Through the Bible - Joshua 3-4, Luke 2:1-21
Good morning,
In the United States today a common image of God would be that of a benevolent grandfather, happy to give his grandchildren what they want when (or even before) they ask for it, one who wants to "spoil them". This is not only in the public arena but within many churches across the land.
The other day I listened to a sermon by Francis Chan where he spoke of the seriousness of God. Thoughts of Exodus 20:3 come to mind "you shall have no other gods before me". You won't have to read very far in either Testament to see this seriousness.
The prophet Isaiah knew of the seriousness of God. Most of us are most familiar with Isaiah 6 where the prophet falls prostrate before the vision of God in the temple. The scene came amidst a season of turmoil in the nation. The beloved king Uzziah had died. What would happen to the people? It was at this point that God showed the prophet that they should have other, more important concerns, concerns about their relationship to God. The angels cried "holy, holy, holy is the Lord God of hosts." He is whom the prophet, the nation, needed to be concerned about.
Today's verses come from the final chapter in the book of Isaiah, some of his final words to us if you will. What message does he want to convey to us? It has to do with the seriousness of God and His Word.
Isa 66:1- This is what the Lord says:
Heaven is my throne.
The earth is my footstool.
Where can you build a house or resting place for me?
2 I have made all these things.
"That is why all these things have come into being,"
declares the Lord.
I will pay attention to those
who are humble and sorry for their sins
and who tremble at my word. (from GOD'S WORD)
The earth is my footstool.
Where can you build a house or resting place for me?
2 I have made all these things.
"That is why all these things have come into being,"
declares the Lord.
I will pay attention to those
who are humble and sorry for their sins
and who tremble at my word. (from GOD'S WORD)
Reading through the book of Isaiah and the rest of the Bible you will see that God is serious. He was serious about sending His Son as prophesied in the early chapters of this book. He is serious about worship. He is serious about His relationship to us, serious about prayer, about grace, mercy, compassion, and love.
In yesterday's verses, Paul challenged us to" work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."
Many of us, myself included, are caught up in the political turmoil of the day. May we get the message as Isaiah did, that what is more important is making God known, to spend more time getting to know Him in His Word, tremble at His Words and be moved to carry the good news of eternal "healthcare", a Saviour, to a nation in turmoil.
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com
3 "He who kills a bull is as if he slays a man;He who sacrifices a lamb, as if he breaks a dog's neck;He who offers a grain offering, as if he offers swine's blood;He who burns incense, as if he blesses an idol.Just as they have chosen their own ways,And their soul delights in their abominations, 4 So will I choose their delusions,And bring their fears on them;Because, when I called, no one answered,When I spoke they did not hear;But they did evil before My eyes,And chose that in which I do not delight." NKJV
mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Isa 66:1-5
True Worship and False
66 Thus says the Lord:
"Heaven is My throne,And earth is My footstool.Where is the house that you will build Me?And where is the place of My rest? 2 For all those things My hand has made,And all those things exist,"Says the Lord."But on this one will I look:On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,And who trembles at My word.
66 Thus says the Lord:
"Heaven is My throne,And earth is My footstool.Where is the house that you will build Me?And where is the place of My rest? 2 For all those things My hand has made,And all those things exist,"Says the Lord."But on this one will I look:On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,And who trembles at My word.
3 "He who kills a bull is as if he slays a man;He who sacrifices a lamb, as if he breaks a dog's neck;He who offers a grain offering, as if he offers swine's blood;He who burns incense, as if he blesses an idol.Just as they have chosen their own ways,And their soul delights in their abominations, 4 So will I choose their delusions,And bring their fears on them;Because, when I called, no one answered,When I spoke they did not hear;But they did evil before My eyes,And chose that in which I do not delight." NKJV
No comments:
Post a Comment