Readings for tomorrow: Isaiah 50-53
“How do people make it without Jesus?” I get this question a lot especially in times of tragedy and great loss. Death comes suddenly for someone we love, leaving us no time to say goodbye. A famine hits or a drought sets in and we watch our children suffer from hunger and malnourishment. Conflict breaks out. War between tribes. Villages are destroyed. Cities are looted. Residents are internally displaced. It’s brutal. It’s hard. All hope seems lost. And yet, even in the midst of the most difficult circumstances, people of faith find reserves of strength to draw on. They share what little they have with others. They find ways to serve even though they themselves barely have any strength. They experience joy even in the midst of grief and pain. All because of the presence of Jesus in their hearts and lives.
What set Israel apart from the other nations of the earth? The Lord. His abiding and faithful presence. The Lord persevered with Israel despite her sin, despite her rebellion, despite her rejection. And though He allowed her to suffer the consequences of her actions, He also was faithful to renew and restore. He met His people in the ruins of their lives. He visited them in the wilderness of their wandering. And He brought consolation. Comfort. Peace. “Certainly the Lord will console Zion; He will console all her ruins. He will make her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the Garden of the Lord. Happiness and joy will be restored to her, thanksgiving and the sound of music.” (Isaiah 51:3 NET)
Those who love the Lord live with a deep assurance. A certainty that undergirds them. A firm foundation on which they can stand. Jesus Himself talked about it. He talked about building one’s life on the rock so when the storms come and the winds blow, your home can stand. Isaiah would agree. “Those whom the Lord has ransomed will return; they will enter Zion with a happy shout. Unending joy will crown them, happiness and joy will overwhelm them; grief and suffering will disappear. I, I am the One who consoles you. Why are you afraid of mortal men, of mere human beings who are as short-lived as grass?” (Isaiah 51:11-12 NET) Do you live with this assurance? In the midst of stressful and difficult times, do you find yourself turning to the Lord for wisdom? When you experience grief and loss, do you find yourself trusting the Lord to give you hope and restore your joy? When you endure suffering and pain, do you find yourself looking to the Lord for healing and strength?
Readings for tomorrow: Isaiah 54-58