“Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons, and concerning the works of My hands command ye Me.” Isaiah 45:11
Dear Ones:
Christianity is an interactive exchange of life between God and man. The most fundamental component of this relationship is communion, fellowship. We see this in the matter of prayer, and the worshipful reading and study of the Bible, for it is there, in that place of aloneness with God that we meet Him, and are met by Him. That which is born out of such a relationship is an increasing revelation of the nature and character of God to our hearts and minds. We call it simply, “Knowing God.” As the Lord fills us with His Spirit, and fills us with the knowledge of His will, He enlarges our capacity to receive, to understand, and to give. We might call His dealing with us in this manner, “Progressive Revelation.” It is progressive as it is ongoing, and increasing in every dimension possible. The only thing that hinders Christ from accomplishing this work in us, and in others, is unbelief. One day, that which we “believe” will be seen and grasped fully, but in the present moment the question must be asked: “Is He filling me to the full with His life and blessing, so that I may have to give to those in need?”
If ever there were trying days in the history of Israel, it was during the life of Isaiah. The Assyrian empire had grown, and begun to take over the then known world. They conquered the whole of Israel and Judah, with the exception of Jerusalem which was spared for a time. Out of this period, and into the circumstances of the day, were injected the revelation of the God of Israel through Isaiah. We see in Isaiah 40 where, from a prophetical standpoint, the Lord not only addresses the believers of their day, but those who lived hundreds, even thousands of years, later. It is a word of comfort in the midst of turmoil, fear, and suffering. In Isaiah 41, we read of God’s specific word of comfort to Israel: “Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.” (v.9) He goes on to say, “I will help thee; yes, I will uphold thee.” (v. 10) In chapter 42, we see the Lord’s Servant, the Lord Jesus, as being the solution to this entire scenario. He WILL intervene, one that will not fail or be discouraged, but who will bring justice and establish righteousness, both to the individual heart and to the nation. In Isaiah 43, the Lord addresses Israel (…and again the individual) by declaring, “I will do a NEW thing…” Herein is hope, unfailing hope. “NOW it will spring forth, shall you not know it?” (v.19) The question then must immediately be asked: Will Israel believe the Lord to do this, and to reveal to them the “new thing?” In Isaiah 44, we see the great blessing, and the unveiling of the new thing: “I WILL pour water on him that is thirsty and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour My Spirit upon thy seed, and My blessing upon thine offspring.” (v.3) Here is a promise that applies to the nation, but also to the individual. What will Israel do with it? What will WE do with it? Finally, as if God would put His stamp on all that He has declared, in order to validate it to our hearts, He speaks of Cyrus in chapter 45. Isaiah is writing of a time that is approximately 150 years down the road. The temple is still in tact, and yet it will be destroyed. Then there will arise Cyrus, whom the Lord will call, and who will be instrumental in the rebuilding of the temple. All that God has declared by the mouth of Isaiah will most certainly have its accomplishment. Who will believe God for it today?
Dear Father, gracious God, enlarge our hearts and minds to grasp the significance and power of Your words. Enable us to take these great and wonderful promises, making them ours by faith. Fill us with Thy Spirit, and the knowledge of Thy will, strengthening us to believe Thee for that which is the exceeding abundantly above all that we could ask or think. We praise and thank Thee in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad