Promise Fulfilled

Focus verses: Isaiah 61:1-3

This passage proclaims the coming Messiah. Jesus Himself tells us that when he reads from Isaiah's scroll in the temple at Nazareth. "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

Isaiah is speaking of both himself (this is what he has been commissioned of the Lord to do) and of the coming Messiah. Their purposes are the same purpose: to proclaim the salvation of the Lord to the world.

This promise has been fulfilled. But it is still being fulfilled. The purpose of the Christian is to be Christ-like. Therefore this commission is what God has called all of us to do. We have been anointed to preach the Good News, the gospel of our Lord.

It is our task to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, to proclaim the day of vengeance of our God.

How are we fulfilling this job description? Do we proclaim the good news to all we meet? Are we kind and tenderhearted towards the poor and brokenhearted? Are we proclaiming the day of vengeance of our Lord?

Judgment is coming. The Lord will have a court date with this world. By our tolerance of aberrant behavior and our mealy-mouthed, puny objections to wrong in our justice system, we have failed to proclaim the day of the Lord's vengeance. We do no one any favors when we keep silent. We are to speak out - in love - the truth of God.

Things he calls "abomination" must not be tolerated. What he calls "sin" should be seen as evil in our sight and those practices at least discouraged, if not eradicated.

Silence in the name of tolerance is intolerable. We have been commissioned to speak. Let us speak truth to all around us - always with Your love.

Father, God,

Give us the courage of Your convictions and Your truth. Make us bold to speak Your will throughout the land. Grant us a tender heart for those who have not heard, do not know, or have been led astray from Your paths.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.

Holy, Holy, Holy

Focus verses: Isaiah 6:1-13

Today we see Isaiah's vision of God upon His throne. His glory fills the space. The seraphs herald the presence of the Lord with the words "holy, holy, holy." The earth trembles at this magnificence.

Isaiah is humbled. In the presence of this holiness, he sees only his unworthiness. But he is cleansed by a live coal from the altar and given his commission to speak to the nation. He is also informed that his words will fall upon deaf ears, but he is told to go and preach anyway.

When we enter into the presence of the Lord, are we sensitive to His holiness and magnificence? Do we see his glory reflected in all creation, His handiwork? Do we listen for our commission to do His work? Do we faithfully work at our God given task despite what the world says about it or us?

For that matter, are we sensitive at all times that we are in the presence of the Lord? There is a small book, The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence, which teaches about being sensible of God's presence whether in the kitchen or in the sanctuary. It is an old book - ever new. We need to master this practice.

Father, God,

Help us to keep Your presence ever uppermost in our hearts. Show us Your glory in the world around us. Give us ears to hear Your commission on our lives and faithful hearts and hands to complete the work You have given us.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.

Passion and Apathy

Focus verses: 1 Samuel 3:1-18

Samuel had been serving the Lord under Eli's tutelage for some time. But the Lord called Samuel and told him what was in store for Eli and his family. And Eli's response is "okay, whatever."

Had I received the news that my family would be cut down young, I would have moved heaven and earth to see if we couldn't change this edict. But Eli just says, Okay.

The Lord does not honor apathy. In fact, later in the book, He says he will spew you out of His mouth because of lukewarm attitude.

How often are we guilty of this ho-hum mentality? We get stuck in our little patterns. We do all the right things, but we're just going through the motions.

God wants us to be passionate about Him, about our lives and livelihoods. He wants us to exhibit His Holy Fire.

Only with passion and dedication can we fulfill His great commission to us. Remember, the one where He says to go into all the world and make disciples of all.

Father, God,

Stoke the fires of passion within us. Stir up the embers of our love for You and light the flame of concern for all Your world. Grant that we may never become lukewarm or apathetic.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.