Isaiah 54: 5 “For your Maker is your husband, The Lord of hosts is His name; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth.”
Dear God,
The beauty and importance of Your inspired word, to me grows more evident every day, as Your Holy Spirit leads me to a better understanding of what I read. Please also grow my remembrance of what I read, and where to find precious passages, that have spoken to me at different times and for various needs, or just because they reveal Yourself and Your truth.
In his book, James the brother of Jesus, shares what Your word did in his heart, and how he wants this for all the followers of Jesus. If I have a divided heart Your word cannot become truly my own, but instead only something I give mental assent to, without having accepted the message into my heart. Which is evidently why James ‘cuts to the bone’ in his instruction of James 1: 21 “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
Thank You for the promise to place Your living saving word in my heart, so it will become part of me, as the words were grafted into me producing new growth; like the new tree is begun by grafting the fruitful piece into the original stock . So much of the Old Testament can be viewed as admonition for me and all people, even though much is a record about the rebelliousness of the Israelite people and the consequences to them from You for unrepentant waywardness. But all through those accounts, is woven Your wonderful messages of love, salvation and deliverance through Your Son, yet to come. This prophecy of hope is especially covered in Isaiah 52: 13 – 15 and all of Isaiah 53, which is made so familiar by Handel’s Messiah, which always thrills my soul.
Despite You having to ‘bring them up short’, and withdraw for a while, during the time of consequences for their ongoing, unrepentant wickedness; I read in Isaiah 54 of much rejoicing at Your message that the hard times will go; because like a true and loving husband You had never forever forsaken them, and always after the chastisement Your deep love and care were demonstrated.
I am glad that I read in Your word and have experienced great love and mercy all through, and my (our) salvation and redemption, IS ever Your plan for me (all). I only have to accept You and keep faith, Isaiah 54: 7, 8 “’For a mere moment I have forsaken you, but with great mercies I will gather you. With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; but with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,’ says the Lord, your Redeemer.’ V10 ‘For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord who has mercy on you.”
I feel in special need of Your love and mercy this morning, and I am so glad I have it.
Amen