 48:16-22; 49:1-26; 50:1-11)
The Prophet Isaiah
Providence Lithographing Co.
1904
Isaiah, perhaps the most famous of all Old Testament prophets, spoke at length about trials and tribulations that would beset the Lord’s people. He also pointed to the Messiah, the Savior of the world, who was to come in the person of Jesus Christ, many years later.
In today’s Bible readings, found in the book of Isaiah, we find a clear conditionality placed on the Lord’s provision and protection for His children. Throughout human history, the people of God have cycled between righteousness and rebellion, faithfulness and faithlessness and obedience and disobedience.
Jehovah, in His boundless love and mercy, has never let go of His own. Still, He clearly warns of the dangers of rejecting His holy hand of blessing by refusing to listen to His instruction.
“Come closer, and listen to this.
From the beginning I have told you plainly what would happen.
And now the Sovereign Lord and His Spirit
have sent me with this message.
This is what the Lord says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
‘I am the Lord your God,
who teaches you what is good for you
and leads you along the paths you should follow.
Oh, that you had listened to My commands!
Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river
and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.’”
Doesn’t the Lord desire to bless His people? Absolutely, He does. At the same time, however, will a gracious God force mankind to accept His loving intervention in our lives?
God is simply too honorable, too gentle and too polite to force His own entry into our hearts. He awaits our response to His call. He stands eager for us to invite Him willingly. The Lord created us to love Him with a genuine love, rather than a forced response.
Jehovah God is holy. He is righteous. He is just. And He is indeed loving.
How His merciful Lord’s heart must break to see His dear created ones turning our backs on His blessing. Will we continue to push away His holy hand?
“See, I have written your name
on the palms of My hands.”
Written on His Hands
Photographer/Artist Unknown
In Christ, because of His painful death for us on Calvary’s cross, our eternal salvation has been paid. God offers us the free gift of forever friendship and fellowship with Him.
On the other hand, even if our everlasting destiny has been sealed, through faith in Him, is it not possible for us to miss out on much abundant living right now? Can our direct disobedience or outright ignoring of the Lord’s instructions not cost us dearly?
Do we desire the Lord’s peace? Do we crave His righteousness? Do we really want His power and purpose in our lives? What are we waiting for?
Will you pray with me?
Faithful Father,
We cry out to You
With humble hearts.
We long to live
In the protection
Of Your holy hands.
We invite You
Into our lives.
We bow before You.
Teach us to follow You.
Amen.
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