The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Isaiah 31:6,
"Return, you Israelites, to the One you have so greatly revolted against."
How had Israel revolted against the Lord? We read in the first verse of this chapter, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord." While it is certain there were ample expressions from Israel that demonstrated her rebellion against God (e.g. idols of silver and gold they had made, verse 6) it was their utter contempt for relying on the Lord for their safety and looking to others for what only God can provide that is in view here.
"Return, you Israelites, to the One you have so greatly revolted against."
How had Israel revolted against the Lord? We read in the first verse of this chapter, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord." While it is certain there were ample expressions from Israel that demonstrated her rebellion against God (e.g. idols of silver and gold they had made, verse 6) it was their utter contempt for relying on the Lord for their safety and looking to others for what only God can provide that is in view here.
Likewise today, as we live in difficult times where people are in such conflict with one another, so many people look elsewhere for what only God can provide. Just look at today's culture that looks to corrupt people for the understanding of what is equitable and just. Only God can provide a true definition for that and how it should be acted upon in society.
The Lord himself should be sought by each one of us for our well-being, for our ability to provide for ourselves, to develop healthy relationships, to grow in wisdom and understanding. Unfortunately so many go elsewhere.
In the previous chapter, 30:7, the Lord called Egypt "utterly useless" and "Rahab the Do-Nothing" as the people of Jerusalem sought her out for what only God can provide. People today look to late-night comedians for how to understand the world around them for answers, as we look to the news media, social media, politicians and the like for the wisdom that only God can provide, we will find ourselves only consulting the "utterly useless Do-Nothings" among us.
We need to turn to the Lord and seek him. Anything else is rebellion against him.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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