Thankful I Read My Bible Today
I confess, some days I say in the bed too long and can’t read my Bible in the morning before work. Today was I got it and read. Today I am thankful I did.
Isaiah was a prophet sent to God’s people to confront their sin, call them to repentance, and warn them of the result of rejecting the Lord’s instructions. What a job!!! Who would go to a job fair and sign-up for a career in Confronting Sinners? Anyway– He says to the people of Tyre, “Yes, after seventy years the LORD will revive Tyre. But she will be no different than she was before.” (Isaiah 23:17)
This verse hit me hard.
Seventy years of heavy discipline from the LORD. Seventy years of separation from His holiness, leadership, and grace. Seventy years and no change. Their hearts remained hard and divided.
This scripture begged the question of me, “Will I remain hard hearted after a season of discipline?” Oh, I hope not. If He is gracious enough to revive me, then I pray
What a great challenge to us all. God loves us enough to discipline and to revive. When He revives, let’s be ready for change, allowing His Holy Spirit to do its purifying work in our lives so will be free and effective for the cause of Christ.
He revives.
I respond.
It is that simple.
I also read this section earlier and so wanted to be a believer who responds in trust. It is so easy to respond in despair and self-indulgence. The people (Judah) had given up and in their hopelessness we read (Isaiah 22:13) how they responded: “Let’s feast and drink…” In each situation we face we have God’s guidance through His holy Word. Oh, how His Word counsel’s us, gives us strength to endure another day, and grants us wisdom to know His will.
God’s discipline is good for us. Yesterday I read something that truly spanked me (from Oswald Chambers): “What I need is God’s surgical procedure-His use of external circumstances to bring about internal purification.” Trials do have a way of helping us know God more and see Him in our midst. His Word becomes so living as we cling to Him. His precious Word sets us free.
Today may we spend time in devotion to our Almighty Father who loves us so much. May we bow down and submit to His way. Keep us in constant repentance and help us to be sorrowful for our many sins. As each surgical procedure is performed we are being made more holy, like Him, made in His image. Oh, dear Father grant us more grace today, oh how we need Jesus every hour. Amen.
Amen!