Read: Isaiah 28-29
Verses chosen for meditation:
Isaiah 28:16-18 “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’
And I will make justice the line,
and righteousness the plumb line;
and hail will sweep away the refuge of lies,
and waters will overwhelm the shelter.”
Then your covenant with death will be annulled,
and your agreement with Sheol will not stand;
when the overwhelming scourge passes through,
you will be beaten down by it.
Reflect
Much as the book of Isaiah contains beautiful prophetic poetry which described the situation of Israel as well as the judgement and mercy of God; we must not forget that it is a book which contained the faithful preaching of a man who fears no one but God.
It wasn't easy at all for the prophet Isaiah. He lived in a time when many kings and people in Israel and Judah turned away from God. They did not only abandoned their faith in Yahweh, they adopted the vile practices of worshipping other gods.
As a result, it is said that instead of honouring the life covenant with God; Israel signed agreements with death and Sheol. The words in the passage were metaphoric of Israel's impending doom; even as they played with the fires of temporal pleasures.
It wasn't easy for Isaiah because he was called to preach against Israel's sinful and evil ways. Just imagine, a sole prophet against the will of the nation. In doing the will of God, Isaiah did not get any "rewards". At least no earthly ones.
Instead, Isaiah was bound to be mocked, insulted and beaten up. He was alienated and lived a lonely life. Christian tradition even suggested that Isaiah died a horrible death under the hands of Manasseh.
Yet, despite all these threats and violence, the prophet was faithful. His heart was more for the salvation of His people, rather than to care for his own skin.
The comforting thing to note is that in the midst of Isaiah's faithfulness, God did not give him up to sinfulness. Instead, through Isaiah's called to preach difficult messages, God used His own words to minister to the prophet. God promised Isaiah and those who might listen, that He is the One who sets the right foundation. Upon such a foundation, justice and righteousness shall prevail. No matter how evil deeds and wickedness seem to thrive, the cornerstone of God will prevail and cleanse all that is not glorifying to Him.
Relate
How much of our life reflects that of the faithfulness of Isaiah? How have we embraced the Gospel as our life mission? We might think that we cannot equate ourselves to the likes of Isaiah. Yet Jesus Christ had said in the Gospel that we can be more. Not because of who we are; but because of what He had done in our lives.
The Cornerstone refers to Christ. Christ is the firm foundation for all who believe. He is the foundation who will not be shaken. He is the foundation Whom we can cling on to, even as we aspire to be like Isaiah. The prophet who feared no one but the Lord. The man who who loved nothing more than the salvation of his kinsmen. Much like Christ, who did much more.
Rest
Help us Lord, to fear and love You more than anyone else and anything else. Help us to hold on to all things with a loose hand but tighten our grip on what You have done for us on the Cross. In that way, we can be found faithful and live pure lives. Amen.
Song: My Life is an Offering by Sovereign Grace Music
Jason
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