From the First Lesson for this day, Isaiah 31
I wonder what it would be like to have a conversation with Isaiah. He is so passionate. I think I would like him until he convicted me of my sins and called me to repent.
But Isaiah has spiritual eyes. They see into my heart, not so much "thus saith the Lord" as "thus seeth the Lord" (so to speak). Through Isaiah, God seems to know just what is going through my mind:
Verse One "Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help...stay on horses, and trust in chariots... and in horsemen, because they are very strong..."
As I worry about having enough money for retirement (and having enough to get by month to month) I am tempted to "go down to Egypt for help." I lose track of the ministry and work the Lord has called me to. I wonder if I need to gat a master's degree or change fields in order to make more money. Other fields make more money and "they are very strong" indeed.
Verse Three "Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit..."
Egypt so often represents the powers that oppose God. Egypt is in company with Babylon and Rome as far as embodying the world and its errors. It is easy to be deceived by the Egyptians because it feels like they have power. But in fact, they are no different than me and they are definitely not God.
Verse four "Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof."
Isaiah compares the strength of God to the strength of a lion, unafraid of those who try come against Him. He will truly "defend Jerusalem" (v. 6).
Verses six and nine Turn ye unto him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted.... saith the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem."
Gods's defense is sure. It is a matter of my truning unto Him and seeking His defense.
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