Scripture:
Isaiah 50: 1 –5 ; 2 Peter 1: 3 & 4
“This is what the Lord says… ‘When I came, why was there no one? When I called, why was there no one to answer? Was my arm too short to ransom you? Do I lack the strength to rescue you? By a mere rebuke I dry up the sea, I turn rivers into a desert; their fish rot for lack of water and die of thirst. I clothe the sky with darkness and make sackcloth its covering.” The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (NIV)
Observation:
In this passage God is explaining His dealings with His people. It is their alienation of God and His power from their midst that is causing the temporary situation of distress they are dealing with. The Red Sea is dried up and the Euphrates River from which life sustaining water flows and fish for food are found. God is showing them His power and abilities with just a word – and to remind them just as the word can dry up the waters, His word can bring life to the weary. Note: His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him…..These two passages remind us:
· God’s word brings life (Isaiah)
· Our actions have an affect on how God reacts to us.
· His word and precious promises allow us to participate in Him.
· His word brings life (Peter)
Application:
If we think we have all we need and can make it on our own we only fool ourselves. As Pastor Jack Hayford spoke to our church today, he said: “As great as programs and outreaches are, without the heart of God touching what we do, we only have program and structure and no Spirit.” God is amazing and desires to bring life to us, by His word and promises. But, we must not move on our power and by doing so, move away from God. His desire is to give us the word – His word, that sustains the weary and to realize God’s words here. Does He lack the strength to rescue you? Does He lack the credibility to make certain His promise is true to us? You must answer those questions in the face of your current issues and heart condition. I will say, God is greater than all we face and His word will give us life.
Prayer:
Dear God, allow me to trust in you. Give me the courage to believe, without doubt that you can sustain me and heal me and bring me freshness. Your promises are real and they will take care of me. May it be more than words of old, or words on this page, but real to my heart. Amen.
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